stunning sisters

reviewed scottish womeneden court theatre, inverness; on tour until march 28HHHHH

REVIEWED Developed out of the successful Gaelic Women and Scots Women concerts at Celtic Connections in 2000 and 2001, Scottish Women brings together 10 female traditional singers - five Gaels, five Scots - and a six-piece band, two of whom double on vocals. Under the direction of Brian McNeill, this extensive cast has crafted a stunning two-and-a-half-hour show that showcases the breadth and depth of Scotland's singing traditions.

The range of styles and idioms represented, along with the variety of McNeill's arrangements, mean that almost every number strikes a contrast with the last. Elspeth Cowie's deliciously venomous rendition of the witchcraft ballad Alison Cross, for instance, precedes a gorgeously lyrical Gaelic anthem from Mairi MacInnes, which gives way in turn to Ray Fisher's gutsy, bluesy take on the factory worker's plaint Shift And Spin. Next comes Annie Grace leading a stormily rocked-up False, False Hae Ye Been, followed by Sheila Stewart singing the ribald Maids When You're Young.

The singers also join forces for both Scots and Gaelic material, such as a magnificent Glen Lyon Lament, while other Gaelic standouts include Ishbel MacAskill's spine-tingling a cappella delivery of the Eriskay Love Lilt. Nor is modern songwriting neglected: Karine Polwart and Sheena Wellington's hauntingly poignant duet on Jim Reid's Hallowe'en, Polwart's own heartrending Whaur Dae Ye Lie? and McNeill's Strong Women Rule Us all feature strongly. A treasure- trove of vocal talent and superb musicianship and presentation, this is a must-see.

Copyright 2002
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