”A rousing and gentle night of beautiful soundscapes, celebrating found family”
The international collaborative music project, The Other, comes to fringe bringing with them the sounds and stories that span continents and whole lives. Musicians and artists coming from Scotland, Iran, Chile, Yemen, Brazil and Syria join up to perform a suite of original music, some set to poems written by members of the Other, some as backing to the classics by Rumi.
Each of the compositions performed create beautiful soundscapes, the range of instruments and talent contribute to an international and interesting sound; harps, sax, sitar and frame drums are just some of the familiar or unfamiliar instruments you’ll hear on stage.
Each song is rousing whether it’s a backing to a slow rumination on love by Rumi, or a more up tempo rhythm that really wishes there was space for us too dance. The range is broad, and the pacing throughout the show is just right, never slowing down for too long, never overpowering you. The singing of Rumi’s classic poems are smooth and gentle, almost comforting you in the warmth of the words written almost a millennia ago, while you bask in the warm and vibrant musical accompaniment.
The finishing poem “Letter to Scotland” was the highlight, a triumphant celebration of found family, a jubilant song celebrating the diversity of thought, experience, background, that has come together through the unifying power of art and music. Although they have finished their fringe run now, it is worth keeping an eye on what future projects and performances they will take on, as anyone with a passing interest in new kinds of music will love their work.