Tradfest: Dàimh

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh – 11/05/24

Diamh: Angus MacKenzie, Gabe McVarish, Ross Martin, Murdo Cameron, Ellen MacDonald

Saturday evening marked an exciting night at Tradfest, with Dàimh taking to the stage of Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre. This sold-out show had been very keenly awaited! Dàimh comprises the talents of Angus MacKenzie on pipes and whistles, Gabe McVarish on fiddle, Ross Martin on guitar, Murdo Cameron on octave mandolin and accordion and Ellen MacDonald on vocals. This Gaelic supergroup celebrate tradition, coming together to build incredible works of Scottish folk music.

The night started off with ‘Oran Eile do’n Phrionnsa’, a sprightly number that praises Bonnie Prince Charlie, originally written in the time of the Jacobite Rebellion. The upbeat tempo and rousing tune made it an excellent opener. It led us into ‘Tha Ghaoth an lar a’ Gobachadh’, a number from Dàimh’s latest album, ‘Sula’. The lyrics speaks of high winds at sea, and the tone seems to echo the kind of tentative, cooperative understanding that we reach with nature, that is always underpinned with an element of uncertainty and volatility. This number spotlighted Angus MacKenzie and Gabe McVarish as they built a conversation between the whistles and fiddle that seemed to me to reflect the beautiful reciprocal relationship between people and nature. This energy was sustained through the ‘Donald MacLeod Reels’, which got everyone in the packed theatre tapping along, whooping and clapping.

Next, Ellen MacDonald’s vocal capabilities were showcased with ‘Tàladh Choinnich Oig’, a beautiful lullaby number that she explained was originally written by a nursemaid for a child of the Mackenzie’s, praising the greatness of the clan. This gentle melody with a soothing tone was expertly carried by Ellen.

‘Shiny Side’, a jig composed by Murdo Cameron moved everyone to the floor. After only a few words of encouragement, much of the audience took to the edges of the stage to dance along to this electrifying number. This led into ‘12th of June’, another jig, this one composed by Angus MacKenzie, which served to carry on the party amongst the audience with uplifting bagpipes and quirky guitar chords.

The highlight of the set for me was ‘Chaidh Mis’ A Dh’Eubhal Imprig’, for it showcased each element of the band in their individuality but was blended so cohesively to build an emotive and stirring number. In an introduction, Ellen translated the lyrics to reveal a story of loss, war, grievance and hatred. The rhythm is steady and strong throughout and guides us through the swelling sound and emotion to a full-bodied, rich chorus.

Dàimh closed with a roof-raising encore. It was such a crowd pleaser – everyone was moving with the music, whether they were by the stage jumping and spinning, or standing up at their seats stomping and clapping along, we were finishing on a high. A brilliant end to a brilliant set – and let's hope that Dàimh is back in Edinburgh again soon!