Metta

Damian Helliwell, better known as a member of Gaelic Dàimh, has launched his new project, Metta, in collaboration with a considerable selection of talent including Eilidh Shaw on fiddle, Jen Hill on double bass, Andy Thorburn on piano and Donald Hay on percussion. It's a series of beautifully clear, precise and atmospherically melodic self-penned tunes. ‘Tadhagan Steps’ sets the scene with a spirited set that never fails to entice. ‘Ask the Sphinx’ reveals the group's jazz-inspired influences with some rather funky bass and piano from Hill and Thorburn while ‘Fear of Askaval’ opens with the suitably dance-inspired tune ‘Reel Techno’. ‘Icy Hill’, on the other hand, demonstrates Helliwell's consummate musicianship with some nifty banjo. A particular highlight is the closing track, ‘Awkward Phase’, which begins with an exotic and atmospheric duet between Helliwell's mandolin and Thorburn's piano that slowly merges into a rather spiritual conclusion.

Beautifully produced, sharp, accomplished and held together throughout by Helliwell's mandolin and banjo, Metta promises to be an intriguing new act to keep an eye on.