Claire Campbell - Sweet Scented Summer Evening

(October 2005) 12 tracks

Claire Campbell's newly released debut album marks her out as a fresh new sound from Scotland's Highlands. All songs are written, arranged and produced by Claire. More than that, however, the music reveals an understanding of using traditional instruments to create a distinctive, modern sound.

Over the course of the album, Claire turns her hand to voice, piano, fiddle and guitar. But this is no dry study in musicianship * Claire on occasion throws in a kazoo for good measure, and the lyrics reveal warmth and humour.

The songs reveal a breadth of styles, moods and concerns. Deeply romantic whilst avoiding mawkish, melodic but not 'easy listening', optimistic and dark at the same time, Claire's words and music journey through folk and pop, country and Celtic influences. The overall result is an album that bursts with feeling and talent.

Claire was born on a farm in the highlands of Scotland, close to Inverness. She won a Traditional Music Scholarship at a young age which led her to giving solo fiddle performances at New York's Lincoln Centre, as well as several stints on Broadway.

She went on to study music at university, earning extra cash busking in Glasgow and playing in several bands, including a sly appearance on Belle and Sebastian's Boy With The Arab Strap album.