Alistair Ogilvy
Album: July Moon
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 9
Website: http://www.alistairogilvy.com

When Alistair Ogilvy released his debut album back in 2012, I doubt that even he expected it to have the impact it did. "Leaves Sae Green" was released on the back of him being a finalist in the BBC Scotland Young Musician Of The Year and saw him immediately being offered a spot on the Fatea Showcase Sessions, it also saw him being nominated in the Up and Coming category of the BBC Alba MG Trad Awards, shortlisted for the Fatea Male Vocalist Of The Year, which he subsequent won.

2015 sees him launch his sophomore album, "July Moon", the first on his own label and one that sees him develop a more contemporary tangent to his already impressive traditional credentials. Part of that approach has also seem him working alongside three highly impressive female vocalists in the shapes of Jerry Burns, Karen Matheson and Siobhan Wilson, giving him the chance to put his voice into some very new settings and highlight his vocal dexterity.

That makes it all seem like a contest, far from it, all of the singing on the album is delivered with a confidence that comes from knowing how powerfully voices can work together, whether in harmony or duet to set spirits soaring and hairs and emotions standing on end, the true majesty of vocal chords.

Similarly "July Moon" sees the singing styles take on a more varied mix as more of the acoustic spectrum comes into his range, giving the album a freer, less restricted feel than his highly impressive debut. Whilst the last couple of years may be light, in terms of releases, they certainly haven't been lacking in development. You get the feeling of a performer that has grown in stature as he's grown into the role.

It certainly isn't a boom or bust album either. I've often found that albums that have a hard initial impact can found wanting on subsequent plays. I've been lucky enough to have the album in my possession for a while now and can vouch for its staying power. Not only that, subsequent explorations have shown that there are still hidden paths to be discovered.

It's without hesitation I commend this album to you and in fact whilst you're in the process of ordering a copy, may I be so bold as to suggest you take time to get to know "Leaves Sae Green", Alistair Ogilvy is one of Scotland's rising stars and that star should be in the ascendant far wider than that.

Neil King