Strì

The singer Maeve Mackinnon's third studio album, Strì (meaning ‘to strive’ or ‘to struggle’) is a beautiful piece of work. ‘Roisin Dubh/Little Black Rose’ is a dark, pensive track while ‘Dh’Fhalbh Mo Rùn Air An Aiseig/My Love Left on a Ferry’ is a superb interpretation of the trad favourite. There is even a rather jazzy piece of puirt à beul (mouth music) in Moch an-Diugh a Rinn Mi Èirigh/Early Today I Rose’ – one of the highlights on this refreshing and accomplished release.

There's a distinctly female perspective given to the themes of loss, tragedy and romance distilled through the fine collection of songs. There is celebration and joy here too: ‘Bodachan a’ Ghàrraidh/Little Old Man in the Garden’ is a funky piece, while ‘We’re not Staying’ is a rousing piece of defiance. Guest musicians include Ross Martin, Patsy Reid, Kathleen MacInnes and Ali Hutton: some of the best traditional Scots musicians on today's scene. An album of stunning Gaelic songs delivered by an equally stunning Gaelic voice.