(Navigator)The Scottish Independence referendum inspired the folk scene’s latest concept project,which sets out to examine “what unites and divides us, personally, and socially,spiritually and politically. Jenny Hill, who conceived the plan, and was joined on the Isle of Eigg by nine other female singers from Scotland and England,who had just a week to write and record this recent set of songs about separation. The result is a varied, thoughtful set that stays well clear of political sloganeering. There’s fine harmony singing on Gaelic waulking work songs and the ancient Unst Boat Song, or songs about separation from nature and the supernatural,and from families. The best tracks include Hazel Askew’s music-hall weepie London Lights, Karine Polwart’s Echo Mocks the Corncrake (the birds can be found on Eigg), or Eliza Carthy’s intriguing myth of change and fish,Cleaning the Stones. According to the rousing penultimate medley, hope lies over the border”.
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Source: theguardian.com