The Piping Centre, Glasgow, 15 January 2004

THE NEAR sell out audience at the Murdo Macfarlane Songbook was treated to an entirely different strand of Traditional Gaelic Song from the opening night extravaganza, Harvest, but one which was no  less evocative and thought provoking.

The more intimate Piping Centre provides a perfect venue for this type of programming. Ishbel MacAskill, Fiona Mackenzie and Anna Murray made up the trio of Lewis-born singers (two of whom now live in the Highlands). They presented a showcase of songs made by the great Lewis Bard, Murdo Macfarlane, interspersed with other songs drawn from the rich tradition of Lewis culture.

Some of the songs we knew well, such as the Gaelic anthem ‘Canan nan Gaidheal’ – sung with real passion by the audience as well as the singers – and the delightfully poignant ‘Mi le m’uillinn’ by Mackenzie.  Some of Macfarlane’s other songs were less well known, and revealed a real insight into the workings of the Bard’s mind. There were songs included which we should hear much more of – perhaps the new wave of singers from the night before will take up the reins in the future and  air them for us.

There could scarcely be three more different singers in terms of vocal tone and delivery, but they combined to give us vibrant and toe tapping performances of puirt a beul and waulking songs – the number of  people in the audience joining in was testament to the importance that is still placed on traditional Gaelic song, particularly with a Glasgow audience.

The songs were all sung unaccompanied, which may be harder for some of the audience more used to the contemporary accompaniments of groups such as Capercailllie. However, it is only by listening to the poetry of the words, sung in the way they were made to be sung, that a true understanding of the music can be achieved.

Fear an Taigh for the show was Gaelic actor and broadcaster Simon Mackenzie, and it obvious that he had as deep a feeling for the bardachd of the songs as the singers, despite, as he said, ‘being from the other side of the Clisham!’ This show was part of a programme of similar concerts, sponsored by An Lanntair of Stornoway, and it can only be hoped that it may be extended and played to audiences in the Highlands in particular. Lewis song is just as popular there as in Lewis – just don’t tell the Hearraich!

© Fiona Mackenzie, 2004