Daimh - Tuneship

(November 2013)

10 tracks: Raasay * Barra to Balloch * Coddywatch * Siud Agaibh an Deoch a dh' Olainn * Bottle for Brigg * Stormy Hill * Hiu ra bho Nuair a Chaidh mi a Ghlaschu * The Gannet * Mo Ghleannan Taobh Loch Lìobhann * Banjo's Favourite.

Tuneship marks the next chapter in Dàimh's musical journey. After experiencing their first personnel change in 14 years the band, often dubbed The Gaelic Supergroup, have returned stronger than ever with an exciting and inspired new line-up.

The band have drawn both on their native surroundings and experiences while touring the Northern hemisphere to compose all the instrumental material.

Very much keeping within the Highland tradition, the band's trademark driving pipe and fiddle-led fireworks are still to the fore, yet also present is a new-found dexterity in the arrangement and performance of subtler, more personal pieces.

Griogair Labhruidh makes his impressive debut with the band on vocals with three songs sourced from his ancestral homeland of Ballachulish, showing why he is considered one of the finest Gealic singers, not only in Scotland but also with a reputation extending deep into the Gaeltachts of Ireland. The depth of understanding and passion in Griogair's singing further highlights the band's roots in their beloved West Lochaber and North Argyll, yet blends perfectly with their cutting-edge compositions and contemporary arrangements to create a consummate snapshot of Gaelic music in today's Scottish Highlands.

Dàimh are Angus MacKenzie (Highland pipes, whistle), Damian Helliwell (mandolin, banjo), Gabe McVarish (fiddles), Ross Martin (guitar) and Griogair Labhruidh (Gaelic song, uilleann pipes) with special guests Donald Hay (percussion), Jenny Hill (double bass), Eilidh Shaw (fiddle), Duncan Lyall (bass), Decker Forrest (tromb) and Clachnabrochan Gaelic Choir.