Perhaps a little history first. SS Metagama was launched in 1914 and, like many other vessels, did duty as a troop ship. In 1923 she was one of three ships carrying emigrants from the Western Islands bound for Canada and Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey details a voyage that departed from Stornoway on 21st April bound for Ontario. Several members of the Metagama Ensemble had relatives on board the ship.
The thirty-six tracks on the album mix narration, songs and instrumentals, mostly written by the group although there are some traditional pieces. The narration is in English, which is fortunate since many of the songs are in Gaelic and if you don’t have the language parts of the early episodes of the story may pass you by. A great deal can be gleaned from context and, personally, I just enjoy Gaelic singing so I really don’t mind.
The record actually begins in English with ‘Statue Of Liberty’, written by Willie Campbell and Donald S Murray, representing a symbol of hope for the emigrees. Let’s ignore the fact that they were bound for Canada. By the time the travellers had reached their destination the story is mostly in English and, for many, particularly the women who were “in service”, homesickness was setting in as described in ‘Would You Write Me A Letter?’ by Liza Mulholland. Liza’s piano is a big feature of the album.This section really begins with ‘The Road To Labrador’ and continues with ‘Niagara Falls’ as escapes are planned – many leaving for the USA. ‘Mosquito Fleet’ details journeys on smugglers’ boats – there is a lot of contraband whiskey at the bottom of the St. Lawrence even now.
Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey has been, as still is, toured extensively and the performers are clearly at ease with the material. Musically, it is very varied. There are touches of folk-rock, big, modern songs, gentle Gaelic pieces, traditional sounding dance tunes and pipes and snatches of speakeasy jazz. For listening pleasure it can’t be beaten although I think that some help with the Gaelic, even just translations of the titles, would be welcome.
Dai Jeffries
Artists’ website: www.metagama.co.uk
‘Eilean Fraoich’ – live:
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