Word is just in that having only just returned from the USA where she gave a presentation on the tradition of Gaelic song at Harvard University, Christine Primrose will this week attend an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where she will be officially be awarded an MBE for ‘Services to Gaelic Music to Culture and to Education in Scotland and Internationally’.
Of the news, Temple Records said: “We couldn’t be more pleased that she has been given this recognition of her work and talent that she so thoroughly deserves…Temple Records are very honoured to have supported such a uniquely talented and deserving individual over the decades – well done Christine!”
The award of an MBE caps a remarkable recent period for Christine who was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2017, and was also the subject of a BBC television profile on her life and work. In addition, her most recent release ‘Gràdh is Gonadh – Guth ag aithris’ (Love and Loss – A Lone Voice) has proved a major milestone in the journey of this increasingly important artist and singer; an unaccompanied solo recording of poignancy and depth. Read our album review here.
Growing up in Carloway in Lewis, Christine blazed a trail for Scottish Gaelic song at a time when it was not widely known or appreciated and is rightly regarded as one of the great singers of her generation. Her seminal first album Àite mo Ghaoil (1982) broke down barriers of all kinds, introducing the living tradition of Gaelic song to a worldwide audience who could appreciate the beauty of the song, and the talent of the singer, regardless of language. She continued to contribute to and consolidate the developing understanding and appreciation for Gaelic song and culture with her superb performances, acclaimed albums and invaluable teaching as Head of Gaelic Song at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye and further afield.
Folk Radio UK interviewed Christine last year when she shared more about her upbringing and the Gaelic culture and language:
“I grew up in a Gaelic speaking community where singing was a major part of that. I think that in every oral tradition singing is quite natural and it doesn’t cost any money! When I look back on my childhood and early years I feel that my singing style has been strongly influenced by psalm singing. In our church, we had a precentor who sang out the line and the congregation would sing it back. This form of singing has many embellishments and a freestyle which seems to influence my way of singing especially the slower songs. I have listened to other genres of music all of my life from blues to rock to the traditional music of other countries and get enormous pleasure from doing so.”
She went onto explain how she was initially surpised by non-Gaelic speakers interest in her music:
“Having sung in many places around the world it took me a while to understand why people without the language and knowledge of the culture could possibly be interested in what I sang, I have now realised that what they connect with is their authenticity. Not everyone gets it I know, but that will always be the case. Songs are very often telling of people’s heartfelt experiences, songs borne of one tragedy or another. It was a way for them to express their grief and in some way was quite cathartic.” Read the full interview here.
Gràdh is Gonadh – Guth ag aithris (Love and Loss – A Lone Voice) is available to order via Temple Records here.
Photo Credit Steven McKenzie – Cànan Graphics Studio