Cramasie Records CRCD 002 / Out 5th September 2025
Second album makes connections between people and traditions with guest appearances from Irish music legend Cathal McConnell, Scottish harp doyenne Alison Kinnaird and Gaelic music master Allan MacDonald
Leading Scottish harper Karen Marshalsay celebrates connections between the Scots, Scottish Gaelic and Irish musical traditions in solo, duo and trio performances on her second album, Eadarainn a’ Chruit : Between Us the Harp, released on Friday 5th September.
The follow-up to Karen’s 2019 album, The Road to Kennacraig, this album is a statement of tradition. Comprised of traditional tunes and songs and original tunes composed in the traditional style, it also showcases all three of the harps associated with Scottish music.
Tracks include Boys of the Lough founder Cathal McConnell’s soulful interpretation of the deeply affecting Irish War of Independence song, The Valley of Knockanure. There’s also a possible “first” in the duet MacDonnell’s March, on which Karen and her friend and mentor Alison Kinnaird both play bray harp, the distinctive sounding harp from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
As well as playing harp, Karen plays whistle on one track, Leaving Bellevue, and makes her recorded singing debut on Uamh an Òir (Cave of Gold) in a duo with piper and Gaelic singer Allan MacDonald. This atmospheric story of an otherworldly occurrence here gathers the four versions from Tolmie’s collection with William Matheson’s more familiar version.
The Cathal McConnell Trio, in which Karen features with fiddler-violist Kathryn Nicoll alongside the great singer, flautist and whistle player, delivers The Gates of the Yellow Town and The Eagle’s Whistle set and a quartet of harps, all played by Karen, creates a magical soundworld on the lovely Uncle Hugh’s Lullaby.
Growing up in Ayrshire, Karen has been influenced by Robert Burns since her teens and a trio of tunes associated with Scotland’s national bard that she has arranged include Rory Dall’s Port, the melody Burns originally chose for Ae Fond Kiss.
New tunes by Karen include dedications to her nephew, a mouse and a tortoise and a melody to mark her move from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, to her new home in the gorgeous East Neuk of Fife.
The album was recorded in Gran House’s studio in the Clyde valley and engineered and co-produced by another connection, Angus Lyon. Angus
and Karen first worked together almost thirty years ago, before Angus
became known for his classic 18 Months Later album with fiddler
Ruaridh Campbell and his tenure as keyboardist-accordionist with
Blazin’ Fiddles.
“Having recorded a solo album in The Road to Kennacraig, I wanted the
second one to reinforce the musical partnerships that have been such an important part of my musical journey,” says Karen. “I’ve always enjoyed playing with Alison, Allan, Cathal and Kathryn, as well as playing solo concerts, and their contributions enrich the music on the album just as their friendship and musicality have enriched my experience.”
Adam Roberts
Radio Summerhall Arts 