Fiona Hunter’s two solo albums: separated by a decade, connected by everything else

Considering how visible a figure Fiona Hunter has been in the contemporary Scottish folk music scene, it feels strange there has been a decade between her solo albums.

Her 2014 debut was a gourmet table Scots songs and singing. It was a very solid work with some truly remarkable performances, like the heartwrenching, brilliantly dramatic rendition of The Cruel Mother and the inspired interpretation of Andy Hunter’s Ye Heilan Chiels.

That album was produced by Mike Vass and the partnership now continues with Fiona’s second, very much awaited solo outing Atween the Salt Sea and the Sand.

The years that have passed in between the albums have and have not changed things.

Sure, her voice is just a wee bit darker and huskier than it was 10 years ago, but by just that wee bit; she sounds essentially very much the same as she did on her debut.

Also, the selection of songs and the overall tone and feel of Atween… are a very natural continuation to its predecessor. It’s almost like part two of the same, larger work.

The one thing that has changed, at least in my ears, is the production quality. The work done by Mike Vass on the first album was solid but on this one it’s… dazzling. Of course, the technology has developed over the years, but tech alone can’t achieve the impressive sound on display here. Vass is an excellent producer and his work here it’s just priceless.

As with the first album, the arrangements are for just a few acoustic instruments so it’s basically very small scale – but the music here sounds truly rich; there’s a wonderful depth, detail and scope to the recording.

Fiona’s vocals and her intense presence are a marvel; she keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. From the slow burn of Thou Cauld Gloomy Feberwar to the spright Bonny Bird and the tragic drama of A Sailor’s Life, she is completely in command of the storytelling and their emotions. The arrangements are first rate and her singing, and the instruments come together as a band rather than a singer accompanied by musicians.

Not only are her albums artistically excellent, they are also important and precious documents of the Scots song and tradition and its endurance and vitality. Very warmly recommended.

https://fionahunter.co.uk/