Mellowosity
Encyclopedia
Mellowosity is the debut recording by Scottish Celtic fusion
group Peatbog Faeries
, released in 1996 on Greentrax Recordings
.
.
The album was engineered by Beeg Al & Terry Adamas at Rel Studios, Edinburgh
, Scotland
. The album was mixed by Iain Copeland and the Peatbog Faeries themselves. The sleeve design, photo-montages and digital artwork were created by John Haxby.
Iain Copeland dedicated his performance on the CD to Steven Smillie, noting "Gone but not Forgotten" in the liner notes.
Marshall Anderson of Living Tradition gave a positive review of the album, saying "The Peatbog Faeries belong to the generation of Scottish musicians who have their roots planted firmly in our traditional folk music idiom while simultaneously and fearlessly exhibiting a willingness to experiment eclectically. This new tradition can be traced through such bands as Bongshang
, Shooglenifty
, Talitha MacKenzie
, Baka Beyond
, and the Afro Celt Sound System
. The Peats switch effortlessly from one influence to another often within the space of a bar. This stylistic shifting, which can take them from a bagpipe jig to an afro rhythm and from a reggae beat to rock guitar riffs reminiscent of Pink Floyd
and back again to Scottish fiddle jigs, may upset, offend and raise the hackles of many purists but the overall texture is thrilling and full of the unexpected".
Celtic Fusion
Celtic fusion is an umbrella term for modern music which incorporates influences considered "Celtic," or Celtic music which incorporates modern music. It is a syncretic musical tradition which borrows freely from the perceived "Celtic" musical traditions of all the Celtic nations, as well as from...
group Peatbog Faeries
Peatbog Faeries
The Peatbog Faeries are a largely instrumental Celtic fusion band. Formed in 1991, they are based in Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.Their music embodies many styles and influences, including folk, electronica, rock and jazz, - but their main influence is traditional celtic music...
, released in 1996 on Greentrax Recordings
Greentrax Recordings
Greentrax Recordings are a Scottish record label for Celtic and celtic fusion bands.- History :Greentrax Recordings is an Edinburgh-based record label specialising in Scottish traditional music. They were founded in 1986 by former police inspector Ian Green. In 2001 he acquired the license to...
.
Background and release
This was the Peatbog Faeries' debut album, and was released in December 1996 on Greentrax RecordingsGreentrax Recordings
Greentrax Recordings are a Scottish record label for Celtic and celtic fusion bands.- History :Greentrax Recordings is an Edinburgh-based record label specialising in Scottish traditional music. They were founded in 1986 by former police inspector Ian Green. In 2001 he acquired the license to...
.
The album was engineered by Beeg Al & Terry Adamas at Rel Studios, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. The album was mixed by Iain Copeland and the Peatbog Faeries themselves. The sleeve design, photo-montages and digital artwork were created by John Haxby.
Iain Copeland dedicated his performance on the CD to Steven Smillie, noting "Gone but not Forgotten" in the liner notes.
Reception
Despite being critically overlooked for some years after its release, Mellowosity garnered generally positive reviews.Marshall Anderson of Living Tradition gave a positive review of the album, saying "The Peatbog Faeries belong to the generation of Scottish musicians who have their roots planted firmly in our traditional folk music idiom while simultaneously and fearlessly exhibiting a willingness to experiment eclectically. This new tradition can be traced through such bands as Bongshang
Bongshang
Bongshang are a band from Shetland who fuse traditional Shetland and folk styles with rock, funk, electronica and contemporary production techniques...
, Shooglenifty
Shooglenifty
Shooglenifty are an Edinburgh-based six-piece Celtic fusion band that tours internationally. The band blends Scottish traditional music with influences ranging from electronica to alternative rock...
, Talitha MacKenzie
Talitha MacKenzie
Talitha MacKenzie is an American world music recording artist, teacher and ethnomusicologist. Initially known for her work as the singing half of the original Mouth Music lineup, she has gone on to follow a highly-respected solo career...
, Baka Beyond
Baka Beyond
Baka Beyond is a world music group formed in 1992 with members from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, fusing Celtic and other western music styles with traditional Baka music from Cameroon.-Biography:...
, and the Afro Celt Sound System
Afro Celt Sound System
The Afro Celt Sound System is a musical group which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African music...
. The Peats switch effortlessly from one influence to another often within the space of a bar. This stylistic shifting, which can take them from a bagpipe jig to an afro rhythm and from a reggae beat to rock guitar riffs reminiscent of Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
and back again to Scottish fiddle jigs, may upset, offend and raise the hackles of many purists but the overall texture is thrilling and full of the unexpected".
Track listing
- Lexy MacAskill (5:03)
- Eiggman (3:42)
- The Manali Beetle [F.F.F.f] (5:59)
- Macedonian Woman's Rant (4:56)
- Angus MacKinnon (4:40)
- Leaving the Road (5:20)
- Weary We've Been / Dancing Feet (3:57)
- Maids of Mount Cisco (4:08)
- Mellowosity (9:03)