Ewan MacPherson – Norther
Independent – Out Now
Following Shooglenifty’s recent 30th anniversary release, Acid Croft Vol. 9, you can forgive the band’s formidable mandolin and banjo player Ewan MacPherson for something of a contemplative phase. Originally recorded back in 2008, in his pre-Shooglenifty days, Norther marked MacPherson’s debut. For some reason, it never quite got the exposure it deserved, so it is a peculiarly reflective pleasure to rediscover it twelve years later.
For a debut it is a naturally intimate recording, but impressive in its ambition and range. As MacPherson says in the sleeve notes, he sought to capture that knowing and introspective ‘late-night moment in a kitchen session, or quiet afternoon with the sun at the window.’ It is at such points that ‘songs come to life at these times of inspiration and respect, honesty and beauty.’
And a beautifully nostalgic recording it is too. There are moments that echo of Belle & Sebastian, James Yorkston and even Nick Drake, especially on title track Norther which has a linguistic link to ‘Northern Sky’. Drake himself, of course, was being somewhat rediscovered in the mid-2000s so a natural influence on any songwriter emerging at this period. Travelling Winter too has a Drake vibe, with some atmospheric cello and double bass from Seylan Baxter and Ed Kelly, and lyrics which feel spirited directly from Drake’s own psyche.
Another artist also rediscovered during this period was early 1970s singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan, who, back in 2008, was on something of a comeback trail following the release of her debut album Just Another Diamond Day in 1970. Bunyan guests here, on Winter Me which is effectively a tribute to the writer Iris MacFarlane who had died the year previously. MacFarlane was a mutual friend of MacPherson and Bunyan, which prompted the guest spot. MacPherson’s voice here is fragile, tentative, which is a perfect accompaniment to Bunyan’s more ethereal, floating vocals.
Most Folk Radio UK listeners will be familiar with a CD released back in 2006, called The Quiet Revolution. Curated by Mojo Magazine this was a series of tracks by artists such as Bunyan, John Martyn, and Pentangle alongside the aforementioned Yorkston and other indie-folk names such as Akron/Family and Sweet Billy Pilgrim. It was realised at the peak of the folk revival of the mid-2000s. I’ve a suspicion MacPherson had this CD in his collection at this time, I certainly did. Perhaps its title inspired opening track Quiet Society? An especially atmospheric introduction to the album, birdsong heralds MacPherson’s guitar and vocal, unobtrusively accompanied by Baxter’s cello and Jon Bews‘ violin.
Nearly Home betrays MacPherson’s Scottish roots with some distinctive pipes from Fraser Fifield, whilst he wears his folk roots proudly on his sleeve on Cold. Summer. Son which feels like a long-lost Child Ballad.
Norther is a curious and utterly beguiling beast. The whole album reeks of folk nostalgia: it feels, and sounds, like a soundtrack to the roots revival of the mid-2000s. It’s no relic from the period though, beyond capturing the zeitgeist of the period it also demonstrates MacPherson’s talent as a performer and songwriter. For a debut it is self-assured and impressively produced. Norther may be new to you, but it will be hauntingly familiar. Pop it on and let yourself drift back to the nu-folk world of 2008, you’ll be glad you did.
Order via Bandcamp: https://ewanmacpherson.bandcamp.com/album/norther
Ewan has revisisted some of the songs from his debut in a series of Norther Session’s. Watch him perfomring Nearly Home below: