Seed

Edinburgh-based harpist Fiona Rutherford presents a beautifully composed listening experience with her latest release Seed. A fine mix of classical and folk influences dances throughout the recording; the harp is the dominant instrument though violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet and piano all feature throughout, creating a resonant, almost symphonic sound.

Opener ‘Orbit Audio’ perfectly introduces what proves to be an eclectic and self-proclaimed cross-genre album experience. It is a gentle, but sparkling track which is swiftly challenged by ‘The Buzz’, a thrilling mix of flute, bass and clarinet.

It's not all harp here either. Jenny Rutherford, Fiona's sister, takes up the lead on her sibling's compositions in ‘Fragile Transformations’, which is a delicate, almost melancholic, journey, and ‘Wired’, a rather frenetic yet thoroughly engaging slice of playfulness.

The title track stirs the listener quietly with a thoughtful promise suggestive of life and burgeoning growth while ‘Still Joy’ is a sublimely rosy little song featuring the voice of Amy Duncan. Duncan also provides some sharp, crystal cut vocals on ‘This One Night’.

Seed is a beautifully played and recorded album – well deserving of a listen. A calming, reflective and pleasing experience.