I feel almost silly, having to write another "oh this album makes me so happy!" review only a few days after I went joyfully bananas over Ampouailh's latest release. But here we go... Let's begin by noting that Woodlands and Bäckafall are two separate entities that created this album as a unit. Woodlands Duo: Kristina … Continue reading Woodlands Bäckafall’s “Traditional Colours”: joyful and borderless northern folk
Tag: Scotland
Mànran’s “To The Wind” – a band in transition?
Bands change over time, if they last long and have musical vitality and dignity. In rock,my favorites like Rush, Genesis, Jethro Tull and XTC went through so many periods and styles, it makes zero sense to answer briefly when someone asks "what's their music like?" Mànran have been for 15 years in the groundbreaking frontline … Continue reading Mànran’s “To The Wind” – a band in transition?
“Allt vol. 2: Cuimhne” – beauty upon beauty
I admit it: early this year I firmly intended to listen to and write about the then newly released sequel to the first Allt album. I did not, because it had been a working day and I fell soundly asleep during the second track and only woke to the sound of silence telling me the … Continue reading “Allt vol. 2: Cuimhne” – beauty upon beauty
In touch with nature: “Riverwoods” by Salt House
This is one of my "better late" reviews, as I was unable to listen to much music when this was released in the spring. I have enjoyed the previous Salt House releases but hear ye now: Riverwoods is simply amazing. Not because it's grand or crushingly impressive - it's because it's there. The album's info … Continue reading In touch with nature: “Riverwoods” by Salt House
Jenny Sturgeon’s “The Living Mountain”: a meditation
The Living Mountain, an album inspired by Nan Shepherd's iconic nature book, was released to rave reviews in October of 2020. At the time, I was mentally trying to adjust to the then raging global covid surge and the insecurity and uncertainty it caused - it's a blessing I could not foresee then that only … Continue reading Jenny Sturgeon’s “The Living Mountain”: a meditation
Celtic Connections 2023: Duncan Chisholm, with Kim Carnie
The evening of Thursday, Feb 2, saw a magnificent concert in the Royal Concert Hall. I usually find big scale concerts predictable and a bit distant, even as they may be most enjoyable otherwise. This was not the case last night when the performers and their music filled the hall and reached out to everyone … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Duncan Chisholm, with Kim Carnie
Need music for a Celtic & Folk Xmas? Here’s my recommendations
The snow fell even here in the south of Finland over a week ago and, contrary to forecasts then, it has stayed, with more falling almost daily. It’s looking downright Christmasy out there and checking the calendar proved it - it’s time to take out Ye Olde (well not that old, really) Xmas music! I … Continue reading Need music for a Celtic & Folk Xmas? Here’s my recommendations
FARA: Energy Islands
It's a very sunny and not too cold November’s day in Finland and I have just been for a walk outside in the sunshine, listening for the second time to the new FARA album, Energy Islands. Me and my wife have been lucky to have witnessed the band live at least a couple of times … Continue reading FARA: Energy Islands
Hannah Rarity: To Have You Near
Oh wow… With her previous outings, Scotland’s Hannah Rarity proved herself an excellent singer and her 2018 album ’Neath a Gloamin’ Star was thoroughly enjoyable. But now, four years later, on this album we encounter an artist that has found a deeper voice, a more varied selection of songs (mostly her own with some truly … Continue reading Hannah Rarity: To Have You Near
Listening diary for May 23-29, 2022
If anything here seems interesting, go to your streaming service and try it out. And if you really, really like it, go to the artist’s web site or Bandcamp or iTunes or Google Play or Amazon or wherever and buy it in your preferred format - musicians need food too 😉 The Halton Quartet: Based … Continue reading Listening diary for May 23-29, 2022
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