The captivating debut solo album by Scottish singer/songwriter Fiona MacKenzie. These are songs with a distinct, northern European character. Her writing and singing technique are affected by a spectrum of influences spanning Hungarian folk music, Nick Cave, Kate Bush, Cocteau Twins and ***, as well as the Scottish and Gaelic traditions. Co-produced by The Blue Nile producer Calum Malcolm, traditional acoustic instruments and electronic elements blend to create a forward-thinking music that remains rooted in heritage. Mackenzie's emotive self-penned lyrics paint a picture and the sound at times is hauntingly Celtic. Born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, off the west coast of Scotland, she has been writing and performing songs in English and Gaelic since her early teens. File alongside such artists as Solveig Slettajhell and Julie Fowlis. "Elevate" will be launched at Celtic Connections 2008 in Glasgow. Fiona Mackenzie - vocals, acoustic guitar; Calum Malcolm -piano, electric piano, Hammond organ, accordian, bass, programming; Brian O hEadhra - vibrato guitar, bouzouki, bodhran; Stuart McCredie - electric guitars; Quee McArthur - bass; Dave Stewart - drums; Mairi Campbell - strings; Matt Backer - vibrato and wire guitars; Julien Arguelles - saxophone; All songs recorded by Calum Malcolm at Carlekemp Sleeve design by The Art Surgery, Knaresborough Photographs by Reaaz Mohammad