Following on from her assured and highly acclaimed debut, Hubcaps and Potholes, harpist Rachel Hair has now demonstrated a true coming of age. WIth much original material and some influences from Ireland, the Traditional music of Scotland is evident in terms of material and style, as in the pipe marches The Lochaber Gathering.
Caution is sometimes needed when adding double bass and drums to harp, but the mix here is perfect, raising the already persuasive harp playing to another level. The full band sound is heard on Back Home, a joyous set of reels, and on her own Tsunami Jack, with its Grappelli-like fiddle. There’s also space for solo harp, Blue Hills of Antrim, learnt from an early Altan recording, is beautiful. Add in a couple of songs with vocals from Joy Dunlop and you have a perfectly formed album.
Hair’s style is original, confident and inspired. A hugely enjoyable album.
Delyth Jenkins,
Taplas Magazine