Jenny Sturgeon - From the Skein (2016)

From The Skein is the debut album from singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon. Jenny's lyrics and album arrangements fuse traditional Scottish folk styles with contemporary influences from her home region - the north east of Scotland. With songs about local history, folklore and modern life, the themes and feelings of the songs ebb and flow through the album, and as a biologist, nature creeps in to all of Jenny's work. With exceptional vocal clarity Jenny weaves melodies with her thoughtful and poignant lyrics. From energetic and spirited songs to delicate ballads and gritty laments, From The Skein captures the range, depth and imagery of Jenny's songwriting. The album was produced by accomplished piano player and songwriter Simon Gall whom Jenny worked with on the critically-acclaimed 2015 Clype Album. From The Skein features Jenny's regular bandmates and the album co-arrangers - multi-instrumentalists Jonny Hardie (Old Blid Dogs), Davy Cattanach (Catford) and Grant Anderson (Brothers Reid). Special guests include Fraser Fifield on whistle and sax, Brian McAlpine on accordion and cello player Aongus Mac Amhlaigh. Guest vocalists include Indian Carnatic singer Rahul K Ravindran and gaelic singer Ana Maia MacLellan. From The Skein is testimony to Jenny's songwriting and storytelling ability as well as to the creativity of the musicians. It was born out of a love of folk music and the joy of creating new compositions and has produced a varied, vibrant and inspiring album.