Scottish singer and harpist, Rachel Newton, of BBC 2 Folk Award-nominated The Shee and The Emily Portman Trio, has released her debut solo album, The Shadow Side, on Shee Records. The album includes traditional songs in both English and Gaelic and also some of Rachel’s own instrumental compositions.

The album displays both the acoustic and the electric harps and Newton’s unique way of using them both to accompany songs and to provide instrumental setting for her compositions. Newton also plays fiddle and harmonium to add to the song accompaniment.

Guest musicians are Kris Drever of Lau on vocals, guitar and mandolin (including a duet performance of the traditional song ‘Green Willow’) and Mattie Foulds on percussion.

rachelnewton.bandcamp.com.