The first set was by an emerging Scottish talent, the very elegant Rachel Hair, who is currently astounding critics and audiences alike, with her debut album Hubcaps and Potholes. Rachel plays the harp (or clarsach, as it is known in Scotland), and her debut album is an ambitious effort to demonstrate the strength of the harp as a solo instrument. Tonight's performance certainly had me convinced.
Rachel confidently performed an impressive collection of tunes, taking in reels and strathspeys that effortlessly showed off the harp's rhythmic qualities, and its intricate layers of sound.
Rachel demonstrated the most beautiful aspects of the harp's sound to stunning effect on the slow air, "Eilean Aigas," a performance that completely floored me. Each note drifted from the stage and continued to resonate beautifully throughout the auditorium, transporting me away to an altogether tranquil place -- I really didn't want this tune to end!
Later in her set, Rachel was joined by Douglas Millar, who contributed some delightfully restrained keyboards, bringing additional depth to the overall sound. Rachel's flair and commitment are sure to attract further attention and critical acclaim, and I imagine she will quickly establish herself as a prominent talent on the folk scene.
Mike Wilson, Greenman Review
Scottish Delight
Two of Scotland's most talented young traditional musicians came south to the Riverside Centre for this Easter Saturday Concert.
The show opened with Rachel Hair, who originates from Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands and plays the clarsach - the Scottish harp.
Rippling runs of notes and rolling bass lines were a feature of her performance, which included march tunes originally composed for the bagpipes and more reflective pieces played with striking quality, particularly the slow air 'Da Day Dawn', a Shetland traditional tunes originally played by a lone fiddler at the break of dawn on New Years Day
The second half of the show saw fellow Highlander Lauren MacColl take to the stage, accompanied by Barry Reid on Guitar. It was clearly evident to see why Lauren was voted BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Musician of the Year in 2004/05. Lauren's playing has both grace and spark. It is relaxed, yet full of spirit.
Rachel returned to join Lauren and Barry for a last set of tunes and a moving encore 'Leaving Stoer', written by Orkney guitarist Ivan Drever and beautifully played.
Vic King 15/4/06 www.iowrock.net
