Davy Holt - On a Day of Days
A first rate interpreter of traditional and modern folk music, Davy has made
a giant leap forward with his third CD. On a Day of Days sees Davy
emerging from the strictures of being a Scottish folk entertainer, refining
his own intuitive and dynamic take of folk music and beyond.
'On a Day of Days'is book ended by two wonderful songs, "Kishmuil's
Galley" and "Butterfly", two subtle but powerful renditions exemplifying
Davy's development towards another level of vocal and musical performance.
The haunting "Kishmuil's Galley" begins with wistful understatement, as a
lone guitar and whistle set the tone for Davy's poignant evocation of a
historic episode from the Isle of Barra. As the music picks up in pace and
depth, with potent layered vocals and a keening chorus, the song creates a
powerful atmosphere that is hard to get out of your head. Indeed 'On a Day
of Days'is a CD that makes you appreciate the button on your CD player that
lets you play a song several times over, as its essence gradually seeps into
your soul.
"Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" has a similar effect, a piano-led ballad
that tells of the tragic displacement of people during the Irish famine,
with Davy's gentle resonant vocals leading a sturdy, sombre swell of melody
punctuated by a gorgeous mandolin part. Stirring stuff!
Soon after comes Davy's reverent treatment of "Caledonia", an unusually
slower version of Dougie MacLean's classic that highlights the tender
sentiments of the lyrics and emphasises the song's bittersweet melancholy.
As throughout the album, the backing music is unobtrusive, arranged with
care, allowing the spirit of the song to emerge without needless frills and
distractions.
After that, it's time to pick up the pace a wee bit, Davy is only 25
after all! The CD features a trio of spirited anthems: Davy's friend and
mentor Gordon Menzies of Gaberlunzie contributes his "Freedoms Sword", a
nationalist history of Scotland which Davy recounts with real feeling and
conviction - you can hear it in the singing! "We're no gonna leave here" is
a rowdy rant written by another friend, the late Davy Steele, a rousing
call-to-arms protesting the harsh reality of one of Mrs Thatcher's draconian
factory closures. "The Wallace" is a nationalist staple, performed with
unadorned but earth felt effect, proving that "Wallace is with us today."
Meanwhile, an enchanting bit of light relief in the form of "Cod liver oil
and the Orange juice", popularised by the late Hamish Imlach. Treating the
song with a lively gusto that suggests he's not been averse to a dram over
the years, Davy enlivens this engaging story-song with the full undiluted
flavour of a nights events in Glasgow's legendary dancehalls of old,
highlighting the imagery with an appropriately fulsome, jaunty band sound
utilizing organ and slide guitar. Ideal for radio, this song has to be heard
a few times to fully appreciate the mysterious world it portrays!
Another side of songwriter Davy Steele, "Butterfly" is a gently compelling
slow number that, like its subject, has an elusive beauty that is hard to
pin down. The backing track tastefully embellishes a story of love and loss
that becomes quite hypnotic, and after it's over you want to play it again
in an effort to identify its exquisite charm. With subtle electric rhythm
and slide guitar, "Butterfly" should appeal to fans of David Gray and the
crop of solo singers who dominate current "pop" radio.
To round out this marvellously varied collection of songs, there's a
trademark set of mandolin instrumentals, the Jacobite Rebellion tale "News
from Moidart" and the evergreen "Flower of Scotland"- 'A day of Days'can
proudly claim it's place on the shelves of devotees and collectors of
distinctive folk music, alongside his musical 'godfathers'such as
Gaberlunzie, Dick Gauchan, and Dougie MacLean, 'On a Day of Days'is truly a
superb collection that suggests a bright future for young Davy Holt in his
pursuit of musical integrity and excellence.
Dave Macintosh
Newtonmore,
June 2006