MAIRI MACMILLAN
Glasghu: Songs to a City
After we recently reviewed Silver Threads- a set of songs in praise of Paisley, it’s the turn of its near, larger and decidedly noisier neighbour to be celebrated in song. Indeed, it is not just the city itself but a focus on the parks and spaces within, along with the culture, as represented by the songs being delivered in Gaelic, as the language is now experiencing a renaissance in the urban area.
To a non-native, the lyrics become more of an accompaniment to the musical palette on offer, albeit they are beautifully delivered, adding considerably to the overall evocative feel of the 9 songs that make up the CD.
Given that the main theme of the album is a reflection on the gentle spaces within the city, the musical has a delicacy and fragility to it, created by a limited instrumental ensemble, comprised largely of Violin, Saxophone and Piano. With the aforementioned Gaelic vocals, there is a serene, yet ethereal feel, evoking a feeling of time out of space, which given the changes that have happened to the city around the parks, is a fine reflection of the setting. The addition of the English translation of the lyrics and the titles does help appreciate the above as well.
Intended as an encouragement to visit the green lungs and landmarks of the city, Mairi has created a fine accompaniment to a step outside the energetic bustle of the city for a gently timeless drift through the open spaces that inspired the work.
