Gaol by Rachel Walker

Introducing ‘Gaol’, the long-awaited new studio album from Rachel Walker.

With a title evoking love, affection and the human bonds that bind us, this collection of songs reflects just that – a labour of love. Spanning the centuries, the songs include apposite selections from the Gaelic tradition, such as ‘An t-Iarla Diùrach’ (‘The Earl of Jura’), informed by Rachel’s intimate knowledge of Gaelic song as well as contemporary Gaelic songwriting.

Of the brand-new offerings, three represent collaborations with two of Gaeldom’s finest poets. ‘Caisteal Ghaoilein’ (‘Gylen Castle’), co-written with Tiree-native Flora MacPhail evokes the heroism of Clan Dougal. A contemporary anthem documenting an emotive episode in Highland history.

Also featured is fresh writing alongside Edinburgh-based Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, the result of two songwriting sessions held at the Scottish Poetry Library, prior to lock-down. ‘Là Luain’ is set to become a timeless classic, a heartbreaker of a ballad recorded alongside Mòd Gold Medallist James Graham. ‘Tìr is Sàl’ is a rollicking modern waulking song, evoking rural life, building on timeless imagery of land and sea.

The album also features brand new English-language compositions, ‘All For You’ and ‘I Never Knew’, which see Rachel exploring a new, contemporary style. In all, Gaol takes listeners on a journey through the many iterations of love: romantic, familial, of language, land and lore.

Rachel Walker is an award winning Gaelic singer and Songwriter based in the West Highlands of Scotland. Her style is strongly harmonic, often using her voice as an added texture and emotive addition to recordings. Rachel is a member of Gaelic Song quartet Cruinn and often performs and records with Skipinnish.

rachelwalker.co.uk