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By Elly Welch, Events Monthly Stornoway.

Julie Fowlis at An Lanntair, Stornoway, Friday March 9th.

IT may sound clichéd to say she has the voice of an angel. But Julie Fowlis, rising Gaelic singing star, just does.

Appearing on stage at An Lanntair last month, the 28-year-old captivated the evening’s sell-out crowd with beautiful, vivacious singing.

Supported by a band of talented musicians, including Éamon Doorley of well-known traditional band Danu, the North-Uist-born Fowlis brought alive
tunes of generations gone, placing them in a modern musical arena - but with decorum. No frills, no ‘plastic’ noise: just very real, very pure music and,
well, heavenly vocals.

I don’t speak Gaelic. But Fowlis’s voice was so instrument-like - ricocheting, elastic - and so packed with expression, that even without the language I
could catch the sentiments of her song: nostalgia, love, humour - celebration.

And her amusing repartee between sets featured a riot of quirky anecdotes and detail about the tunes. She told of old men with a love of potatoes, butter and women; of Donald Ban’s bonnet, star crossed lovers, and the joys of spreading manure – not many could sing about that so sweetly!

Most of the evening’s tunes were from her latest album, Cuilidh, sourced mainly from the Western Isles.

Fowlis was joined on the Tune-up tour by the equally brilliant and beautiful Jenna Reid – a Shetland Fiddler and fellow member of famed traditional girl band, Dochas.

Willowy, enchanting Reid opened the evening with a dazzling hour-long set. She then reappeared at the evening’s final encore to play alongside Fowlis. She was supported by several gifted traditional musicians, including her sister Bethany.

Reid’s playing is reminiscent of her mentors, the late Shetland fiddlers Tom Anderson and Willie Hunter. Fluid, strong, full of tone: it sailed in the rigging, swooped like a bird, marched forth with passion. It embodied the wistful quality of traditional Shetland fiddle - but was sassy. It sparkled.

Most of the tunes, several composed by her, feature on her new album, ‘With Silver and All’. I cannot recommend it highly enough. To find out
more about Julie Fowlis or Jenna Reid, including future tour dates, visit their websites: www.juliefowlis.com or www.jennareid.co.uk