On January 17, 2025, Scottish singer Ainsley Hamill released her latest album, “Fable.” The album was produced by Sam Kelly of 'Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys' and features the talents of Alistair Iain Paterson, Toby Shaer, Signy Jakobsdottir, and Euan Burton.
Throughout the album, Hamill embraces Scottish culture to
its core, from mythology and traditional Scottish music to storytelling and
language. She writes original songs in Scots and Scottish Gaelic, keeping these
languages alive in the modern era.
Hamill’s voice throughout the album is soulful and smooth.
The first couple of songs on the album resemble jazz songs infused with
Scottish music. This fusion is pretty cool for listeners who can appreciate
both. The third song on the album, “Dh’èirich Mi Moch Madainn Chèitein,” breaks
the cycle with a traditional Scottish sound.
This album is a crucial piece of culture as it introduces
traditional Scottish music in a modern way that other musicians struggle to
capture. The sounds alternate between traditional Scottish sounds and more modern
sounds like soulful jazz. She uses traditional Scottish language, participating
in their revival efforts.
The songs on the album all have different vibes and styles.
However, Hamill’s unique sound and voice resonate throughout each song, leaving
her mark, no matter which song she is singing. Whether she is singing a song
she wrote or a traditional sea shanty, Hamill’s passion rings through each note
and word she sings.
“The Angels’ Share” sounds vaguely familiar, but I am having
trouble placing where I have heard the song before. There is a song with the
same name on the video game, “Genshin Impact,” but it is hard to tell if they
are the same because the game song is jazzier. They sound like different
styles, and they may well be different songs with the same name.
Overall, this album is perfect for those who want to explore
traditional Scottish music and themes with a modern twist. There is something for
everyone on this album, whether you like traditional Scottish music or jazz and
soul songs. None of the songs on the album are labeled as explicit.
1. Ailein, Ailein, 's Fhad an Cadal
2. Machir Bay
3. Dh’èirich Mi Moch Madainn Chèitein
4. Cumha an Eich-Uisge
5. The Angels' Share
6. Sinnerman/Pheacaich
7. Leave Her Johnny
8. The Cailleach
9. Beamer Puirt
10. Ó Ho-Ró 'Ille Dhuinn
11. What Can a Young Lassie
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