Gaol, by Rachel Walker

Gaol

by Rachel Walker

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Paul B Guitar Absolutely love the use of the fire crackling. Reminds me of in Uni learning about the use of normal sounds in music - Album is overall incredible! Favorite track: Thug mi Gaol Dhut, Thug mi Gràdh Dhut.

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1.	Là Luain 05:50	buy track
2.	Tìr is Sàl 02:39	buy track
3.	All for You 04:18	buy track
4.	Caisteal Ghaoilean 06:08	buy track
5.	An t-Iarla Diùrach 04:19	buy track
6.	Gun Dòchas 03:56	buy track
7.	I Never Knew 04:02	buy track
8.	A Phàidirinn a Dhùisg mo Dheòir 03:17	buy track
9.	River 04:07	buy track
10.	Cuimhneachain 03:52	buy track
11.	Thug mi Gaol Dhut, Thug mi Gràdh Dhut 07:53	buy track

about

Introducing ‘Gaol’, the long-awaited new studio album from Rachel Walker.

With a title evoking love, affection and the human bonds that bind us, this collection of songs reflects just that – a labour of love. Spanning the centuries, the songs include apposite selections from the Gaelic tradition, such as ‘An t-Iarla Diùrach’ (‘The Earl of Jura’), informed by Rachel’s intimate knowledge of Gaelic song as well as contemporary Gaelic songwriting.

Of the brand-new offerings, three represent collaborations with two of Gaeldom’s finest poets. ‘Caisteal Ghaoilein’ (‘Gylen Castle’), co-written with Tiree-native Flora MacPhail evokes the heroism of Clan Dougal. A contemporary anthem documenting an emotive episode in Highland history.

Also featured is fresh writing alongside Edinburgh-based Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, the result of two songwriting sessions held at the Scottish Poetry Library, prior to lock-down. ‘Là Luain’ is set to become a timeless classic, a heartbreaker of a ballad recorded alongside Mòd Gold Medallist James Graham. ‘Tìr is Sàl’ is a rollicking modern waulking song, evoking rural life, building on timeless imagery of land and sea.

The album also features brand new English-language compositions, ‘All For You’ and ‘I Never Knew’, which see Rachel exploring a new, contemporary style. In all, Gaol takes listeners on a journey through the many iterations of love: romantic, familial, of language, land and lore.

credits

released December 11, 2020

Produced by Rachel Walker and Jamie Smith
Recorded by Jamie Smith at St Mary’s Space – Appin
Additional Recording by Aaron Jones at The Vault Recording Studio
Lockdown recordings in garages, cupboards, duvet dens and living rooms.
Mixed by Jamie Smith at St Mary’s Space
Mastered by Stuart Hamilton at Castlesound Studios

Album Artwork and Design – Somhairle MacDonald
Photography - Paul Jennings

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about

Rachel Walker Scotland, UK

Rachel Walker is an award winning Gaelic singer and Songwriter based in the West Highlands of Scotland. Her style is strongly harmonic, often using her voice as an added texture and emotive addition to recordings. Rachel is a member of Gaelic Song quartet Cruinn and often performs and records with Skipinnish. ... more

rachelwalker.co.uk

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