This release from Greentrax Recordings is an excellent mix that should hold appeal for listeners of a wide variety of Scottish music. The recording earns a high score in my books for sheer diversity, not to mention the talented artists showcased on the compilation.

The album was released to coincide with Greentrax's 15th anniversary as a recording company. It includes 20 tracks showcasing artists who have recorded for Greentrax in the past five years but had not been included on "previous similar showcase compilations." In effect, then, it isn't really "the best" of Scottish music, but rather "some of the best of the last five years." But hey ... when it's a well-arranged album with 20 decent tracks from some fantastic musicians, who wants to get hung up on technicalities? Certainly not me. (Although I would like to make the point that Natalie MacMaster, who is featured on the album, is definitely not Scottish, but Canadian!)

I have mixed feelings on compilation albums. Although I enjoy the fact that they allow one to hear a number of different artists, I also hate the fact that listening often bestows upon me the urge to go out and purchase a lot of new CDs -- which I simply cannot afford! This album is no exception. It includes a number of artists whom I had never heard before, and a lot of truly intruiging takes on traditional Scottish music.

The liner notes for the album provide a lot of good information. Include is a short history of Greentrax itself, a little blurb on the background of each featured artist -- often including tidbits about the instruments and tune origins -- and the album the track was taken from, and (always a bonus for an aspiring musician such as myself) the names of the tunes in each set.

The album begins with an excellent track from Mac Umba, whom I hadn't heard previously but now hope to hear more from -- they are just my thing, being energetic, polished and definitely unique. Mac Umba mixes some really intruiging Brazillian/Caribbean-style percussion with fast-paced Scottish piping, and the band does it very well. The second track, featuring Malinky, is also quite enjoyable, a great instrumental mix with beautiful vocal harmonies. I only wish that the first two tracks had been longer!

Next, we hear a fine set of reels from MacMaster, followed by a slower-paced by Dick Gaughan. Gaughan's lovely vocals shine with minimal accompaniment. At this point, I was already thinking that I'd have to add this CD to my often-used car case -- always a good sign. By the end of the album, my mind hadn't changed, although the pace does slow down somewhat.

Kevin MacLeod provides a pleasant set of reels on mandolin and guitar, with accompaniment by fiddle, bouzouki and piano, followed by more mandolin and guitars -- with a jazzier approach -- in the hands of Jack Evans. Evans has a really interesting and expressive arrangement for his tune. Aileen Carr sings a lovely, well-accompanied vocal number, and then Ossian takes the spotlight for a fantastic slow instrumental tune. And what Scottish compilation would be complete without a traditional waulking song? Margaret Stewart and Allan MacDonald take up the challenge with their well-matched vocal harmonies.

At this point in the album, I was beginning to have some doubts. Not that all of the tracks aren't good -- indeed, they are excellent -- but my attention span tends to be a little short when it comes to the slower pieces, and I hadn't heard anything really energetic in a while. The next two tracks are also of the slower variety -- a beautiful, skillfully played air by the Gordon Gunn Band and a lovely song by Billy Ross with wonderful accompaniment.

With the next few tracks, the pace picks up a little bit. Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley, sisters from Orkney, play a great set of tunes that are both energetic and expressive. MacAlias sings a good country-esque folk song with beautiful harmonies -- and then Rod Paul gets the album hopping again with "Birlinn Reel," a great tune with a sort of Celtic rock arrangement. Paul plays all of the instruments on the track (and there's quite a lot of them) with zeal and talent. Jock Tamson's Bairns keeps the energy level high with a track from their album May You Never Lack a Scone. (I just had to mention it, because I quite like the name!) This track featurs excellent driven percussion with awesome harmonies and a good intstrumental arrangement.

Rob MacKillop follows with a well-played 1695 lute tune, and then Fiddler's Bid jumps in for a hoppin' set of Shetland tunes. Four fiddles, a harp, guitar, bass and piano provide a memorable sound worth hearing more of. Then we are back to vocals, with the John Wright Band -- a gentle, yet strong voice with skilled instrumental accompaniment. Iain MacInnes speads up again with a fine set of reels and a jig. Pipes are accompanied by a good variety of instruments, resulting in a full, energetic sound. The last track on the album featured Salsa Celtica, another rather unique sounding band. Mixing South American rhythms with brass and bagpipes, this bizarre mix of instruments really works! Wacky, weird and wonderful.

So, the final verdict -- the album has earned a spot in the car case, but I might have to skip through some of the slower stuff if I'm not in the mood for it. As a compilation, this album really succeeds. It has all of the necessary elements of a good compilation -- variety, talent and the ability to hold the listener's attention. Fans of many different styles of Celtic music will find something on this recording to appeal to their tastes -- unfortunately (in terms of one's wallet), it may leave listeners with their mouths watering for more!

[ by Cheryl Turner ]
Rambles: 19 January 2002