30 July 2025
New single features all the Scottish harps together
Harper Karen Marshalsay releases Uncle Hugh's Lullaby, the first single from her upcoming album, Eadarainn a’ Chruit : Between Us the Harps, on 15th August.
Recorded in Gran's House studio in the Clyde Valley, near Biggar, the track features all three harps from the Scottish tradition: the modern lever harp that's familiar to folk and trad music fans, the wire-strung harp of the Gaels and the bray harp that led dances during the renaissance and baroque periods.
The track actually features four harps, however, with a baby 19-string wire harp joining the other three in a rare ensemble performance.
Uncle Hugh's Lullaby came together with studio owner and the album's co-producer, Angus Lyon's encouragement and engineering skills as Karen layered the four harps, playing a beautiful melody she learned from Irish music legend Cathal McConnell.
Eadarainn a’ Chruit : Between Us the Harps is due for release on 5th September on Cramasie Records and is available to pre-order now.