ISHBEL MacASKILL
Sìoda

There are some voices so sublime that they transcend all differences of language, culture, class or creed, and Ishbel MacAskill has one of them. I have watched this remarkable lady not only entrance a Catalan audience but have them singing the true version of The Eriskay Love Lilt in Gaelic, with passable Lewis accents, too! That devastating combination of bubbly sense of fun, warm, low, golden pure tones and supreme interpretive skill could melt a heart of solid marble.

When Ishbel sings, it is the song that matters, and all the tragedy, the hope, the endurance, the love and the courage of the Gaels shines through. Whether you have Gaelic or not, Ishbel's singing will speak to you and you will understand. This lovely album, Ishbel's third makes compelling listening -and for the misguided few who would still doubt the value and importance of Gaelic to the world's culture should be compulsory. -- Sheena Wellington

With Wendy Stewart, (Clarsach and concertina), Billy Ross (guitar and dulcimer), Iain MacInnes (pipes and whistle), Blair Douglas (keyboards and accordion), Chaz Stewart (guitar), Dick Drake (drums and percussion), and the backing singers: Michael Marra, Arthur Cormack, Fiona MacKenzie, Gillian Mackenzie and Amanda Millen. Several a capella tracks.