JULIE FOWLIS, ÉAMON DOORLEY, ZOË CONWAY, JOHN Mc INTYRE
Allt
Philippe Cousin
Two years after a remarkable album, Alterum, the Hebrides singer Julie Fowlis is back. But this time it is within a quartet that we find her, alongside her husband Éamon Doorley on bouzouki, fiddle and singing and another couple, fiddler and singer Zoë Conway and guitarist and pianist John Mc Intyre.
These two couples of musicians deliver here a superb album entitled Allt. It is the result of a project led by Julie and Zoë, compositions inspired by Gaelic poetry, old and new, from both Scotland and Ireland, written entirely in Gaelic. Moving and powerful melodies accompanied in a delicate and thoughtful way. The way in which this virtuoso quartet weaves the music of these two traditions truly highlights the common historical ties. Because although separated by the North Channel, these two Celtic nations have always been linked and Allt is a fine example of these encounters.
Beyond the respective talents, it is a rebirth album on which everyone composes, everyone sings songs of joy and misfortune, sometimes intertwined like Faoiseamh a Gheobhadsa. Here there are artists deeply rooted in their own traditions, who are able to listen to each other as the melodies unfold. All you have to do is listen to Port Dannsaidh Hiortach or Na Hù Bhithinn. Or Dúirt Bean Liom in Irish, paired with the Scottish melody Ríl Eóin. Allt brings together with art and sensitivity the words and music of the two Celtic nations and reaffirms the ancient musical link between Ireland and Scotland. A real success.
Machair Records MACH010 - www.zoeandjohn.com ou www.juliefowlis.com