Gael Force
OSGARRA is the title of the impressive debut CD from Beinn Lee, a six-piece from the islands of South and North Uist in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
Musically, this is as good as it gets, a tour de force. It kicks off with ‘The Rills’, driving dance tunes played at a dizzying speed by these talented young musicians. An English-penned tune, ‘Begin Again’, written by guitarist James, maintain the lively pace.
The tempo slows for the beautiful, haunting melodies of ‘Moladh Eubhal'(In Praise of Eaval). It was originally written by North Uist poet Donald Macdonald (known as Dòmhnall Ruadh Chorùna), a veteran of the First World War.
There’s no time for a rest as the title track – Osgarra – ramps up the speed once again. A pulsating burst of pipes, fiddles, accordion, guitar and piano. The album closes with a selection of reels and pipe tunes that stir the heart. The band is tight as a drum, you will not stand still listening to these gems, I can assure you.
I recently caught up with fiddle player, Mairi Thérèse Gilfedder and asked her to categorise the band’s music:
“It’s traditional in the sense that we kept all the dance rhythms, we still do or two-four marches for the Canadian barn dance. It’s definitively rooted in tradition and especially Gaidhlig, the music of the islands. But it has modern influences with drums and driving accompaniment with the piano, for instance.”
The band’s pride in their Gaidhlig language and culture is evident throughout the record, as Mairi Thérèse explains:
“It was integral to this album, it was vital for people to hear those influences having grown up with the language. That is why we included Gaidhlig songs. When you go away from home you realise that you have got something unique, having been brought up in a community where the Gaidhlig music and culture is just there all the time. You are not aware of it until maybe you take a step back.”
In the LP’s liner notes the band receives high praise from Fred Morrison, one of Scotland’s best known bagpipers:
Listening to Osgarra for me was a breath of fresh air. The feel of the Uist music runs beautifully throughout the album and the sensitive vocals and top drawer musicianship add up to one of the most exciting musical prospects I have heard in a long time.”
Last year, Beinn Lee beguiled the audience at the Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) on the Isle of Benbecula, considered by many as one of the stand-out acts. This year they are back, elevated to the main stage. It will be homecoming for the band and they are sure to receive a rapturous reception from the crowd.
Watch Beinn Lee here:
Mairi Thérèse is glowing in her praise of EDF:
“It’s great for the islands, really important for the Uists. Just to see so many people coming up and visiting. It makes a bit of a buzz about the place as well.”
The album was produced by Ross B. Wilson, keyboard player with Skye-based Tide Lines. The majority of the tracks were recorded at the Wee Studios Bunker on Benbecula. You can buy it here.
The band:
Pàdruig Morrison – Accordion
Micheal Steele – Pipes, Whistles & Flute
Mairi Thérèse Gilfedder – Fiddle
James Stewart – Vocals and Guitar
AJ Macinnes – Drums
Anna Black – Piano
Social media:
Beinn Lee Twitter @BeinnLee
Beinn Lee Facebook
Live photo by Hamish Hepburn