Forever stuck in this idyllic idea of a long-gone folklore lost in the mist of time, the bagpipes are probably one of the least cherished instruments within exploratory music circles. And pretty much everywhere else, for that matter - their unique sound making it quite a challenge to overcome those preconceptions. Raised in the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Brìghde Chaimbeul’s approach to the instrument in its smallpipe version opens up new possibilities within that country’s rich folk tradition, forging a path where celtic melodies are hypnotically layered with a droney sensibility. Garnering praise from the likes of the BBC, The Quietus and The Guardian, Chaimbeul’s trajectory has been widely revered for its innovative style, which led her to collaborate with artists like Caroline Polachek or Gruff Rhys. Her second album - ‘Carry Them With Us’ - released this year and created in collaboration with Colin Stetson, is a mystical and alluring reflection of the landscape.Photo: Steve Bliss