Scottish harper Karen Marshalsay released her second album, Eadarainn a’ Chruit (Between Us the Harp), on Sept. 5. According to a press release, the album showcases three types of Scottish harps: the ancient, resonant wire-strung clarsach of the Gaels; the buzzing Lowland bray harp of the Renaissance and Baroque eras; and the modern lever harp. The 16-track album includes tunes from the Scots, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish traditions, along with original tunes in a similar style. In addition to solo tracks, the album features a bray harp duet with Alison Kinnaird and collaborations with piper and Gaelic singer Allan MacDonald, Irish singer and flute player Cathal McConnell, and violist Kathryn Nicoll. One track features all four of the harps on the recording layered over each other.
“Having recorded a solo album in The Road to Kennacraig [released in 2019], I wanted the second one to reinforce the musical partnerships that have been such an important part of my musical journey,” Marshalsay says in a press release. “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.”
Marshalsay specializes in all three Scottish harps (both gut- and wire-strung and the baroque bray harp with its buzzing sitar-like tone), performing throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, America, and Australia. She has also worked with African, Indian and Paraguayan musicians and appeared at Beethoven 2020 in Bonn, Germany. In addition to solo concerts, she currently performs with the long-established Scottish traditional music band The Whistlebinkies and with the Cathal McConnell Trio. For more information, visit Marshalsay’s website.
