Liz Clark in Conversation with Ruth Keegin and Rachel Hair re ‘Lossan’ AOW……….
Liz Clark aka Auntie Liz in conversation with Ruth Keegin and Rachel Hair on Sat 25th June re their new album ‘Lossan’. If you missed my interview and tracks from the album with Ruth and Rachel – listen again on above link
Two shining lights on the thriving Celtic music scene, Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin and Scottish harpist Rachel Hair, have collaborated on a stunning duo album, set for release on Friday 8 July 2022.
The body of work is entitled Lossan – a Manx Gaelic word, with meanings including ‘light’, ‘glimmer’, ‘sheen’ and ‘flame’, and is the first ever duo harp and Manx Gaelic vocal album to be released.
Lossan celebrates the vibrancy and growth of the Manx Gaelic language and culture on the Isle of Man and the connections between the island and Scotland, whose native tongues sit within the same family of Celtic languages.
Manx’s phoenix-like story has seen it rise from the ashes from being a gravely endangered indigenous language, to enjoying an upsurge of interest that has brought into focus the importance of worldwide efforts to protect and promote endangered languages.
Together Ruth and Rachel have thoughtfully arranged traditional Manx material alongside some newly-written songs by composers on the Isle of Man, reawakening traditional Manx lullabies,much-loved ballads and traditional jigs, exploring a range of themes including humanity’s connection with the natural world.
The pair met 10 years ago during the small hours of a traditional music session on the Isle of Man and have worked alongside each other on several musical projects celebrating the coming together of Celtic nations, both on the island and beyond, ever since.
Their mutual love and respect for each other’s roots and traditions led them to first perform together as a duo in 2017. The pandemic allowed them the time to collaborate on a recording, and despite the challenges of a 14-month Isle of Man border closure, Lossan has made its way into the light.
The album was recorded on the stage of the Erin Arts Centre in Ruth’s hometown of Port Erin on the Isle of Man. Ruth and Rachel will return to the special venue to launch the album as part of the Mananan International Festival on Monday 27th June.
Ruth Keggin said: “I have long loved Rachel’s music and the way she approaches playing Gaelic songs and airs with such sensitivity, so it felt like the most natural thing to work together. It’s been wonderful to create a duo album – there’s something truly special about the fluid musical interplay between harp and vocals and the captivatingly-resonant space that is created between the two instruments.
“The word ‘lossan’ has such a rich meaning and we love the idea of the word being associated with tiny particles of light in the darkness – it felt very fitting to title the album this way. The word also has connections to the sea and sky and it’s these things that connect us both and are so important to our homelands.”
Rachel Hair said: “For years now I have been inspired by the culture on the Isle of Man, and its music, song and language. I’m so grateful to those involved in the cultural scene on the island for welcoming me – this acceptance has been a real inspiration, giving me the freedom to play the island’s music and help fly its flag around the world.
“Both of us have enjoyed and respected each other’s music for a number of years so it felt about time we recorded together. It has been an utter joy to arrange and perform songs both old and new from the island and the album has given me the chance to hone my skills as an accompanist, exposing the raw beauty of the harp.”
LOSSANwill be available to buy on CD, stream and download on all major digital platforms on Friday 8th July 2022.
Track listings
- Arraneyn Cadlee / Arrane y Chlean
- Mish as y Keayn / Arrane ny Niee
- Tri Nation Harp Jigs – Na compaich ag ol / My Shenn Ayr/ Willie Coleman’s
- Arrane Saveenagh
- Keayrt Hug Mee Graih (I Once Loved a Lady)
- Graih Foalsey
- Ny Kirree Fo Niaghtey – Ny Kirree Fo Niaghtey / Bothan àiridh ‘m bràighe Raineach
- Eubonia Soilshagh / Moirrey ny Cainle Jig / Grine veg
- Oarn
- Yn Scollag Aeg
- Vuddee Veg
- Arrane Oie Vie
Ucoming Gigs
27th June – Erin Arts Centre Isle of Man