Biography
A voice described as having ‘spun glass fragility belying a sinewy strength’, accompaniments ‘transcendentally timeless and effortlessly contemporary’ combined with the uncomplicated conviction with which she communicates with her audiences have ensured that Alyth is one of the most exciting singers on the Celtic scene. Her vocal talent and her understanding approach give her an ability to cross over diverse singing styles making her comfortable performing with a variety of artists.
She was born and raised on the Island of Lewis of the Northwest coast of Scotland. Having been immersed In the culture of these islands and being given the opportunity to perform from a young age, Alyth decided to feed her love of performing and to expand on her traditional background and went on to study classical singing and drama at the RSAMD in Glasgow. There she enjoyed the freedom to experiment and develop her vocal technique. This combination, sees her as quite a unique performer, and has led to her being involved in various projects where she has worked with a variety of musicians abroad and also from the thriving Scottish music scene - whether folk, jazz, classical or independent.
After the academy, armed with fresh knowledge, Alyth returned to her roots and began another education all together touring with various bands and Projects throughout Germany, Spain, Italy, Estonia, North America, the UK, Brazil, Ireland, Switzerland, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Norway & Sweden.
During this time she recorded with various artists, appearing on 16 albums to date, and in 2000 released her first solo CD An Iomall (The Edge) on Vertical records.
‘a dozen tracks over 42 minutes are enough to convince me that Alyth is someone worth going out of my way to listen to’
(The Irish edition - Philadelphia)
‘Some of Alyth’s songs are in Gaelic the language of her native Lewis but her thoughtful arrangements and ‘her subtle, intimate delivery speaks volumes in itself’ (Sue Wilson - Songlines)
She has appeared at various festivals, Celtic Colours, Celtic Connections, The Edinburgh International Festival, The Lammertree Festival, Hebridean Celtic Festival and in 2001 performed with her trio as part of
'Distilled-Scotland Live in New York'
Traditional Gaelic songs with modern arrangements; some are spare some feature tasteful arrangements that recall post era Bjork. No matter what the format her voice is spine tingling‘. (New York - Time Out).
Alyth also works as an actress performing for both stage and screen. She has worked with directors such as Alison Peebles, Ian McElhinney, Chris Baldock, and is also a founder member of Scottish Theatre Group ‘Dogstar’. Taking leading roles in their award winning productions.
(McCormack has) "a sensitive dynamic revealing a gift for comedy and movement" The Scotsman. ‘01
It is this combination of acting and singing that led to Alyth playing the lead Female role in the Scots/Irish musical On Eagle’s Wing
‘……….most memorable is the remarkable singing and haunting presence of Hebridean Alyth as the universal mother figure…..’
(The Irish Times - Dublin)
Alyth has also appeared on various film sound tracks most notably ‘Festival’ by Annie Griffin winner of the British Comedy Award for Best comedy Film 2005.
She is an artist who thrives on discovery and diversity. She has shared the stage with folk greats such as Martin Carthy and Norma Waterston, jazz singers Jacqui Dankworth, Sara Colman and Leanne Carol, Brazilian ensembles and Bulgarian voice choirs, and Scotland’s own Eddi Reader.
Her performance is inspired by the beautiful and harsh, natural landscape she grew up amidst - its vibrant oral and musical tradition, and the passion of the songs she learnt as a child. A passion she has endeavoured to carry on in her interpretation and performance as an adult, and through her desire to communicate with her audience.
“(Alyth’s) vocal is a wonder, retaining its quavering beauty through a wide variety of moods and amplitudes………..powerfully emotional despite its whispered fragility.”
(Jim Foley - Rootsworld.com)
