I first heard this band playing at Celtic Connections in January 2000 and I was impressed. I like the fact they played an array of instruments very well and also sang. I was also surprised when they never won the Danny Award that they were competing for at the time! They have obviously not let this get them down and have released an excellent debut CD. The lineup has strengthened since I last saw them with Jenna Reid (from Shetland) joining on fiddle and piano and Julie Fowlis on vocals. The CD starts with a beautiful spine-tingling song entitled 'Chuir Lad Mise dh'Eilean Leam Fhin' sung by Julie. It was a brave move to start of a CD with this track and I think it works really well. The girls can also play reels and polkas with the best and a fine example of this is 'Girls can Polka!', 3 great polkas that make you want to get up and dance. This CD is a very fine debut CD and well worth a listen.
Media Reviews
Highland Music is blossoming now as never before - and Dochas has to be one of its sweetest blooms.
Dochas is one of the great feel-good sounds of contemporary traditional music. The girls have combined undoubted talent and great attitude to create one of the most promising bands of recent years. Julie Fowlis' voice has stayed with me as something special since the day I heard her join the band - she and the rest of the Dochas girls have made an album that I dare you not to enjoy. Highland Music is blossoming now as never before - and Dochas has to be one of its sweetest blooms.
tight, bright playing...
Dochas are full of talent and bring a real freshness to their music with tight, bright playing and Julie's singing will hold you spellbound. Rooted in the traditions of the Highlands, Ireland and Shetland, the girls are creating a lovely sound, with thoughtful arrangements of tunes old and new. It's been great to watch this band grow and grow and this album is going to take them far
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