Willie Campbell - Dalma
by Tony Gaughan
published: 1 / 7 / 2014

Label:
Ceol's Craic
Format: CD
intro
Heartfelt homage to his native Isle of Lewis, mainly sung in Gaelic. from former front man with indie rockers Astrid and Scottish singer-songwriter, Willie Campbell
Willie is one of Scotland's finest songwriters. Formerly the front man with indie rockers Astrid and a founding member of the Reindeer Section,he moved back home to his native Lewis some years ago, where he produced some fine albums and a stunning EP 'Immune to Bad News' with his group Our Small Capital. He has since gone on to record a couple of great long players, notably the wonderful 'Down at the Head' with his current outfit and backing band on this project, the Open Day Rotation. 'Dalma' is a clear indication of a new found love of the island that Campbell moved away from to the big city lights of Glasgow. The record also features local Gaelic folk rock musician Calum Martin, and is predominately in the Gaelic language. On the ppening track 'Fir Chlis' Campbell revels in being back in his own back yard, and marvels at the sun and rain and sings of dancing light in the Northern hemisphere. This theme continues in 'Grunnd na Marra (Walking on the Sea Floor)'. He even tackles an old hymn in 'Nearer My God to Thee', and in 'Tìm Seasamh Sèimh' he tells the tale of a young boy "gazing at the stars" and "shining his torch up to Heaven." He again in 'Sàmhach' once again clearly illustrates his love of his homeland. It matters not what language Willie uses to describe this. His soaring voice and great arrangements throughout prove once again like Lewis (where he makes you want to be) Campbell is a national treasure.
Track Listing:-
1 Fir Chlis2 Grunnd Na Mara
3 Faisg Air Mo Dhia
4 Kerry
5 Tìm Seasamh Sèimh
6 Shlànaich Thu Mi
7 Rud as Fhèarr
8 Sàmhach
9 Am Balach Coir
10 M’Anam Trom
11 Time Stood Still
12 Kerry Can You Hear Me?
Band Links:-
https://twitter.com/opendayrotationhttp://www.williecampbell.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/opendayrotation/
Label Links:-
http://ceolscraic.org/https://www.facebook.com/Ce%C3%B2l-is-Craic-1417075255264637/
https://twitter.com/ceoliscraic
https://vimeo.com/ceolscraic
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