Dual - to twine, braid, interlace or coil

I doubt that cultural cross-Border pollination comes any sweeter than the wonderful sounds to be found on Dual (Machair Records), the new album by Éamon Doorley, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Julie Fowlis and Ross Martin. Dual is Scotland and Ireland at its musical best; its two countries speaking the one language of song. The notes on the cd state: “Dual in Scottish Gaelic and Irish means to twine, braid, interlace or coil. It also means one’s inheritance.”

None of the artists need any introduction to lovers of traditional music. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s work with Danú speaks for itself and for those unfamiliar with traditional singing in Scots Gaelic, Fowlis is one of the best and most exciting voices to emerge from that scene.

The album is a collection of traditional songs and tunes from Ireland and Scotland and it is impossible to praise it enough. Do not be put off if you don’t speak Irish or Scots Gaelic. I don’t speak Scots Gaelic either but have Fowlis’ albums (available easily on Amazon) and there are just wonderful to listen to. The sleeve notes and the emotion she generates in her singing is more than enough to let you know what is happening. In fact, come to think of it, I don’t speak Italian but it doesn’t stop me loving Madama Butterfly and I don’t speak Portuguese but I would be lost without Mariza and her fado singing.

So, jump in and buy Dual. The aficionado will love it for its depth, range and innovation and, if you are new to traditional music, it will be love at first hearing.

Mol an óige and they will make music!