Kilts, tartans, malt whiskey and deafening bagpipes are certainly universal visages of Scottish culture while understandably, its spiritual tradition isn’t as well known beyond the thistles. That’s been the theme of the Baton Rouge family trio Smithfield Fair’s midwinter concerts for some time now and as a result of popular demand, is finally available on disc. Yet, take note—though there are a few Christmas selections, this is hardly a seasonal album. Rather, the focus here is sacred songs normally heard at church services and special occasions such as the Kirking of the Tartans; a family celebration often witnessed at Highland Games festivals.
What makes such an introspective subject so viable revolves around how Smithfield Fair rolls it all into one cohesive whole. While there’re Kirking favorites such as “The Apple Tree,” there are also centuries-old traditionals such as the soothing “Abide With Me” and the droning “Balloo, Lammy.” In between, there’re a few cool Yules (“We Three Kings,” “Deck The Halls”) that are interspersed such that the Christmas theme doesn’t naturally dominate. A sense of Scottish worship also prevails as Scotsman Tom Murray, Sr., cites the “23rd Psalm” and “The Lord’s Prayer” in Broad Scots with an accent that’s as thick as the murkiest bog.
For a mere trio, collectively they play an entire music store’s worth of instruments—Jan Smith, guitar, accordion, piano; husband Dudley-Brian, guitar, mandolin, bagpipes, smallpipes and recorder; and nephew Frang Bladen, percussion and bodhran. The harmony vocals are another strong point, subtle but reassuring, which adds to the reverence of the spiritual selection. The diversely culled material and the widely varying arrangements allow each track to differ significantly from its predecessor, resulting in many a tireless listen. Jan may play her gliding accordion on one track, only to handle lead vocals or interweaving piano lines later. Additionally, the Smith’s 10-year-old daughter Margaret adds an angelic presence on “Silent Night” and “Taladh Chriosta,” a haunting hymn from the Hebrides Islands. A beautiful body of work that invites reflection.
