Album Review: Uam – Julie Fowlis

Uam

I remember the day that Julie Fowlis burst into my consciousness, watching her mesmerising performance at Cambridge Folk Festival following the release of her second album Cuilidh. I had a passing acquaintance with ‘mouth music’ but when combined with her performance abilities and a fantastic band it really was something special. Hùg air a’ Bhonhaid Mhòir remains a firm favourite in our house after that performance.

Following up such a ground-breaking release that garnered praise from diverse public figures ranging from the author Ian Rankin to Radiohead front-man Thom Yorke was always going to be a challenge and she sensibly took her time. The very fact that a Scottish Gaelic singer, mainly performing traditional music, can generate such mainstream interest is utterly remarkable.

The album, the cover of which Julie adorns with a rather arresting new look, opens with M’ fhearann Saidhbhir, starting with the recognisable vocal style of the genre, before moving into new territory with some wonderful guitar and fiddle playing. Another stand-out was track 3, a version of ‘Wind and Rain’, featuring a bi-lingual duet with the wonderful Eddi Reader. Julie’s courage as a singer is show on track 4, Thig Am Bàta, containing just Bodhran and her voice. The blend of upbeat songs and ballads kept my interest throughout, and the great instrumental sections encouraged repeated listening.

Continuing in the successful vein of Cuilidh, Uam (which translates as ‘From Me’) is a deserving successor which preserves the best of the tradition whilst giving space for Julie to develop both musical and artistically.

Tagged as: album, Cambridge Folk Festival, Gaelic folk, Julie Fowlis