The Dawning

Founding member of folk group Assynt, fiddler and composer Graham Mackenzie follows his 2016 solo debut Crossing Borders with a collection of self-penned tunes inspired by the landscape of his Scottish home.

The Dawning captures Mackenzie at his reflective best, with the musician taking us through a fine tour of the sounds and melodies of Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton fiddle playing. He's not alone here either, with an impressive list of guests joining him including James Lindsay on double bass and bass guitar, Michael McGoldrick on flute, Jim Molyneux on piano, keyboards and snare drum and Innes Watson on guitars. Horns are enlisted too, with Matt Carmichael on saxophone and Neil Yates on trumpet and flugelhorn.

It's an evocative collection of tunes Mackenzie has curated, with a fine selection of jigs and reels alongside more meditative pieces. ‘The Road to Monalea’ has a playful, almost big band sound, while ‘Cula Bay’ sees Mackenzie in calmer waters, with a beautiful reflection on the Isle of Benbecula's picturesque landscape. Marking a new confidence in Mackenzie's abilities both as a composer and a musician, The Dawning is an effortlessly atmospheric and beautifully produced album. A scenic welcome to the new year.