The Fiery Margin

Description

"Every song that's nevermore sung/will sound again upon the Evernew Tongue." Whether or not one understands the reference, it aptly summarizes Alasdair Roberts' approach as a singer-songwriter, now in his third decade. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to the history of traditional songs, playing them in our ever-evolving world as their meanings evolved within him. Whether singing old pieces, drawing inspiration from a line of text, or taking a centuries-old tune as a starting point for a new song, he has advanced the tradition like few others before him. Since his first two solo albums, a collection of traditional songs followed by an album of his own compositions, Alasdair has continued this alternation across a dozen albums. The Fiery Margin follows What News from 2018, a collaboration with David McGuinness and Amble Skuse consisting of eight Scottish ballads. The Fiery Margin is therefore a new set of original pieces, some of which draw elements from the songs, singing, and thoughts of the last millennia. There is something for everyone here! On The Fiery Margin, he relies on the percussion of Alex Neilson and the expansive bass playing of Stevie Jones, who have collaborated with him on several previous albums. The Fiery Margin features a varied sound design, smoothly transitioning from acoustic guitars to electric guitars thanks to the agile playing of Irish violist Ailbhe nic Oireachtaigh, who embodies and develops the music. Other musicians contribute touches of accordion, pedal steel guitar, saxophone, and even Barbershop harmonies, helping Alasdair delve into the mysterious and enduring roots of our shared music to a consonant yet always enigmatic depth. Recorded by Luigi Pasquini at Anchor Lane Studios in Glasgow, The Fiery Margin is an exceptional recital whose origins can be traced back to Scottish, Irish, and English traditional music, as well as influences from the wider world.