Eugene weekly., September 21, 2006, Page 31, Image 31

BY VANESSA SALVIA
Links in a Chain
Dougie MacLean looks
to the future with his
heart in the past.
Dougie MacLean
8 pm, Wednesday 9/27
Majestic Theater, Corvallis
$24.50 adv., tickets available
only at Grass Roots Books,
541-754-7668
D
ougie MacLean is one of
Scotland’s most recognizable voic-
es; he has performed all over the
world and had his music featured in the
major motion picture The Last of the
Mohicans. He’s also no stranger to these
parts, having played in Eugene many times
before. This time, however, Eugene fans
will have to hustle to Corvallis if they want
to see this masterful guitar player and
singer in a special solo show.
MacLean’s Majestic Theater show is a
CD release party for his new record, Inside
the Thunder, his 18th album on his own
Dunkeld Records label. The CD was
recorded during the winter of 2005 in
McLean’s Butterstone Studio, a building
with lots of sentimental value. The build-
ing used to be the village school, the school
MacLean went to as a young boy, as did his
father in the 1930s.
Via email, MacLean filled me in on
recording the new album. “The songs are all
written by me and range from simple love
songs on acoustic guitar to more arranged
songs with a really contemporary feel
involving loads of instruments, strings, bass,
whistle, pipes, electric guitar, drums, etc.,”
MacLean said. ”I write about the things I
know well and feel passionately about: rural
life, the land, honesty, justice, love.”
“I hope through my concerts I can share
some of that passion,” said MacLean, who
sometimes performs with a seven-piece
band or string section, even a full orchestra.
“It’s all good fun, but I think the solo per-
formance is the most intense and personal.”
MacLean spends much of his time in
airports and performing in large cities, sur-
rounded by modern conveniences. At
home, though, he said, “We are very in tune
with the modern world, while enjoying the
beauty of a timeless rural setting. I guess in
a way it’s the best of both worlds.” He is
surrounded by his wife, daughter and son,
who are all talented musicians. “It’s a real
family affair. I think that keeps the music
ew
alive and very relevant.”
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