Shona Macdonald
Scots Singer
In Shona's own words; "I am a true Highlander offering a suite of songs ranging from metrical psalms through to Burns ballads. My 'a cappella' style of singing offers a unique example of oral music incorporating elements of my Presbyterian roots together with later influences of African Gospel music. My singing is part of who I am and where I have come from. I believe in the pieces I choose to sing, and I endeavour to bring sensitivity and originality to all my work."
Her albums include 'Silver Cord', a dedication to two friends, whose mother died at the age of forty-seven, which led to the CD 'Lost and Found', a mixture of
'a cappella', Scottish metrical psalms, and hymns. She thought they would have limited appeal but, in contrast, the albums have led to Shona being invited on two tours of America and performances at the Geneva Festival and Monteaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, touring with the Saltmine Theatre Company in the UK and being invited to sing on the album 'The Eye of The Eagle' along with Maire Brennan from Clannad. That album was launched at Norwich Cathedral and televised by Anglia Television in 1998.
She has also sung at the Edinburgh Festival, appeared in ITV's 'Eikon' programme and her latest CD 'Wish It Was Honey' is being played on Radio Scotland.
Reviews:
"Lost and Found" and "The Silver Cord"
Both the new CD "Lost and Found", from the Highland gospel songstress Shona Macdonald, and her earlier recording, "The Silver Cord", are vocal expressions as unique as they are potent. Her magnificent ethereal voice finds its origins in a musical genre that exists on an ever diminishing periphery within the Scottish Presbyterian Church, and it is where she makes contact with that tradition that these recordings are at their most compelling, the effect is inspirational and completely uplifting. This music deserves to be heard by a much wider audience; listen to these gems and be lifted, because the angels are surely singing along.
Calum Macdonald, Runrig
Shona's version of Psalm 22 set to her father's tune of Ganavan is what William Blake would have called 'a portion of eternity too great for the ear of man'. Her voice flows like a stream out of the Presbyterian tradition ....
Gareth Sturdy, Christianity Today Magazine
Shona sings unaccompanied much of the time; the result is so innocent, the jaded would toss it off as 'underproduced', but for me it was a touch of the eternal.
Thom Granger, CCM Magazine, USA
Shona has a crystal clear voice with a warm Scottish accent and sings mainly unaccompanied with sincerity and sensitivity .... songs that are haunting and reflective. Shona's approach could be among the truest expressions of authentic, indigenous worship in the British Isles.
Worship Together Magazine
view Gallery images of Shona Macdonald
Listen to Music samples from Shona Macdonald
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Tel: 0845 337 0588 or Email: debra@wedding-music-scotland.com
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