In this their second CD, Dòchas prove that the huge success of their first was no flash in the pan. Dòchas is a truly wonderful band which embraces Gaelic, Scots, Shetlandic and Irish musical heritage. This CD was produced by Iain MacDonald.
Dòchas are: Eilidh MacLeod: Clarsach Carol - Anne Mackay: pipes Julie Fowlis: vocals, whistles Jenna Reid: fiddle Martin O'Neill: bodhran Kathleen Boyle: keyboards
Media Reviews
an uplifting album that celebrates Scotland's young traditionalists.
Rousing Highland pipes, propelled by the bodhran of Martin O'Neill, make a strong impression in this recording by Dochas - the former all-women line-up. Tight instrumental work on clarsach, keyboard, fiddle, accordion and pipes is augmented by powerful Gaelic singing led by whistle player Julie Fowlis. The Ni Dhomnhaill siblings guest in a song from accordionist Kathleen Boyle's Donegal family roots, there's a set of Glasgow Irish tunes, and fiddler Jenna Reid contributes a self-penned beauty from Shetland - adding to an uplifting album that celebrates Scotland's young traditionalists.
tune arrangements distinguished by supple, expressive playing
EVEN if their Best Up And Coming Act gong at last year’s Scots Trad Music Awards was arguably somewhat overdue – here they are with their second album, having first formed about five years ago – Dòchas will still need plenty more miles on the clock before they escape the stripling league compared to the Bairns. But while their youth, plus their largely female line-up (the added exception being bodhran player Martin O’Neill), certainly won’t hurt their case with promoters, An Dàrna Umhail underscores the fact that Dòchas are no triumph of style over substance. Their instrumental line-up is led by the Scottish/Celtic staples of fiddle, bagpipes, clarsach and whistles, but without a guitar or bouzouki in sight, the rhythm’n’bass department covered instead by Kathleen Boyle’s piano and now O’Neill’s bodhran, as well as the harp’s percussive capabilities.
Increasingly, too, Julie Fowlis’s vocals are complemented by beautifully placed, radiantly chiming harmonies from up to three of her colleagues. Graced with dewy-fresh production by Iain MacDonald, the album unfolds at an astutely measured pace, its tune arrangements distinguished by supple, expressive playing and clearly individualised sound-layers. The only doubtful vocal number, meanwhile, is Tiarna Mhaigh Eo, where Fowlis is joined by Irish guests Maighread and Triona Ni Dhòmhnaill, to surprisingly querulous effect. http://www.sundayherald.com
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