Debut CD from the Mhairi Hall Trio features Fraser Stone

Old Blind Dogs percussionist/vocalist Fraser Stone has recently released a debut CD with the Mhairi Hall Trio, a new project he has been working on. The album was launched at the top of Cairngorm! oldblinddogs.co.uk finds out more...

It’s not often that the boundaries of a genre and of an instrument are pushed so far in one recording but, with her debut album Cairngorm, pianist Mhairi Hall has done just that. The intrinsic link between the music and the area’s landscape is beautifully expressed to make an album that seems to transcend just music and become a body of work with a soul.

With legendary world music producer Donal Lunny on production duties, a man himself at the forefront of traditional Gaelic folk music for more than 30 years, the trio retreated to Crear in Argyll, which houses one of the finest Steinway pianos in the country. The surroundings breathed life into the recording and are widely responsible for it’s rich sounding emotional beauty.

Mhairi is joined in her trio by exceptional drummer and percussionist Fraser Stone, who is also from Strathspey, and wonderful guitarist Michael Bryan, who hails from Ullapool in Wester Ross. The three musicians have played together for many years and combined create a rich, powerful and clear sound, which draws on many emotional qualities and is soulfully reflected through their music. Mhairi Hall Trio and 'Cairngorm' is produced by Dónal Lunny, who also guests with them playing bouzouki.

Music must progress with respect for its past; Mhairi Hall Trio all play instruments, which would have, traditionally speaking, been regarded as unconventional for this type of music. They are traditional musicians, and are using their instruments and collective sound to explore new avenues and expression for Scottish music from Cairngorm.

The Highest CD Launch in the Country!

First thing in the morning Mhairi, Fraser, Michael and Dónal headed from Aviemore up the mountain road to Glenmore and onward to Cairngorm. Upon reaching the car-park at the bottom station they were met by Glyn Morris who had a grand piano for them, David Keay who had all the sound equipment, David Rogers who was helping out, and a small BBC crew consisting of Mary-Ann Kennedy and Seán Purser from Radio Scotland who were recording the days proceedings.

The grand piano was transported by the team into the mountain train, which took it up to the Ptarmigan venue that sits 600ft from the summit of Cairngorm. The air was clear, and the day beautiful which gave them a stunning view over the valley of Badenoch, Strathspey and beyond.

That evening, many train loads of people from far and near journeyed up in the mountain trains to the Ptarmigan. The music of ‘Cairngorm’ was performed live at the top of Cairngorm for the first time, against a backdrop off the mountain. It was a very special night for the trio, who were joined by their producer Dónal for a few sets. The audience appreciation was so supportive, and there was even a reindeer or two spotted trying to listen in to their music from outside!

For more information on the Mhairi Hall Trio and to hear audio samples visit their Official Website by click here.