Fringe Music

Silver Darlings

The Famous Spiegeltent, St. Andrew's Square Gardens

Miranda Heggie

Four Stars

The sea has long been a component of what’s shaped Scotland’s history, and continues to influence its present. Silver Darlings, so called after the shimmering shoals of herring which grace these waters - and the title of one of Neil Gunn's most celebrated novels - is a new song cycle with words by Alexander McCall Smith and music by James Ross. Exploring Scotland’s relationship with the sea, the songs draw upon themes such as immigration, emigration, ship building and, of course, fishing.

Though steeped in Celtic tradition, elements of jazz, blues and classical music could also be found in Ross’s lyrical, sometimes wistful score, and the music as well as the words tell tales of Scotland’s history. John Kenny’s trombone playing adds an interesting flavour to the five piece instrumental ensemble, as he evokes the calling of Viking horns, and the tooting of ships. The three singers, Michelle Burke, James Graham and Kathleen MacInnes are each gifted storytellers, who beautifully communicated the emotions and narrative of McCall Smith’s rich and expressive lyrics, whether as soloists or singing as an ensemble.

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