Mary Ann Kennedy and Na Seoid
Na Seoid (Watercolour)
It isn’t just sentimentality that makes the old folk recordings the best ones. The crackle and hiss of ancient field-recordings often hides the awkward musicality of traditional songs, emphasising the peculiar features of the form and performer. Modern recordings- like this super-group of contemporary Gaelic singers often sacrifice the authenticity- which can be tuneless or wheezing- to a production sheen and a notional good taste.
The opener Chunna Mise mo Leannan kicks off with a visceral presence that most rock bands would kill for: accompanied male voices, measured and powerful, evoking both military precision and compassionate warmth. Yet it is immediately followed by a slightly twee arrangement for guitar and clarsach, stressing that Scottish folk is as often tamed as it is evocative
And so it goes through the album: Mary Ann Kennedy’s solo vocal on Sios dhan an Abhainn is heart-breaking, balanced between folk and gospel. Bodach Innse Chro bounces on cheery voices and Sgeir an Oir reflects the desolate beauty it celebrates. Elsewhere, Mo Chaillan Dileas Donn is bland strumming and jollity: Oran Mhanitoba is a child-like sing-along.
Na Seoid keep threatening to embrace the rough edges of the tradition, but frequently fall back into a pleasant yet dispassionate cheeriness. The album boasts that it collects together Gaeldom’s young lions- it would be exciting to hear them growl rather than purr.
Gareth Vile
