Anna MacDonald
Album: Paper Flowers
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.annamacdonaldmusic.com

It's been nearly two years since Anna MacDonald released her debut EP, "You Held Out Your Hand" to acclaim both north and south of the border. In the intervening period her talent as singer, writer and multi-instrumentalist have been winning her new audiences.

One of her great strengths is not only her own song writing skills, but also her interpretation of songs. You only have to hear her interpretation of perennial folk favourite, "Matty Groves", on her new EP, "Paper Flowers" to understand that you are in the presence of an artist prepared to mix with what some may consider institutions and do it well, though she may want to review the writing credits for this one.

For me though the stand out track on "Paper Flowers" is an ode to the city of Glasgow, "Glasgow Rain" (And no I'm not sure she wrote it as a prophesy of this Summer). It's one of those songs that if not done absolutely right, could easily fall the wrong side of the smaltzy line and Anna gets it absolutely right.

Whilst the EP is beautifully arranged and produced, Fraser Fifield taking command of the desk, it is Anna's incredible voice that does the majority of the captivating. It feels like it's been brought up on tinctures of whisky and honey and gets the chance to get to grips with songs and parts of songs in Scots, English and Gaelic.

"Paper Flowers" is in its own way a dramatic ep one that captures a great vocal dynamic and combines it well with highly sympathetic backing, there are times where I'd like Anna to go for a vocal only song and yet there are also sections where you can feel yourself wanting her to express her creativity exclusively through the music.

Anna MacDonald is one of Scotland's flourishing talents for a good reason and maybe we're not that far from being able to hear her fully express herself over a full album. In the meantime, can I recommend you get yourself a copy of "Paper Flowers" to get an understanding of Anna MacDonald.

Neil King