Scottish fiddler Lauren MacColl's sophomore release, Strewn With Ribbons, is an eleven-track collection of original compositions and traditional tunes from the Highland Collections. Lauren is soundly supported by band members Barry Reid on guitar and Mhairi Hall on piano, with guest appearances by Donald Shaw on accordion and harmonium, Su-a Lee on cello, and Chris Stout on viola.
The album opens with "Oigfhear A Chuil Duinn (Young Man of the Brown Hair)," which is the surprise track of the album. It begins with Lauren's characteristic crystalline playing, but as it moves into the driving "Poolachrie," the style becomes grittier and more impassioned, to fantastic effect.
Lauren delivers brilliantly energetic performances on the strathspeys, reels and jigs found here, especially on "The Prophet," "Happy Hours," and "Highland Wedding," but the true gems of this album are the slow airs. There are few Highland fiddlers who do them better. Not only is her playing exquisitely poignant, but the arrangements give Strewn With Ribbons a depth and maturity that are simply stunning.
The sonorous tones of Su-a Lee's cello on "'S Trom Trom A Tha Mi (Sad, Sad Am I)" provide a perfect counterpoint to the melancholy of Lauren's fiddle, while the achingly beautiful "Lament for Mr. Thomas Grant, of Glen Elgin" features a tender interplay between fiddle and viola. The album closes with the mournful "Hugh Allan," performed solely by Lauren. The stark emotion of the piece lingers long after the music ends.
Strewn With Ribbons is a gorgeous journey from start to finish. Do yourself a favor and get a copy.
This review is also published on Folking.com.
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