Pipe us in
CD Review
Max MacIntyre and friends
‘ Pipe Us In’ is a charming, modern folk album (three original songs, and one cheerful alternative version) recently released by Max MacIntyre and his friends. And with album art and lyrics by his father Ian MacIntyre, folk/primitive artist specialising in linocuts/woodcuts, the project has the warm feel of an extended family that truly like to gather together and make merry.
The quirky album features five talented young musicians, recently graduated from the University of Edinburgh’s Reid School of Music - Max MacIntyre on piano; Mairi Callan, Holly Gowen, Erin Wharton, and Sebastian Schneeberger on vocals. The first song ‘Santa Time 1’ is carried along with a humorous and jovial tempo and lyrics, and the juxtaposition between the mundane picture painted by the lyrics and the well-executed classical vocal style is smile inducing. You could almost believe that in listening to this song you’ve been privileged enough to drop in on an impromptu sing-song in someone’s living room. ‘Santa Time 2’ brings in the tambourine and a swinging beat, with soprano vocals lilting above the piano line to carry the song along. A more challenging piece it makes a great addition to a Christmas and Hogmanay playlist and is far more interesting than overplayed, international pop classics. ‘Pipe Us In’ has a lovely grasp of folk roots and honestly portrays the experience of living through the deep midwinter in Scotland. It’s sentimental and evocative without being saccharine. ‘Santa Time 2 - alternative version’ enters with electric guitar and changes the balance of vocals between male and female singers. The harmonies and rhythms are more challenging in this version and the lyrics clearer to understand
Novel, well executed, interesting, and yet also light and surprising, this was a fun album to listen to. It embodies Scottish heritage as a dynamic, modern entity - this is a folk music coming out of a globally connected generation. Not a cross-cultural mash up as was seen in the 90’s and 00’s, but an embodied pluralism in each of the musicians which they bring to their work. The juxtaposition between finely honed musicianship with playful composition and lyrics that tell gentle, down-to-earth stories make this a beautifully British/Scottish album that delivers quality without taking itself seriously. And for anyone abroad who loves Scotland, this is an album that does well conveying the modern, folk culture of the place.
You can find internet links to some of the performers here:
Max MacIntyre on YouTube: Max MacIntyre - Topic - YouTube
Ian MacIntyre: Ian MacIntyre | Contemporary Scottish Art
Mairi Callan: Màiri Callan (@mairi.callan) • Instagram photos and videos
Erin Wharton: Erin Wharton (@erinwhartonmusic) • Instagram photos and videos
Picture credit: Ian MacIntyre