Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, The Right Path. Album

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Choosing The Right Path can be one of the most harrowing experiences of all, it can lead to the one of least resistance or it can be the most exhilarating experience to date; it can harness the energy of those you take along for the ride, it can be soul enriching and fascinating to relive in your mind; choosing the right path is one that comes down to what lies in your heart and for the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music, Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, the path is very clear and very beautiful.

Walking the path is something we all have to do, we carry out the endeavour because to not do so is to cause chaos in our minds, to sample what it means to deny the chance to grow and leave a mark on the world.

The Right Path is a double C.D. which showcases the talents of Iain Bullivant, Christy Eaglesham, Ruairidh Gollan, Robert MacInnes, Alice MacKenzie, Cameron Nixon, Cavan Rodgers, Cameron Sharp, Chloe Steele, Breagha Charlton, Alasdair Hambury, Keir Logan, Corina MacInnes, Megan MacLeod, Fergus MacVicar, Isobel O’Neil, Ewen White, Alasdair MacKenzie and Steven Stark and their flair for the proclamation of the Scottish voice is one to marvel at and understand just how important language is, not just to a nation but to the individual; to have a voice is to know your enemies have no hold over you.

The two C.D.s, Post Christmas and Pre Christmas are full of vibrancy, they echo with a sentimental outlook but one that hides purpose, of holding together the glue of a nation’s young and its future, the once unexplored opportunities coming forth and being heard; it is a set of songs that are delightful and heartbreakingly astonishing.

In tracks such as Brose and Butter, The Elephant’s Nest, White Nights, Leaving Uist For Spain, Norwegian Moccha, Frog’s End, Skylark and The Right Path, the imagery is not be dismissed and should instead be held up as a wonderful example of just how poetic the world can be when allowed to be your own voice.

The Right Path is a captivating piece of music, the strains of the Celtic voice unabashed and unrelenting, a tonic for the winter’s end.

Ian D. Hall