13 June 2008
Paul Mounsey - “Nahoo” Review
“And the day they go, goes our language, goes our heritage… goes our identity.”
So begins Paul Mounsey’s first and most spectacular work, blending the stories and sounds of Scottish folk music with the rhythmic language of Mounsey’s adopted homeland of Brazil. Though at times it sounds dated, “Nahoo” is both thought-provoking and, at times, deeply arresting. Tracks like “Robert Campbell’s Lament” conjure up images of riots, police brutality, and of a world out of control–all without saying a word. Others, such as “As Terras Baixas da Holanda”, are almost comically cheerful, culminating in a wistful ending both unexpected and remarkably beautiful. Paul Mounsey has achieved an incredibly rich blend of humor, excitement, sadness and love using exceedingly simple instrumentation (drum machines, even!); yet despite its simplicity, the work conveys complex emotions far more effectively than one would expect. “Nahoo” work seems dedicated to those who have been pushed aside (by time, place, and culture), to those forgotten or being forgotten. Simultaneously honoring the Gaelic-speaking Scots (whose language is featured prominently) while remaining hopeful of the potential for cross-cultural polination, this album is truly in the grandest spirit of “world music”.
It is in two tracks that the emotional core is fully fleshed out– “Dalmore” and “From Ebb to Flood”, the latter of which (this is a true dare) I challenge anyone to find an emotional equal to. This is the definition of “soaring”; a solo violin evoking the vastness of our world, the beauty of our fragile connections to each other, our tiny struggles and staggering dreams. In the more than ten years I have listened to this album, “From Ebb to Flood” has never failed in making me profoundly grateful to be alive.
I was recently informed that this album has finally gone back in print. You can pick up a copy here, and I encourage you to do so.
My Rating: 8 out of 10– though the highlights far outweigh the negatives (and are some of the best music I’ve ever heard)
