Calum Stewart of Manran fame and Lauren MacColl have formed as a duo and their debut release ‘Wooden Flute and Fiddle‘ is described as being fiercely traditional. Despite this many of the tunes they have chosen for this album are not well known. The tunes, some of which are from 250 to 300 years old, come from lesser used songbooks such as the Skye Collection and tunebooks from the North East of Scotland. Maybe due to a lack of familiarity, the results are beautiful, the syncopation in some of the tunes gives them an unexpected modern edge.
Because the songs are unaccompanied some old tricks of the trade are employed, Lauren adopts some open tunings on the fiddle by tuning down the bottom strings by a semitone and tuning up the upper, this results in a higher resonance when heard against the flute. This is by no means a new trick; it was something that was done throughout the ages to provide further volume when playing unamplified with other musicians and dancers; the results are impressive.
That extra subtle sparkle is provided by Andy May (harmonium) and Eamon Doorley (bouzouki) who offer some lovely counter-lines to the melodies which compliment the tunes sensitively and skillfully.
While both Lauren and Callum are both influenced by the traditions of the northeast coast of Scotland (Moray and Black Isle areas), they are also influenced by traditional music from Ireland, Cape Breton and Brittany where Callum now lives. These influences are especially noticeable on some of their self-penned tunes.
The album is well balanced, from the fantastic foot tapping tunes Eoghainn Ian Alasdair and Rise Ye Lazy Fellow to beautiful melodies such as Alzen, a tranquil piece written before sunrise in the abandoned Chapelle de Sainte Croix, Aizen, in Southern France. The latter is one of the loveliest tunes featured on the album and conjures the peace and isolation of a particular moment in time.
Wooden Flute and Fiddle is a fantastically original release from Calum and Lauren who are at the top of their league on this release, a close-knit duo I hope we’ll be hearing more from soon. For those going to Celtic Connections in 2013 don’t miss their performance on 30th January.
Wooden Flute and Fiddle is released on Make Believe Records 22 Oct 2012
Photo Credit: Lizzy Doe
www.laurenmaccoll.co.uk/projects/#lauren_calum