Grantown's Lullaby Nana going on mini tour in Badenoch and Strathspey
A Grantown grandmother will be releasing a new music album next week which could not be closer to her heart.
Talented singer and harpist Marie-Louise Napier's unique lullabies were lovingly created for her children, grandchildren and friends over the decades.
And of course there could only be one name for the new album – Lullaby Nana.
There will be two free launch events –at the Spey Bank Studio in Grantown next Friday (May 12) from 7pm to 9pm and next night (Saturday) at the Ptarmigan Dome at Loch Insh Watersports Centre, also 7pm to 9pm.
Both events are free plus there will be lots of wine and nibbles provided.
Her son and well-known trad musician in his own right, Hamish Napier, said: "We just rather hope that folk will want to buy one or two copies of the book and CD pack which will be for sale.
"We’ll kick off with a short 20 minute documentary film about the project, and finishing off with a performance by Lullaby Nana herself, and a guest appearance by her sister, Kirsteen, also a fine singer.
"The Kincraig event has a little extra as it will also feature harp pieces by the pupils of local harp tutor Highland Harpist Emma Chisholm Wright, and Grantown-based cellist Su-a Lee playing the musical saw.
"These are going to be such special evenings, and we do hope you’ll come along and join us."
There is limited capacity in the small venues, and organisers expect both to sell out.
Marie-Louise Napier's unique body of work is a collection of songs which have been inspired by, or dedicated to, the children of the artist’s beloved family and friends.
As a mother, and now grandmother, singing lullabies to the children she cares for has long been the Strathspey native’s love-language.
But creating this album was about more than singing babies to sleep.
Lullabies are an age-old tradition of Scottish culture, a form of folk song and gentle communication between adults and children, however, the tradition faces risk of diminishing with time.
Lullaby Nana is a project that aims to shine a light on the valuable intimacy of cradle songs, and encourage more families to add them into their bedtime routines.
Napier recently told the Strathy: “I was encouraged to create this album by my son Hamish when he realised how many songs I had written for all of the babies in my life!
“I thought it would be lovely to have them on record for future generations.
The album features 18 tracks.
Lullaby Nana is available to stream and download on digital platforms from May 12 but can be pre-ordered now.
Can’t make it along?
Readers can order the CD from Marie-Louise Napier’s shop on Bandcamp.com – just search for ‘Lullaby Nana’.
Click here for the Grantown launch party and concert and here for the Kincraig event.
