URRANTA is the long-anticipated release from Gaelic singer Deirdre Graham. Comprising a series of traditional songs that have long inspired Deirdre, the album is rooted in the sounds of her native home on the Isle of Skye and its surrounding areas. Introducing Deirdre’s raw and evocative vocals, highlighted by a rich orchestrated soundscape, URRANTA is a celebration of the Gaelic singing traditions and an expression of their reach across different musical worlds.
This album is a triumphant homage to the composers of its songs who spoke out boldly in reaction to war, political struggle, exile, and who championed female empowerment and love.
The sound of URRANTA is enriched by a string quartet; elevating the songs from their traditional beginnings into a contemporary genre, the strings weave together elements of classical and film music to create an expansive tone across all of the tracks. These bold arrangements are beautifully emphasized by the musicianship of a number of esteemed Scottish artists.
Recorded at Gran’s House Studio in Lamington, this album teamed Deirdre with producer and musician Angus Lyon (Blazin’ Fiddles). It also features the talents of prolific musicians Seonaid Aitken (BBC Jazz Nights), Kristan Harvey (Blazin' Fiddles), Patsy Reid, Alice Allen, James Lindsay (Breabach), and Ruairidh Graham (Niteworks), all of whom bring an energy and passion to the music that is evident on each track throughout the rise and fall of the album’s story.
Deirdre Graham is a Glasgow-based Gaelic singer whose musical stylings reflect her home on the Isle of Skye. Taking a contemporary approach to traditional Gaelic singing, Deirdre’s songs construct a rich orchestral soundscape around raw vocal performances to evoke the powerful themes in their stories. Born and raised on the Isle of Skye, Deirdre was immersed from an early age in Gaelic music, language, and culture. She was hugely influenced by the Fèis movement, and went on to graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS).
Deirdre was given the opportunity to live and work as a teacher abroad: first in China, then in Spain and Malaysia. These international experiences were a chance to explore different musical cultures, as well as different styles of musical performance. In particular, her time in Malaysia strengthened her appreciation for classical music, and this appreciation has informed her music. Her time away also helped reinforce a deep love for the Gaelic singing traditions connecting her to home, which refined and strengthened the desire to express the stories of her culture through song.
Since returning to Glasgow Deirdre has recorded and performed as a featured artist with Niteworks and Tradbeats.
Website: www.deirdregraham.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deirdregrahammusic
Twitter: twitter.com/deskye_music
Instagram: www.instagram.com/deirdregrahammusic