Notes from the Boat

It's an incredible line-up that Mike Vass has gathered for his latest album, with guests including Anna Massie, Duncan Chisholm, Innes Watson, Mairearad Green and Gillian Frame among others – and a fine release it is too. Inspired by a trip on Vass' Dutch sailing boat and recorded on board, the release is atmospherically filtered with the sounds of VHF radio transmissions, sea gales and creaking mooring lines, all adding to the rich sound. All tracks are written by Vass and reflect his interest in keen interest in seafaring.

‘Last Day’ is a sprightly little piece that opens the album with a strong vibe of celebration and joy. The waltz ‘Wed’, written for the wedding of Vass' sister Ali, is a beautifully sweet track with some very fine guitar by Anna Massie. ‘Bright Kirk’ follows the family tradition, with Ali and her own daughter joining in on the action – even the Captain Pugwash music makes an appearance. Highlights include Corrina Hewat's gorgeous harp on the sublime ‘Voices’ and the inimitable Duncan Chisholm's fiddle on ‘Speeches’. But throughout it's a beautifully calm, reflective and mellow release with some of the finest musicians on the Scottish folk scene. Sit back and enjoy.