The Tannahill Weavers - Alchemy

Review by Glenn Paquette

The Tannahill Weavers' album Alchemy is a stunning collection of traditional Scottish folk music. The band, consisting of Roy Gullane, Phil Smillie, John Martin, Colin Melville, and Lorne MacDougall, expertly blend traditional melodies with contemporary arrangements and instrumentation.

The album opens with "The Geese in the Bog," a lively instrumental piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks include "The Blackbird Set," a hauntingly beautiful medley of tunes featuring MacDougall's masterful piping, and "The Braes o' Balquhidder," a tender ballad sung by Gullane.

Throughout the album, the Tannahill Weavers showcase their incredible musicianship and their deep respect for traditional Scottish music. Their arrangements are both innovative and reverent, breathing new life into old tunes and making them accessible to a new generation of listeners.

Summary by Glenn Paquette

Alchemy is a must-listen for fans of Scottish folk music and anyone who appreciates masterful musicianship and timeless melodies. The Tannahill Weavers have truly outdone themselves with this album, and it is sure to be a beloved addition to any folk music collection.