
HAMISH NAPIER
The River
Philippe Cousin
Hamish Napier's first solo album, The River is an original composition for the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.
A work inspired in part by the Spey River, which ran a stone's throw from his family home. Hamish grew up with the Spey as the backdrop to his young formative years. It is therefore not surprising that his omnipresent presence inspires a small dozen pieces, mainly for flutes and piano, which reflect life on the banks of the river.
This album features an incredible variety of styles as the story of the river unfolds. We have here a collection of fascinating melodies where each tune begins with a melodious note and then transforms into a multi-coloured swirling sensation. Although contemporary, Hamish's music is in the Highland tradition while embracing other musical styles.
A handful of guest musicians join Hamish, who plays the alto flute, the bodhrán and the double bass. As well as Calum MacCrimmon with its traditional singing, the Canntaireachd, a method that is based on the pibroch. And he added some sounds gleaned along the Spey River: oysters, curlews, herons and the soft murmur of the river.
Through his music, H. Napier paints portraits, moods and mysteries of the river with a care and a palpable emotion that make it impossible to avoid the irresistible attraction of the current.
Autoproduit SRCD01 - www.hamishnapier.com