..from Scotland, with a connection to Margaret Atwood.
Even rocks melt in the sun
For some decades Karine Polwart has been one of Scotland’s finer singers of songs both “traditional” and “contemporary”.
She is also an uncommonly fine songwriter.
Dave Milligan – her longtime friend and neighbour in Pathhead, Midlothian – is usually regarded as a “jazz” pianist, but he has long also drawn on a well-informed love of traditional Scottish music.
Alone together, just a few minutes away from their own houses, they recorded one of 2021’s most rewarding albums.
(featured image is the album cover, with artwork by fellow Pathhead resident Jenni Douglas)
Its longest cut – whence comes the italicised quotation – is their co-authored original Siccar Point; part poetic recitation, part song, it is named after a nearby coastal place.
In 1788, James Hutton recognised Siccar Point’s origins/significance.
Thus was born the concept of Deep Time.
Siccar Point, also known as Hutton’s Unconformity, is a place of pilgrimage for geologists.
Discover more, here
Equally uncanny is Karine and Dave’s take on a song that has been around for at least four centuries, and which is variously considered as originally “Scottish” or “Irish”.
Their version was the result of a request from Margaret Atwood, whose late husband had particularly loved The Parting Glass.
Click this for the stories behind the song, and Margaret Atwood’s request.
Album site, with other Karine Polwart links.
Their duo album also includes the finest cover I have ever heard of a Kate McGarrigle song.