Grit (Martyn Bennett album)

Grit is the third studio album by Scottish musician Martyn Bennett, released in 2003 on the Real World Records label. It is arguably his most well-known and critically acclaimed work.

The album is a fusion of traditional Scottish folk music and modern electronic music, incorporating samples of archive recordings of Scottish singers, including Sheila Stewart, alongside contemporary instrumentation and electronica. Bennett sought to bridge the gap between the past and present, creating a vibrant and innovative sound.

Grit features a mix of instrumental pieces and songs with vocals from both sampled archive material and new recordings. The tracks often build from simple traditional melodies to complex and layered arrangements. Key themes explored on the album include Scottish identity, cultural heritage, and the power of music to transcend time.

The album received widespread praise for its originality, its skillful blending of genres, and its emotional depth. It has been influential in the development of contemporary Scottish folk music and has helped to introduce traditional Scottish music to a wider audience.

Bennett, who was living with cancer at the time of recording, considered Grit to be a deeply personal and important work. He died in 2005. The album remains a testament to his artistic vision and his contribution to Scottish music.