Among Mairi Nic a’ Ghobhainn’s many talents is the ability to make you listen to even the most familiar song as if you were hearing it for the first time. She sings with a profound understanding of the Scottish Gaelic song tradition and with a deep respect for both the creator of the song and the tradition bearer who kept it alive and passed it on. Mairi was one of the elite band of singers who took part in the Hebridean Celtic Festival ‘Atlantic Movement’ commission, which brought together seven female voices from both sides of the Atlantic – Cape Breton, Ireland, Wales and the Hebrides with a small band of traditional musicians to make a piece that celebrated and explored the shared spoken and musical language of the pan-Atlantic Gael. Màiri Smith was described by Atlantic Movement musical director Andy Thorburn as the "lynchpin" of the women who took part in the song project.
"‘Sgiath Airgid’, her first CD, is long overdue and eagerly awaited. As we’d expect, Mairi sings a range of songs from her own native district of Ness and from other areas of Lewis. The profound effect her years living in South Uist had on her repertoire is also evident in the choice of songs. Her affection for Ireland and her respect for its song tradition is marked by the beautiful Da mbeinn i mo bhadoir and having had the privilege of experiencing the Willie Clancy Festival in Mary’s company I know her many fans in Ireland will welcome ‘Sgiath Airgid’ as warmly as her many fans on this side of Sruth na Maoile."
Jo MacDonald
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