‘First Things First’ - an outstanding mix of passion, power and gentle reserve.

Ailie Robertson is a fine musician of that there is no doubt. She’s also individualist and inventive, and takes her virtuoso harp skills in directions many ignore or are too afraid to try. Her debut solo album reflects that, it also proves the clasarch is not simply a solo instrument, in Ailie’s hands it’s equally at home leading a band. Ailie’s album ‘First Things First’ is a golden opportunity to hear a harp played with flair, precision and consummate skill, plus passionate drive and gentle reserve.  There's so much depth to her music it could take a long time to discover it all, but keep listening you'll love the journey.

Ailie’s list of awards is enough to recognise her skill. There’s many clichés you could use such as ‘old head on young shoulders’, and ‘talent beyond her years’ – but they don’t come close. Simply listen to this album to hear a harp played as never before. You know without doubt you’re listening to inspired genius. Ailie effortlessly blends traditional Scottish and Irish jigs, contemporary tunes, airs, hornpipes, reels, and polkas with her stunning original compositions. On ‘First Things First’ Ailie also enlists the help of Paul Jennings on cajon and percussion, Duncan Lyall on bass, Ewan Robertson on guitar and James Ross piano and harmonium.

Everyone will find some favourites on ‘First Things First’ – these are mine. The album opens with ‘The Exploding Bow’ - three gentle jigs, the third being Ailie’s ‘Swerving for Bunnies’, which in her words ‘reflects rabbit avoidance’ – love it. ‘The Favourite Dram’ usually rattles along but Ailie slows it down and creates a tranquil melody woven around harp and piano. ‘Spirits’ is an outstanding air and once more Ailie proves (were it needed) how delicately her fingers can touch the harp. The tone alters dramatically with ‘The Humours of Scariff/ Good Spirits’ the second being Ailie’s own composition to (in her words) celebrate the joys of whisky drinking. Amen to that. Another of her compositions is Sands of Hosta’ (my favourite on the album) it’s just exquisite that’s all you need to say. This is quite simply music for the soul.

Ailie’s standing as an accomplished exponent of the clasarch precedes her, this album will only strengthen that reputation. If the day wraps its problems too tightly round your shoulders then listen to ‘First Things First’ and let the unwind begin.

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