Uam – From Me

The third studio album from Outer Hebridean Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis is as deeply immersed in the traditions of the an islands as her other releases. Beneath the album’s sleek packaging and Fowlis’ sharp new haircut, the music features the same bedrock of musicians – guitarist Tony Byrne, bodhrán player Martin O’Neill, bouzouki-playing husband Éamon Doorley and sublime fiddler Duncan Chisholm.

The repertoire features more traditional waulking and clapping songs of the Outer Hebrides – working songs that accompany the tweed-shrinking process. Apart from one striking departure in which the traditional Breton song ‘Me Zo Ganet é Kreiz er Mor’ is translated into Gaelic, all the songs and tunes are rooted in the Scottish Gaelic tradition. The central importance of the handing down of songs is emphasised by three duets with esteemed Lewis singer Mary Smith, and the two-way nature of the process is revealed in the powerful duet ‘Wind and Rain’. Sung with Eddi Reader, it’s a translation of an Irish-American version of the classic Gaelic story ‘The Jealous Sister’ This is followed by a Hebridean version of the same story called ‘Thig Am Bàta’.

This is admirably spare and honest music with a deep affection and respect for tradition. It is good to see a singer confidently avoiding a more pop crossover sound. Even if you don’t speak Gaelic, these mournful tales of jealousy, murder and hard lives will surely evoke the isles of North and South Uist, Benbecula, Berneray, Lewis, Harris or Barra in a winter gale.