All In Good Time

Week 49 Dec 3, 2020 (#1958)
Settle in for a journey through longer compositions and musical concepts, including excerpts from The Spectrum Project, by Scottish composer, tutor and fiddle player Marie Fielding.

The Rose in the Gap…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (FGCD)
Spectrum…by Marie Fielding from The Spectrum Project (Rumford)
Mayo 2 Manchester…by Marie Fielding from The Spectrum Project (Rumford)
Aran Islands…by Marie Fielding from The Spectrum Project (Rumford)
The Lady of Shalott…by Loreena McKennitt from Troubadours on the Rhine (Quinlan Road)
E Pluribus Unum…by The Kruger Brothers from Appalachian Concerto (Double Time)
[ID excerpt] Between the Shadows…by Loreena McKennitt from Troubadours on the Rhine (Quinlan Road)
Gracie’s Lullaby…by Marie Fielding from The Spectrum Project (Rumford)
Queensferry Crossing…by Marie Fielding from The Spectrum Project (Rumford)
The Bonny Swans…by Loreena McKennitt from Troubadours on the Rhine (Quinlan Road)
Music Sacrée…by Alan Stivell from Harpes Du Nouvel Age (Rounder)
Festival Reels…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (FGCD)

Karine Polwart Live

photo: Karine Polwart at the Birnam Book Festival

Week 48 Nov 26, 2020 (#1957)
“One of our most lyrically striking and significant artists.” ~ The List
Spend an hour in the company of the much-decorated Scottish songwriter and musician, in this exclusive performance at the 2019 Birnam Book Festival.

Except where indicated, all songs composed by Karine Polwart and performed live at the Birnam Book Festival. To find out about Karine Polwart’s recorded music, visit her website

Behind Our Eyes (excerpt)…by Karine Polwart from This Earthly Spell (Hegri Music)
Follow the Heron
The Lark in the Clear Air (composed by Sir Samuel Ferguson)
The Salter’s Road
The Good Years (words by Edwin Morgan)
The Snow Hare (composed by Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart for Spell Songs)
[ID excerpt] King of Birds…by Karine Polwart from Traces (Hegri Music)
The Whole of the Moon (composed by Mike Scott with The Waterboys)
Dignity (composed by Ricky Ross with Deacon Blue)
Rivers Run
Bonnie, Bonnie Bee-o (traditional from the singing of Alison McMorland)
Lullaby: Bee-o
The Lost Words Blessing (composed by Julie Fowlis, Karine Polwart, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter, Jim Molyneux, Kerry Andrew for Lost Words: Spell Songs)

Vintage

Week 47 Nov 19, 2020 (#1956)
We explore music captured on 10” shellac discs, and some wax cylinders, in the early recording era. Hear some digital re-masters of recordings from a century ago and compare the versions by today’s artists. Included is Michael Coleman, hailed as the “Saviour of Irish Music,” in recognition of the impact of his pioneering recordings in the U.S. in the 1920s and 30s.

Shetland Reels…by Catriona Macdonald from Bold (Peerie Angel Productions)
Boys of the Lough/Mary Walker/McFadden’s/Dylan’s…by Brendan Mulvihill from Masters of the Folk Violin (Arhoolie)
Lord McDonald/Ballinasloe Fair…by Michael Coleman from The Wheels of the World - Vol. 1 (Yazoo)
Hector the Hero…by Tony McManus from Tony McManus (Greentrax)
The Bonnie Lass o’ Bon Accord/Marquis of Huntly’s Farewell/The Ten Pound Fiddle…by James Scott Skinner from The Strathspey King (Temple)
The Bonnie Lass o’ Bon Accord…by Celtic Fiddle Festival from Rendezvous (Green Linnet)
The Laird o’ Drumblair…by James Scott Skinner from The Strathspey King (Temple)
Cutting Bracken/Brisk Bob/The Laird o’ Drumblair…by Kevin Burke, Johnny Cunningham, Christian Lemaitre from The Celtic Fiddle Festival (Green LInnet)
[ID excerpt] Cradle Song…by Alasdair Savage from Alone With History (Woodland)
Mouth Music/Eddie Curran’s Favourite…by Dolores Keane and John Faulkner from Broken Hearted I’ll Wander (Mulligan)
Drowsy Maggie…by Patsy Touhey from The Wheels of the World - Vol. 2 (Yazoo)
Crossing the Bridge…by Eileen Ivers from Crossing the Bridge (Sony)
Tell Her I Am/The Trip to Sligo…by Michael Coleman from The Wheels of the World - Vol. 2 (Yazoo)
Ballydesmond Polkas…by Kevin Burke from Sligo Made (Loftus)
If You Were MIne…by Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac from Seinn (turtlemusik)
Money Musk/Johnny will You Marry Me/Keel Row…by James Morison Orchestra from The Wheels of the World - Vol. 1 (Yazoo)

"The Boys of the Lough" by Michael Coleman is included in The National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Read Fiona Ritchie's blog piece on his inclusion here.

