If you are a folk fan of old it is fair to say you will recognise a good part of their repertoire, but if not, you will enjoy the freshness and vitality of their performance. They are extraordinarily together in everything they do: vocally, instrumentally and most importantly, rhythmically. Isobel’s open tuned guitar provides a firm base for Jim’s various instruments and their always inventive vocals. Their take on ‘Hard Times of Old England’ is both poignant and contemporary, and their subtle changes to the melody make it even more so. They are also an extremely personable couple, funny and informative, with their enthusiasm for what they do being both unmistakable and infectious. They know and genuinely love their music and treat it with the utmost respect while still giving it new life (‘Elsie Marley’ is an ear-worm par excellence!) and making you realise why these songs have lasted as long as they have.
Uiseag (Gaelic for Skylark) are a vocal harmony group founded in 2017, and is made up of six members from the Portree Gaelic choir; Iain Blair (guitar and vocals), Don Mason (guitar and vocals), Gail McGregor-Mason (vocals), Sorcha Walker (percussion and vocals), Diane Gavin (vocals) and Yasmin Maughan (vocals). They perform Gaelic as well as traditional folk songs along with contemporary music from artists like Natalie Merchant, Andy Grammer, Runrig and Tidelines. The group are currently working on recording their first CD that will include an original song by Iain called ‘The Dream’ (The Uig Hotel).