Claire Campbell's newly released debut album ‘Sweet Scented Summer Evening' marks her out as a fresh new sound from Scotland's Highlands.
It's a homegrown affair, in more ways than one. All songs are written, arranged, produced and performed by Claire. More than that, however, the music reveals an understanding of using traditional instruments, such as the Clarsach and fiddle, to create a distinctive, modern sound.
Over the course of the album's 12 songs, Claire turns her hand to piano, fiddle and guitar. But this is no dry study in musicianship; Claire on occasion throws in a kazoo for good measure, and the lyrics reveal warmth and humour.
The songs reveal a breadth of styles, moods and concerns. Deeply romantic whilst avoiding mawkish, melodic but not ‘easy listening' , optimistic and dark at the same time, Claire's words and music journey through folk and pop, country and Celtic influences.
The overall result is an album that bursts with feeling and talent, and marks Claire out as a new talent from the Highlands of Scotland. |
