With an exquisitely expressive voice and a deep connection to the traditions of the Scottish Highlands, Joy Dunlop is “long established as one of the finest Gaelic singers on the current circuit.” (Songlines) A vocalist renowned for her ability to breath freshness into the most traditional material, Joy translates ancient Gaelic musical traditions into the twenty-first century with elegance and grace. Having grown up immersed in the traditional music scene of Argyll, with an eclectic taste and love of a good beat and catchy lyrics, Joy has combined her musical passions on her latest album, Caoir, which sees her go for a bigger and bolder sound than ever before.
Caoir (pronounced koor) means a blaze of fire, fiercely burning, flames or flashes – imagery which comes across in the album’s undeniably vibrant and warming sound. Her pure, enthralling vocals burn brightest at the heart of it all, acting as the ember which breathes life to the skilled, heartfelt flames of musicianship that surround her on the recording. With its upbeat rhythms and captivating melodies and riffs, it’s easy to imagine the album’s sparkling tracks lighting a fire in listeners as Joy’s musical embers dance around venues and festivals across Scotland and beyond.
The Joy Dunlop Band, comprising guitarist Ron Jappy, fiddler Mhairi Marwick, bassist Gus Stirrat and drummer Ifedade Thomas, explores Scotland’s cultural links through exhilarating dance/music collaborations and beautifully arranged Scottish Gàidhlig songs. The result is music deeply grounded in authenticity and tradition, yet infused with the energy of a new generation; all lit up with the passion and power of Joy’s shimmering voice.
Caoir
Esteemed Scottish singer, broadcaster and Gaelic language advocate Joy Dunlop releases her third solo album Caoir, featuring contemporary recordings of traditional Gaelic songs.
Caoir (pronounced koor) means a blaze of fire, fiercely burning, flames or flashes – imagery which comes across in the album’s undeniably vibrant and warming sound. Her pure, enthralling vocals burn brightest at the heart of it all, acting as the ember which breathes life to the skilled, heartfelt flames of musicianship that surround her on the recording.
With its upbeat rhythms and captivating melodies and riffs, it’s easy to imagine the album’s sparkling tracks lighting a fire in listeners as Joy’s musical embers dance around venues and festivals across Scotland and beyond.
