HAMISH NAPIER

Originally from Grantown-on-Spey in the heart of the Highlands, he left his native region for Glasgow where he teaches music. And a stay in Boston where he studied jazz and composition, which is very strongly felt in his music. He is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who masters the flute, tin whistle and piano. And as if that wasn't enough for his happiness, he composes and sings.

After a first solo album The River in 2016, he embarked on a second The Railway which, like the first one, is anchored in his Strathspey area. This concept album is inspired by the Speyside railway line, closed in the 1960s but still part of the valley's landscape and history. To do this, Hamish went to meet several former railway workers of this mythical line, railway workers who happily flirt with the 90-year-olds. From these encounters he brought back many stories and anecdotes that served as the main theme for the composition of a superb opus of sixteen instrumentals and two songs. These were written and interpreted by his brother Findlay.

Based on the memories of the three elders, Napier's music explores the railway line: The Speyside Line, The Old Ways, Up the Hill, The Station, The World Came in by Rail, The Railwayman. So many masterpieces on which Hamish's talent explodes. Of course, he is not alone in the manoeuvre since a dozen musicians lend him their hand, but most of the album comes back to him in all that he has of sensitivity and talent. Composing music about your native country is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Music that makes the heart sing.

And icing on the cake, let's mention the beauty of the cover and its monochrome designs. A musician to be discovered urgently.

Autoproduit – www.hamishnapier.com