The set absorbs and integrates a myriad of influences between Scottish standards, extractions from old manuscripts, Irish tunes, and originals from Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland, P M, G S MacLennan, and, of course, the Brothers Three (i.e.  Iain, Alan, and Dr Angus MacDonald of Glenuig).  A welcome difference for an album of essentially Scottish music, MacDonald gives most of his attention here to the flute and whistle.  This offers equal footing to MacFarlane's fiddle, and their collaboration is impenetrably tight, right down to variations and single ornaments.  The arrangements themselves are rich and textured without ever descending into busyness, thanks especially to the tasteful and complementary backing of Ross Martin and Ewan Vernal.
There is a great proliferation of musical contrasts, and movement between them, such as the where the brooding of Mom's Jig on Track 8 is bowled over by the swing of Annie's Carafe.  Another highlight is the slow air penned by Allan MacDonald, Fàgail Dhuneidin, where lead instruments trade parts, providing an expanse of space and a chance to really take in the players' control and expression.  As a bonus, the album features the soulful singing of Kathleen MacInnes on two tracks of waulking songs.  What could have been left as just two fine renditions of Gaelic song has been crafted into dynamic ensemble pieces, without affecting the hypnotic simplicity of the main vocal line.  The First Harvest is a musical cornucopia and a feast for the ears.....Will Lamb.

With: Iain MacDonald (pipes, flute, whistle, backing vocals); Iain MacFarlane (fiddle, backing vocals); Ross Martin (guitar, backing vocals); Kathleen MacInnes (vocals); Phil Cunningham (accordion, piano, cittern); Ingrid Henderson (piano, clàrsach, backing vocals); Allan Henderson (keyboard); James MacKintosh (percussion); Ewan Vernal (bass)