DAIMH – Diversions (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX 343)

Starting with the Gaelic song “Donald’s Sporran” immediately puts me in mind of when I first heard the arrangement of “Brose & Butter” by Ossian in the late 70’s. There’s nothing wrong with that, in fact, more power to Daimh’s collective elbow for allowing the creative juices to flow from guest producer Donald Shaw on an album that is studded with gems. Although there may be a perceived (from the listener’s point of view) obstacle of propelling the Gaelic language as the language of choice instead of English you get the feeling that this was never a problem for Shaw as he’s been breaking these barriers for many years with his own band Capercaillie. So, with the mission clearly stated in making the Gaelic vocals of Calum Alex MacMillan, Angus MacKenzie (pipes & whistles), Colm O’Rua (banjo & mandola), Gabe McVarish (fiddle), James Bremner (bodhran) and the guitar of Ross Martin more accessible to the general public you can relax and enjoy an exquisite slice of Scottish culture. Not unlike the afore mentioned Ossian and the Tannahill Weavers before them Daimh show commendable restraint in some of the driving fiddle/pipes set pieces such as “White Houses” and “Lock And Load” and it is apparent that here is an ensemble totally at ease with their choice of artistic endeavours.

PETE FYFE

Artist’s website: http://www.daimh.net/


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