Arthur Cormack
Buanas
(Macmeanmna)
A new Arthur Cormack album is an event on two counts. One: it’s almost 30 years since the Gaelic singer released the previous album under his own name, although he has appeared on others including recordings by the groups Mac-Talla and Cliar. And two: this one has the sound of an instant classic.
Cormack is renowned for his calm onstage demeanour and relaxed, clear and generous imparting of lyrics from down the ages, and here he sings songs from sources known and unknown, from bards of long standing and contemporary writers. The settings are varied, from the solo, voice-only Ged is socrach mo leaba and the a cappella choral Cnoc nan Craobh to a love song by long-time musical partner Blair Douglas that’s set in Portree but has something of a country-cajun waltz feel.
As well as writing two of the tracks, Douglas is at the heart of several arrangements, lending his customary keyboard and accordion warmth alongside a team including Mary Ann Kennedy (harp), Allan Henderson (fiddle) and Chaz Stewart (guitar). Cormack’s beautifully placed voice is always the main focus, though, a heartfelt presence that communicates the gamut of emotions with a genuine glow.
Rob Adams
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