Arthur Cormack: Buanas

Macmeanmna

A fine, constant voice on the Gaelic music scene for three decades since he was a teenage Mòd gold medallist, Arthur Cormack has nevertheless not been a prolific recording artist in his own right, largely due to his commitment to the music of others through his record label Macmeanmna, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the feis movement and much else.

In this long overdue album, recorded with a sterling assembly of Highland musicians, he remains in easefully melodious form, from the opening Cha tig Mòr mo bhean dhachaigh, through the countryish glide of Mo Mhaìri mhin and the gently poised lament of Thàinig maor na mo dhàil, with Mary Ann Kennedy on harp.

There’s authoritative clarity in the wry, unaccompanied lament, Ged is socrach mo leaba, and in the stately Latha dhomh sa Chuilthionn chreagach – an account of the last clan battle fought on Skye, with effective accompaniment from Blair Douglas on piano and backing vocals from Rachel Walker. ■