Christy Scott – Amaranthine
Self Released – 2017
Scottish singer Christy Scott has delivered a warm and striking debut EP with Amaranthine. Although she has a wealth of experience in traditional Scots song, as demonstrated on Ethno on the Road tour 2016 on which she performed alongside musicians from around the globe, this EP is a big leap forward, both musically and stylistically.
All five tracks which tackle love and loss are self-penned and, based on the calibre of those she has gathered around her to make this happen, shows someone who genuinely treasures the act of releasing songs into the world. Joining her are Aidan Moodie (Gnoss) on acoustic guitar who also lends his vocals on one of the EP’s highlights, the powerful Another Song About Another.
Also performing are Madeleine Stewart (Eriska) on fiddle and vocals, Charlie Stewart (BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Dosca) on double bass, Neil Paton (Brodie Jarva Septet) on percussion, Alice Allen on cello, and Davie Dunsmuir (Scotts Wood Band) on elctric guitar.
Scott Wood (Scotts Wood Band) who produced the album and Gus Stirrat (who mastered the album at Solas Sounds) have done a grand job. There’s a deep glowing warmth across the whole album which they’ve maintained in the recording. Likewise, the sympathetic arrangements and high-class musicianship offer the perfect backdrop to Christy’s alluring vocals. Even when singing of a toxic relationship, on another standout track Hope Street, she manages to deliver a twist of lyrical positivity displaying a great depth of maturity for one so young.
Now I can look back
And smile at what we had been
You loved me more
For what you’d seen
Amaranthine is a solid EP, a real gem that manages to deliver some catchy numbers along the way, none more so than Potion which positively skips along in the sunshine while laying bare her honest innermost fears.
For a debut EP, you couldn’t hope for a stronger start. I’m pretty sure there will be more great things to come for Christy Scott. Amaranthine is one worth celebrating.
Don’t miss her at Speyfest (28-30 July) and Star Inn, Buckie (18 August).
Order Amaranthine via Bandcamp here: https://christyscottmusic.bandcamp.com/album/amaranthine
Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christyscott96music/