Search - Julie Fowlis :: Uam

'Uam' (pronounced 'oo-um') is a Scots Gaelic phrase meaning 'from me' - an appropriate title. Julie herself explains: 'The idea of passing a song, a tune or a story from one person to another is a common one throughout Gaelic Scotland, and I often feel being given a song is like being given a gift: one you can use and enjoy yourself, but one which ultimately must be passed on to someone else. The song is always more important than the singer and must be passed on to survive. This album represents much of my own background, upbringing and musical experiences over the last few years. So here we are: a new album and a snapshot of where we are in time. Album number 3 from me.'

Julie's debut album 'Mar A Tha Mo Chridhe (As My Heart Is)' quickly established a new, rising star in the Scots Gaelic firmament. The follow up album 'Cuilidh' the title roughly translates as a sanctuary for precious possessions was a watershed, taking the musical culture of the Western Isles to new frontiers. There were glowing reviews from specialist, broadsheet and monthly music press; appearances on Later With Jools Holland and Women's Hour (Radio 4); features in Mojo and the Guardian newspaper; 5 star live reviews and broad radio support from the likes of Mark Radcliffe, Stuart Maconie, Mike Harding, Bob Harris, Johnnie Walker, Chris Evans, Friday Night Is Music Night, etc.
Having previously been nominated in the New Horizon category, Julie went on to win Singer Of The Year in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

'Uam' represents 'the now' of the artist, melding further explorations of Fowlis's Hebridean roots with influences from live touring and musical collaborations over the last two years. The core touring band of Éamon Doorley (bouzouki), Highland fiddler Duncan Chisholm, driving guitarist Tony Byrne from Dublin and award-winning bodhrán player Martin O'Neill, has been augmented with friends, family and fellow musicians: Phil Cunningham, Mary Smith, Eddi Reader, Tom Doorley, Allan MacDonald, Jerry Douglas, Sharon Shannon, Ewen Vernal and Michelle Fowlis.

The album features ballads and tunes, work songs and duets with the revered Scots Gaelic singer Mary Smith. One of many highlights is a bi-lingual rendering of the traditional song 'Wind And Rain' with none other than the esteemed Eddi Reader.