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Rachel Newton

Venue: Coda Music
Town: Edinburgh
Date: 1/9/14
Website: http://rachelnewtonmusic.com

Some readers may be aware of Rachel Newton's talent and versatility as a harpist, viola player and singer-songwriter through her membership of contemporary folk bands (The Shee; Emily Portman Trio; and The Furrow Collective) and her involvement in diverse musical projects like the recent, highly successful Elizabethan Session. Highland born and Edinburgh-based, Rachel Newton has also channelled her considerable gifts as a musician, composer and singer-songwriter into developing a successful solo career, the first output of which was 2012's critically-acclaimed album "The Shadow Side". Alongside her original compositions and imaginative arrangements of traditional material on this album sits a beautiful cover of Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".

Rachel Newton's second solo album, "Changeling", was composed as a result of a 'New Voices' Commission showcased at the Celtic Connections festival earlier this year. According to folklore, changelings were creatures left behind by the faeries in place of human babies, and the stories of loss, protection and magic surrounding them provided the inspiration for Rachel's stunning new work.

Rachel's eight-date UK tour to launch the new album started on its 1st September release date in the intimate setting of Edinburgh's Coda Music, when she was accompanied by one of Scotland's finest fiddlers, Lauren MacColl (a member of the bands Salt House and RANT). The gig opened with the haunting Gaelic lullaby "Mo Chubhrachan", which featured Rachel's gently lilting vocal and a sparkling harp melody overlaid with majestic fiddle flourishes. This was followed by "The Changeling Reel", with intricate and breezy harp complemented by stirring gypsy-style fiddle.

"When I'm Gone" was a sheer delight, featuring Rachels' graceful vocal and strummed viola, Lauren's striking Appalachian-style fiddle and, as an added treat, some gorgeous harmonies from Rachel's friend Bella Hardy (BBC Radio 2's Folk Singer of the Year for 2014). This segued neatly into the elegant and hauntingly beautiful tune "Three Days", with breathtaking interplay between Rachel's viola and Lauren's fiddle.

The poignant Gaelic lament "A Phiuthrag's a Phiuthar" gave way to the closing set of tunes, "Up The Lum", which were as fresh and invigorating as a cool mountain stream, with the harp and fiddle swinging joyously. This left the audience wanting more and it was little wonder that the sales of "Changeling" were very brisk after the show!

Rachel Newton is already a leading light on the contemporary folk scene in Scotland and beyond and her bold and imaginative new album "Changeling" is sure to enhance her reputation even further.

David Ferguson