Vicky Gray – Atlaness
Stitch Records – Out now
Fiddler Vicky Gray’s new four-track EP, Atlaness, may run at a vigorous twelve minutes but it’s a recording filled with some rather splendid traditional touches, whilst simultaneously bringing the sound up to date with an entirely contemporary vibe.
Perhaps better known as a member of talented Scottish indie group Dante, Atlaness is Gray’s first solo release and a fine, exhilarating recording it is too.
Named after the area in Hamnavoe, Shetland, where some of Gray’s family live, the EP is embedded in both family tradition and the history of the isles themselves. Initially inspired by tunes learnt from her late Grandfather, the fiddler Gilbert (Gibby) Gray, the EP is a celebration, and exploration, of Shetland’s cultural and musical past as well as present. Although now more centrally based in Scotland it’s clear the lure of the isles still beats strong for Gray.
The presence of her Grandfather is felt throughout. Whilst each track relates to traditional tunes recorded by Gibby, they are not slavishly copied. As Gray notes: “By making a new recording of these tunes, I didn’t want to try and replicate them, but retell them.” Although the EP is rooted in Shetland’s musical heritage, Gray is confident and skilled enough to allow the tunes some flexibility thus highlighting the vitality and timelessness of the tradition.
The EP opens with ‘Glybie’s Tune / Kale & Kyoksie’. It’s inspired by a recording of James Irvine (Glybie) who happened to be the great-grandfather of Gray’s artist friend Jenny Deschenes. The original recordings of Glybie playing some tunes and talking about old traditions provided the incentive for the track. As Gray notes, Glybie’s playing was “beautifully ornamented and full of character” and that same sense of structure and personality is manifested sublimely in Gray’s playing.
A fiddle only opener, it’s a fine introduction to Gray’s own talent as a musician and arranger. Effortlessly playing with tradition, it’s a sprightly, spirited little tune, which sets the scene well for the delights to follow.
‘Da Nippen Grund / Brunt Scones’ extends this experimentation, in an atmospheric Shetland reel that lays guitar and percussion over Gray’s fiddle. It’s a mournful opener which soon gives way to a merry, and lively little dance, whilst title track ‘Atlaness / Paul Chamberlain’s Reel’ picks the tempo up a notch with a tasty set of reels. Some brisk guitar perfectly complements Gray’s skilful fiddle.
The EP closes with ‘Teif on da Lum’, an experimental track and one which showcases Gray’s talent as an arranger. A synth led piece, complete with a recording of the spoken words of her grandfather, it is a beautiful and evocative recording. Gray’s own, ethereal, vocals lend a somewhat dreamy and mesmerising ambience on what is an emotive conclusion.
Whilst it is very much an EP focused on multi-instrumentalist Gray (she plays fiddle, guitar, keys and provides vocals) accompanying her is Steve Morrison on drums and percussion, and Alex Johnson on bass, whilst Vicky’s husband Seán McLaughlin joins with various other instruments.
Atlaness proves Gray to be a talented fiddler, composer, and arranger in her own right. Beautifully arranged, and chock-full with graceful and effective touches, topped off with some superb musicianship it’s a short, but an entirely thrilling gem. With a focus on the vivacity and legacy of the Shetland tradition Atlaness is a handsome, and thoroughly delightful listen.
You can order the Atlaness via Bandcamp: https://vickygray.bandcamp.com/releases
Photo Credit: Gordon MacKenzie