A musical journey through the mystical realms and rich tapestry of Scotland’s folklore and resilient people.
Dive into the captivating world of Scottish folklore and hypnotic melodies with Ainsley Hamill’s third studio album Fable; a musical journey weaving tales of the water horse, the Cailleach and other enchanting legends, through the mystical realms of Trad Gaelic, Scots and heartfelt originals.
Inspired by the rich tapestry of Scotland’s folklore and its resilient people, Fable vividly evokes tales from the West Coast and across Scotland. Celebrating oral traditions and the passing on of storytelling and moral lessons, each song is as a modern interpretation, or reflection, of timeless themes, and boldly showcases Hamill’s identity as a Gaelic Scots artist.
The first single (released on 29 December) Ó Ho – Ró ‘Ille Dhuinn is a poignant tale of Highland soldiers leaving their homeland behind for the chaos of battle. The self-penned second single (released on 10 January) Machir Bay shares a haunting and otherworldly beautiful day spent on the Isle of Islay at Machir Bay. Sinnerman / Pheacaiche (third single released 17 January) explores the powerful spiritual themes in Nina Simone’s Sinnerman and how they connect with Gaelic culture and tradition.
One of the UK’s most distinctive and versatile singer songwriters, Hamill’s soulful stirring voice, and passion for merging traditional Scottish folk with a modern touch, has earned her a number of plaudits including BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalist, and Gaelic Singer of the Year Finalist at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
Ainsley said: “Fable is a journey into the heart of Scotland’s folklore, weaving ancient tales with contemporary soundscapes to create something both timeless and fresh. It’s my love letter to the stories that shaped me.”
Produced by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Sam Kelly of ‘Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys’ Fable also features Alistair Iain Paterson, Toby Shaer, Signy Jakobsdottir and Euan Burton – a sonic adventure and collaboration of folk legends in their own right.
Ainsley launches Fable at Celtic Connections in Glasgow on 30 January 2025, with a tour to follow in the Spring.
-ENDS-
KEY DATES
29th December: Release of the first single (Track 10) Ó ho ró ‘ille dhuinn
17th January: Album release
10th January: Release of the second single (Track 2) Machir Bay
30th January: Launch gig at Celtic Connections, Glasgow
Date tbc after official album: Release of third single (Track 6) Sinnerman / Pheacaiche
TRACKLIST
1 – Ailein, Ailein, ‘s Fhad An Cadal (4:15 mins)
2 – Machir Bay (3:28 mins)
3 – Dh’èirich Mi Moch Madainn Chèitein (3:09)
4 – Cumha An Eich – Uisge (3:09)
5 – The Angels’ Share (3:37)
6 – Sinnerman / Pheacaiche (4:02 mins)
7 – Leave Her Johnny (3:40 mins)
8 – The Cailleach (5:03 mins)
9 – Beamer Puirt (4:41 mins)
10 – Ó Ho – Ró ‘Ille Dhuinn (3:47 mins)
11 – What Can A Young Lassie (4:33 mins)
MUSICIANS
Lead vocals – Ainsley Hamill
Backing vocals – Ainsley Hamill [1] [3] [7] [8] [10]
Backing Vocals – Sam Kelly [3] [4] [8] [10]
Acoustic Guitar – Toby Shaer [1] [2] [3] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Cittern – Toby Shaer [3]
Whistle – Toby Shaer [3]
Fiddle – Toby Shaer [4] [8] [9] [11]
Flute – Toby Shaer [9] [10]
Guizouki – Toby Shaer [11]
E-Bow Guitar – Toby Shaer [1] [4] [7] [8] [9] [10]
Electric Guitar – Sam Kelly [1] [5] [6] [8] [9] [10]
Acoustic Guitar – Sam Kelly [5]
Synths – Sam Kelly [5] [8] [10]
Bass – Sam Kelly [5] [10]
Piano / Keyboards / Rhodes – Alistair Iain Paterson [1] [2] [3] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Harmonium – Alistair Iain Paterson [4] [7] [10] [11]
Percussion – Signy Jakobsdottir [1] [2] [3] [4] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Bass – Euan Burton [1] [2] [3] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11]
Bouzouki – Sam Kelly [2] [3] [7] [9] [11]
PRODUCTION
Produced by Sam Kelly
Engineered by Euan Burton at GloWormRecording, Glasgow
Mixed by Euan Burton at Carrier Waves, Glasgow
Mastered by Josh Clark of Get Real Audio
Artwork by Silverlace Creative
Front cover inspired by photography by Alleksana Photography
Artist website: https://www.ainsleyhamill.com/
Single title: Ó Ho – Ró ‘Ille Dhuinn
Album title: Fable
Release Date: 17/01/2025
Single artist: Ainsley Hamill
Single duration: 3:47
Record Label:
Catalogue No:
Writers: Ainsley Hamill
Publishers: PRS / MCPS
Explicit?: No
Search Terms: {Search terms:18}
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