Ciulcharan: the warbling, singing of birds (Wester Ross)
Kaitlin Ross (vocals) and Catriona Hawksworth (piano) share a deep appreciation for the connections between landscape, nature and Gaelic song, and their new EP captures it. Ciulcharan explores the space between improvisation and traditional melody, drawing in birdsong and field recordings and tracing the links between Gaelic song melodies, piping traditions and the songs of birds. The simplicity of piano and voice leaves space for the language and meaning of the songs to carry.
The tracks
1. Crodh an tàillier: A lullaby about the tailor’s cattle, thimble and needle. The second verse mentions a thousand ships on the Irish Sea, and the third the sweet sound of a bird in the morning, putting the little boy to sleep. The first two verses come from Tocher 35, the last from Margaret Fay Shaw’s Folksongs and Folklore of South Uist.
2. Pililiù: “The Call of the Redshank”, a traditional keening song that captures the distinctive cry of the redshank.
3. Bheir mi Sgrìob do Thobar Mhoire: A traditional waulking song in which the bard travels to Tobermory, Mull, to visit a loved one.
4. Thàinig Mo Rìgh air Tìr am Mùideart: The first song is a canntaireachd, Thàinig Mo Rìgh air Tìr am Mùideart. The second is a Clan MacFarlane gathering tune, a pìobaireachd, Togail nam Bò (“To Lift the Cattle”), which would be played when the Chief wanted to summon the clan.
Credits
Kaitlin Ross: vocals
Catriona Hawksworth: piano
Recorded and mixed by Carla Feuerstein, live at Perth Concert Hall
Mastered by Sam Proctor at Lismore Mastering
Cover artwork: Catriona Hawksworth
Video filmed by Nicky Murray
Funded by Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig
Listen and buy
Ciulcharan is available to purchase now on Bandcamp and will be on most streaming platforms next week.
Watch the music video for Thàinig Mo Rìgh air Tìr am Mùideart on YouTube.