After the band's experimental phase in Passage, the Tannahill Weavers shuffled the lineup again in time for the 1986 release of Land of Light. Roy Gullane still fronts the band, of course, providing vocals, guitar, mandolin and tenor banjo. Co-founder Phil Smillie is still on the flute, whistles and pan pipes; the band is rounded out by Iain MacInnes on various pipes and whistles, and Ross Kennedy on bouzouki, fiddle and bass pedals. Dougie MacLean provides fiddle on several tracks, and everyone provides backing vocals, too -- those excellent vocal harmonies are a Tannies hallmark.

While the album marks a return to the Tannies' more traditional sound, Gullane has long insisted that composition is a fine Scottish tradition. He adds two grand songs to the trove here: "Land of Light" is a gorgeous and moving a cappella song, couching a message of peace in the evocative poetry of dawn; "Bustles and Bonnets" is a sad, angry song about the ongoing slaughter of whales.

Land of Light has the usual Tannies array of fast-paced sets and traditional songs; among the latter are "The Rovin' Heilandman," a song of forced emigration, and "The Yellow Haired Laddie," a song of a clan chief's tragic death paired with the melancholy pipe tune "Dream Angus." "The Queen Amang the Heather" is a fun song of a roving romantic encounter.

It's a grand album overall, but I'm happy to say some of the highest points are Gullane's original songs. It's comforting to know the future of Celtic music is in such capable hands.

[ by Tom Knapp ]
Rambles: 28 September 2002