There is a trend for artists and songwriters to write about their surroundings; either the places where they were brought up or the places where they now live. Màiri MacMillan falls into the latter group, having been born on South Uist her new album Glaschu: Songs To A City is about her adopted home of Glasgow. All the original songs are in Gaelic (although English translations are helpfully supplied) and Màiri is supported by Rory Matheson on piano, Matt Carmichael on saxophone and multi-instrumentalist Germa Adan.
The first two tracks, ‘Glaschu’ and ‘Làithean Geala’ are orchestral in nature, big and rich and guaranteed not to frighten the horses. ‘Gaol Am Pàirc Na Banrigh’ takes a different direction – the title translates as ‘Love In Queen’s Park’ which may give you a hint as to how it sounds, It begins in an almost folky style but morphs into something more jazz oriented with Matheson’s piano having a field day. ‘Banrigh Na Bealltainn’ (‘May Queen’) has a similar freeform feel although Matheson takes time off and it’s Adan and Carmichael who have all the fun.
‘Uiseag’ is rather more gentle with Carmichael dropping out and some rather nice guitar from Adan. ‘Drochaid’ is about the oldest iron bridge in the city, named Ha’penny Bridge and built in the early nineteenth century – it’s in Linn Park on the southside. Google Linn Park and you’ll find photographs of the bridge taking pride of place. The song is a moody piece reflecting Màiri’s opinion that it has stories to tell. ‘Ròsan Fo Blàth’ (Roses In Bloom’) rides on a bass violin drone and celebrates the famous annual International Rose Trials held in Tollcross Park. Carmichael has a free hand to decorate the piece.
‘Seud Luachmhòr’ is a bit gloomy but it is a lament for the decline of the Gaelic language so that’s understandable. Finally ‘Great City Of The Gaels’ sums up Màiri’s views of the city that has been her home for thirty years. Glaschu is an excellent album for listening; I didn’t bother with the translated lyrics as there really didn’t seem to be much point but I did look up some of the locations and educated myself a bit about Glasgow.
Dai Jeffries
Artist’s website: https://mairimacmillan.bandcamp.com/album/glaschu-songs-to-a-city
‘Glaschu’:
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