Congratulations to Mairi MacInnes who’s album Gras has been nominated in Album of the Year (sponsored by Birnam CD) in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2015. Vote now!
We asked Mairi MacInnes about their album Gras.
Gras was recorded at Kyoti Studios, in Glasgow 2014 engineered by Mark Freegard and produced by Hamish Napier.
Gras – Grace is a very personal album which reflects Mairi’s recent journey during the past turbulent and stormy few years.
From the opening track Siantan – Storm – fighting for survival, where the intimacy of the voice conveys the deep heart felt emotions of this dynamic track and sets the atmosphere for the whole album.This song was inspired by the tragedy which struck South Uist in 2005 when Calum Campbell, his daughter Murdina, and her husband, and two children were tragically drowned in a freak Winter storm..This had a dramatic impact on Mairi as she was also going through her own personal storms. Mairi had the imagery of an old,wooden chest locked with a rusty padlock,which subsequently fell off, releasing generations of deep emotions and feelings of people throughout history which had been locked up.It took this catastrophe for the hidden sentiments and sorrow to be finally released, and at long last, rejuvenation was able to take place.
Whilst researching for material for the album, Gras, Mairi’s uncle John Archie Mac Millan came across a dusty old reel to reel recording of her great uncle Angus John MacMillan singing, which was his last recording, prior to his death. Mairi felt a strong desire to join her deceased Uncle in song and, Mairi asked Mark if it would be possible to use Angus John’s haunting voice on a track where Mairi would join him as though he was singing next to her,and sure enough the inspirational Track 4. Meorachadh – Reflection was created..
On a more light hearted note !!
There is also a sense of fun and mischief which has also been added to Gras such as Track 8. Fair an t-Seasgain – Shiskine Fair conveys the story where an Arran farmer is tricked into buying an old skin and bone horse by an Irish trader. The annual Shiskine Fair was always held at night, and the horses had to be inspected by candlelight. Perhaps the buyers eyesight was a little hazy after the Irishman bought him a few whiskies!! and not forgetting Puirt a beul – Mouth Music which is always a joy for Mairi to sing.
Track 2 . Bottunnan mor air mo chasan beag – Big Wellies on my little feet written for her sister Penny, who as a child loved wearing wellingtons on her little feet, and performed her own imaginary ceilidhs at the age of three, Mairi remembers fondly of the fun and innocent times of childhood memories gone by..
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The concept of Gras came from the title track as one of the blessings collated in Alexander Carmichael’s book – Carmina Gadelica a collection of Gaelic blessings and prayers.
Mairi composed the melody during a difficult time in her life, by channeling her pain and sorrow, to create a soaring, uplifting melody, her intimate song Gras, to share and inspire others.
The ballads, puirt a beul, waulking songs, rowing songs, come under the umbrella of Gras, as they are all linked with a familiar seamless thread which runs throughout the album of darkness followed by light and hope, creating its own unique sound through the main instrument, the human voice. Mairi’s beautiful voice is enhanced by the complimentary arrangements and the wonderful blend of instrumentation and musicianship,all lovingly produced by a team who have a heartfelt passion for Gaelic culture and music.
About Mairi MacInnes
Mairi was born in Baghasdail A Tuath, a small township on the beautiful and remote Hebridean island of South Uist. Gaelic was spoken exclusively at the home she shared with six siblings and it was not until Mairi went to school that she learned English.
Her love for Gaelic is instinctive, and enduring; her desire to share the beauty of her mother tongue has been a theme throughout her career.
The beauty and purity of her voice has made her compelling listening for those interested in Gaelic music. She has also become a regular fixture on Gaelic television and radio, her songs, and personality entertaining in equal measure. In 1982 she became one of the youngest winners of the prestigious Gold Medal at the National Mod.
Renowned for her expressive voice and ability to forge emotional connections with her material and her audience, Mairi has performed and toured widely, not only in Scotland, but in Ireland, Germany the United States, Spain & Canada.
It has been over a decade since Mairi’s last recorded release.
Mairi’s latest album Gràs was launched on January 22nd 2015 to a sell out concert at the Tron Theatre as part of Celtic Connections.and she is extremely excited to be sharing this significant album at last.
Mairi and her band were delighted to have been performing most recently at the renowned Blas Festival 2015
Mairi ‘s band of wonderful musicians include Hamish Napier – Piano /Flutes /Whistles Arron Jones -Guitars/ Bazouki Steve Fyvie – Percussion James MacKenzie – Highland bagpipes/ Whistles /
Mairi MacInnes website: http://mairimacinnes.com/
You can listen to Gras here.
Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Dundee Caird Hall, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!
