Biography
Savourna Stevenson has long channeled her artistic vision through the Scottish harp. Beyond a string of distinctive solo releases, she has partnered with leading figures across British and Celtic folk circles. In 1995 she joined British vocalist June Tabor and double bass player Danny Thompson for the large-scale work Singing the Storm, a commission from Scotland’s Borders Festival. Two years afterward she assembled Irish multi-instrumentalist Danny Spillane, the Ross of Mull Ladies Choir, and her longtime pianist Anne Wood for the album Calman the Dove, which marked the arrival of Celtic Christianity on Iona. She has also joined Scottish fiddler Aly Bain, renowned from Boys of the Lough, on the album of original material Transatlantic Sessions, supported by Bain, Thompson, and Donal Lunny.
Critical outlets have welcomed her work. Mojo described Stevenson as “leading something of a one-woman revolution in the rarefied world of small harps,” while the London Sunday Times observed that she “draws together strands of ragtime, funk, Scots folk traditions, blues, and even African influences with invention, virtuosity, and joy.” The Scotsman characterized her as “borne on the wings of enviable technical dexterity and outstanding musicianship.” Her first recording, Tickled Pink, appeared in 1984 and mixed newly composed pieces with distinctive readings of traditional material; subsequent projects grew bolder still. The 1990 album Tweed Journey featured a seven-piece ensemble drawn from seasoned jazz and rock session musicians.
Songwriting has earned her equal recognition. Several of her original compositions, developed with various lyricists, were interpreted by Tabor in 1995. The extended work Tusitala, Teller of Tales supplied the score for two BBC Omnibus programs devoted to the life of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Critical outlets have welcomed her work. Mojo described Stevenson as “leading something of a one-woman revolution in the rarefied world of small harps,” while the London Sunday Times observed that she “draws together strands of ragtime, funk, Scots folk traditions, blues, and even African influences with invention, virtuosity, and joy.” The Scotsman characterized her as “borne on the wings of enviable technical dexterity and outstanding musicianship.” Her first recording, Tickled Pink, appeared in 1984 and mixed newly composed pieces with distinctive readings of traditional material; subsequent projects grew bolder still. The 1990 album Tweed Journey featured a seven-piece ensemble drawn from seasoned jazz and rock session musicians.
Songwriting has earned her equal recognition. Several of her original compositions, developed with various lyricists, were interpreted by Tabor in 1995. The extended work Tusitala, Teller of Tales supplied the score for two BBC Omnibus programs devoted to the life of Robert Louis Stevenson.