I recently premiered my New Voices commission, entitled ‘The River’ at Glasgow’s brilliant Celtic Connections festival, while simultaneously launching a studio album of the music on the day. If you wish to order the album you can do so on iTunes, Amazon, bandcamp or from me directly at at www.hamishnapier.com.
What is the ‘The River’ all about? Well, growing up next to the Spey, I spent many hours of youth practicing to the roar of the river in the background, so it’s always been there in my music. ‘The River’ brings to the surface vivid sonic images of occurrences, past and present, along the mile-long stretch of the Spey that flows past my childhood home. One of my brother’s fishes it, the other canoes it, my Uncle Sandy photographed it, my mother paints it, and there’s my Father’s daily fascination with its erratically changing water level. It will always symbolize home and a strong connection to nature. No mortal’s relationship with the river can ever be truly harmonious, its ever-changing micro-climate, mysteriously dark depths and unrelenting power are both merciless and enchanting.