PRESS NOTICE (MAY, 2001)

...NEW RELEASE... JENNIFER & HAZEL WRIGLEY "SKYRAN"

At the grand old age of twenty six, twin sisters Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley, are releasing their new album in June 2001, called Skyran which means to glitter brightly in Old Orkney Norn. It is their fifth duo album and marks ten years since the release of their first one 'Dancing Fingers'. Released under their own label Geo Sound named after the beach in Deerness where they used to play as children.

It was recorded in February 2001 and contains many original compositions and some previously un-recorded Orkney tunes featuring a small handful of favourite Orkney musicians on fiddle, double bass and accordion.

As before, they draw heavily on their musical experiences from Orkney with much of their own compositions seamlessly spliced with other traditional material from Orkney. A particular feature of their style is the almost telepathic attunement often experienced by pairs of twins which is abundantly evident in the Wrigleys' playing. There's a beguiling ease and artfulness about their sound built out of their restless musical inquisitiveness and inventiveness.

The theme of the album is based around the Picts who were thought to be little painted people who disappeared without trace. They are believed to have been confused with the trowie's/fin folk who were addicted to fiddle music. Many good Orkney fiddlers have disappeared into Howe's (mounds where trowie's were known to live). As self respecting fiddlers will know, twilight is when the trowie's come out and many of the tunes are based around this superstition.

Skyran has resulted in a unique collaboration with a range of jewellery from Sheila Fleet.

HAZEL: 'It happened very naturally as we are both from the east mainland and were at school with her children. She has named her collection 'Skyran' and individual pieces are named after tunes and sets in the album'.

Sheila Fleet Orkney Designer Jewellery

JENNIFER: 'Far more has happened in the last ten years than we ever imagined. We are absolutely exhausted but really excited. WE are still wanting to do a book of Orkney tunes and have some ideas for television about music on the road, so maybe in the next ten years....'

Feedback from reviewers and presenters always most welcome.
Geosound releases are widely distributed but also available by direct mail order.

Orkney Administration,
PO Box 6157,
Orkney Islands,
KW17 2WA,
UK
Tel/Fax: (+UK) 1856 871000

FULL CATALOGUE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.