Shine comprises Alyth McCormack, Mary MacMaster and Corrina Hewat, three very talented Scottish female vocalists. The latter two also play a skillful electro-harp. Sugarcane is a sweet offering from these smooth-voiced lassies, a sensitive and sophisticated combination of deceptively simple-sounding harmonies, traditional and new songs.

They sing in Gaelic, Lowland Scots and English, combining the diversity of Scottish traditions in a seamless blend. Two 18th-century lyrics of Scotland's Bard, Robert Burns, are cleverly sung a cappella, each voice taking a part and weaving a rich plaid of words with their vocal interplay. "Gloomy Winter" by Burn's contemporary, Robert Tannahill, is rendered in a slightly breathy and unaffected manner that goes well with its light-hearted sentiments.

The electro-harps are used to good effect, enhancing the sound without being overpowering, and the instrumental interludes are themselves a pleasure to listen to, but the combination of the trio's voices is sublime. They move up to date with a cover of Sting's gentle "Fields of Barley," sung with an achingly pure lead vocal -- presumably Alyth, but the cover lists neither lyrics nor lead and harmony vocalists and so I had to dig out my Burns' book to access his adapted lyrics and do a web search for others.

Although Shine's words are crystal clear, many listeners may not have the advantage of being conversant with Lowland Scots, let alone Gaelic, and wish for elucidation and understanding rather than passively absorbing the overall, admittedly lush, sound. Only Alyth's own linked website offers lyrics from her solo album in both languages -- it would have been nice if the cover had offered us this for Shine, or if it were an option on their website. This grumble aside, Sugarcane is an excellent first album by this band; challenging yet relaxing, sweet without being too sugary, and an easy and contemporary entrance into traditional Scots music for those who may view the experience with some (unfounded) trepidation. I'm definitely looking forward to the next CD!

- Rambles
written by Jenny Ivor
published 8 March 2003

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