Resolis Memorial Hall, 23 September 2006

Traditional Musician of the Year Awards 2006 finalists

NOW IN its sixth year, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Awards has fast become a prestigious competition, helping to found its contender’s flourishing careers.

Of course, the event also has the effect of bringing together some of Scotland’s most skilled young musicians, with all their diverse backgrounds and influences.

The idea of combining the finalists into a single, touring package has obvious attractions; fresh talent and variety. This also provides the perfect way for the Traditional Music and Song Association to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The second night of this Scottish tour found the young musicians at Resolis Memorial Hall in the Black Isle. A family audience was treated to an assorted set of ensemble and solo performances from six of the 2006 finalists and a guitar accompanist.

Hamish Napier from Grantown-on-Spey, best known as a member of Back of the Moon, opened the evening in style, step dancing out an initial, infectious rhythm which the other musicians built upon. Throughout the course of the night, he regaled us with his witty banter and skilful accomplishment on song, keyboard and whistles. Combine this with his palpable enthusiasm as he bobbed to each rhythm in his seat and you can see he’s a born entertainer.

Second in the enthusiasm stakes, had to be Suffolk fiddler Kirsty Cotter, who visibly jumped in time with the music (not easy with an instrument stuck to your chin, I warrant.) Her original solo composition ‘We’re not drunk but we’re still having fun’ was a poignant and haunting piece, crammed with intriguing flats and double stop drones.

Sat timidly in the corner, hidden under his hair and behind his accordion, Christopher Keatinge gave one of the few reminders of these guys’ youth. But this demeanour simply served to add extra power to his sophisticated, dexterous and delicate playing, in songs such as ‘Bare Island’ and ‘Rodney Miller’s’.

In contrast, Gaelic singer Darren MacLean from Skye was a jovial compere. Wiping mayonnaise off his cheek from the complimentary backstage sandwiches, he took to the stage to perform fast-paced Gaelic raps and beautiful airs of unrequited love. His innocent voice commanded an impressive range, delivered with real emotion.

Stepping forth from role of accompanying guitarist, the experienced and well-known Inverness-based Irish musician Brian Ó hEadhra also silenced the crowd with a Gaelic air. Brian had only joined the tour for this one night, but the fact he seemed instantly at home playing with his new acquaintances, was testament to his talent.

Down to earth Border’s piper, Fraser Shaw, seemed a natural on stage too. No wonder really; he’s been playing since he was six. His dedication to the instrument was obvious with impossibly fast, foot stomping renditions such as ‘Sandy Cameron’s’ which he suitably deemed a “mental reel!”

The star of the evening had to be fiddler Shona Mooney, deserved winner of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2006. Having brought along a friend who used to play with the Fèis Rois fiddlers, it was great to see him inspired by her skill. He remarked that her ability to infuse her playing with intricate expression without massive alterations in volume is a rare talent – something he’d only ever noticed in Aly Bain himself.

Shona is also a competent composer. Her song ‘Brambles’ drew delighted cheers with its weaving melodies and vibrant crescendo. Energy seemed to bounce between her, Hamish on keyboard (still bobbing) and the audience, revealing the real passion for traditional music present in this hall.

Chatting to my friend on the way out of the concert, I couldn’t help but feel the TMSA is achieving its 40 year old aim of “actively promoting Scottish traditional music.” He came away inspired by the quality of these up and coming musicians on show and resolved to re-start his playing… look out Evanton!

© Susan Szymborski, 2006

Links

• TMSA