KIM CARNIE
A' Chailleach
Philippe Cousin
Newcomer to the Scottish music scene, young singer Kim Carnie. Originally from Oban on the west coast, she is the revelation of recent years and surely one of the most talented singers of her generation. She has been named Gaelic Singer of the Year 2021, which says it all.
In 2019 and 2020, she joined the bands Mànran and Staran. Then in 2022, she released her debut album And So We Gather, recognised by the media as one of the greatest folk and Gaelic albums of recent years.
A few months ago, she released her second album, A' Chailleach, featuring nine songs all performed in Gaelic. A concept album dedicated to the Cailleach, a divine witch, mother goddess and weather deity in Gaelic mythology, all the songs highlight the voices and stories of women, each associated with a tarot card, as suggested by the album cover. An immersive journey that explores female folklore, hidden stories and magic.
Many musicians and singers came to support Kim, including Julie Fowlis on Crònan and Jerry Douglas on dobro on Clò nan Gillean. Donald Shaw (Capercaillie) also contributed a voice and piano duet on the album's final track. More surprising was the participation of Senegalese musician Seckou Keita and his kora on Òran na Bèiste Maoile.
And then there are the Scottish musicians who accompany her: Innes White (guitar and keyboards), who produced the album, Megan Henderson (fiddle), John Lowrie (keyboards), James Lindsay (double bass), Mark Scobbie (percussion) and Ailis Sutherland, who lends her beautiful voice to two tracks.
Often drawn from ancient texts, to which Kim has added her own touch to the melodies, the nine tracks on the album have something mysterious and captivating about them.
Could Kim Carnie be the new Karen Matheson?
Càrn Records CARN002CD - www.kimcarnie.com