Harvest

photo: Elizabeth and Ben Anderson

Week 46 Nov 12, 2020 (#1955)
During these difficult times for the performing arts, new releases are a bright reminder that musicians’ creative spark is undimmed. It’s good to enjoy an hour of what’s new.

Shimmering Light…by Stephen Clark from The Lady Aurora (Lady Aurora Recordings)
Passage West…by Hannah Harris from Tea for Tunes (Hannah Harris Ceol)
Carole and Colin’s…by Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy from Sparks (rachelhair.com)
In O…by Brian Ó hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie from Tir (Anam Communications)
The Teacake Reel/The Belldancer…by Pat Walsh from Simply Whistle (Bunowen Music)
Pais Dinogad…by Gwyneth Glyn and ensemble from Oran Bagraidh (oranbagraidh.com)
[ID excerpt] Little Sadie…by Stephen Clark from The Lady Aurora (Lady Aurora Recordings)
Bonnie At Morn…by Elizabeth and Ben Anderson from Over the Isles (elizabethandbenanderson.com)
Luna…by Judy Fairbairns from Edge of the Wild (Wild Biscuit)
Cluck Old Hen…by Stephen Clark from The Lady Aurora (Lady Aurora Recordings)
Long Time Traveling…by The Crooked Jades from Empathy Moves the Water (Jade Note Music)
Pretty Little Shoes…by The Crooked Jades from Empathy Moves the Water (Jade Note Music)
Abbzug…by Hawktail from Unless (Padiddle)
Kissing Cousins/John Sindt’s Favourite…by Pat Walsh from Simply Whistle (Bunowen Music)

Best of the Classics

photo; Bothy Band, circa 1975

Week 45 Nov 05, 2020 (#1954)
We listen back to some “best of” compilations featuring artists who elevated the profile of Celtic music in the 1970s and 80s.

Bodachan A Gharaidh/General MacDonald /Craig An Fhithich…by Battlefield Band from The Best of Battlefield Band (Temple) 
Do You Love an Apple…by The Bothy Band from The Best of the Bothy Band (Green Linnet) 
Leitrim Fancy/Round the World for Sport/Rip the Calico/Martin Wynne’s/The Endchanted Lady/The Holy Land…by The Bothy Band from The Best of the Bothy Band (Green Linnet) 
Tri Martolod…by Alan Stivell from 70/90 Zoom (Disques Dreyfus)
Ceol Bhriotanach…by The Chieftains from The Very Best of the Claddagh Years Vol 2 (Claddagh) 
Waiting for the Wheel to Turn…by Capercaillie from Dusk Till Dawn (Survival) 
ID Excerpt: Jig in the Castle …by Antoni O’Breskey from The Colours of Music (O’Music)
Deep in the Darkest Night…by Maddy Prior from Collections (The Very Best of 1995-2005)  (Park Records) 
The Maid of Coolmore …by Antoni O’Breskey from The Colours of Music (O’Music)
Leaving the Land…by Eric Bogle from Singing the Spirit Home (Greentrax)
Carolina Rua…by Mary Black from The Collection (Telstar) 
Trust in You…by Paul Brady from Nobody Knows (The Best of Paul Brady) (Compass) 
Scojun Waltz/Rander’s Hopsa…by Dick Gaughan from Prentice Piece (Greentrax) 

All Hallows' Eve

Image from Garefowl - Cliffs “The Living Wall - Guillemot Cliffs” by Cally Yeatman

Week 44 Oct 29, 2020 (#1953)
Ballads and tunes from the Celtic homes of Hallowe’en capture the mystery and enchantment of the season.

Home by Bearna…by Cathie Ryan from The Music of What Happens (Shanachie)
Tolka Polka/Hanter An Dro/Welsh Fairy Dance/French Mediaeval Tune…by Bellevue Rendezvous (bvrz.co.uk)
The Elfin Knight…by Kate Rusby from The Girl Who Couldn’t Fly (Pure)
Songs from The Fabled Hare:
I Sall Go Intil a Hare,
I Shall Run and Run…by Maddie Prior from Year (Park)
King of the Fairies/The Blackbird…by Sarah McQuaid from When Two Lovers Meet (sarahmcquaid.com)
[ID excerpt] Aisling Gheal…by John McSherry from Soma (Compass)
Excerpts from Cliffs:
Hion Daila Horo Ri Ho, Hion Daila Là
Cas Na Caora Hiortaich O
Cumha Hirteach
Pink Sandals on the Street… by Garefowl (Penny Fiddle)
The Great Wheel/Schiehallion…by Brian McNeill and Freinds from The Falkirk Music Pot (Greentrax)

Acoustic Treatment

Martyn Bennett (photo credit: BJ Stewart for Real world Records)

Week 42 October 15, 2020 (#1951)
Traditional instruments and folk voices visit songs by Bacharach and David, Bill Withers, Cyndi Lauper, and John Hartford this week. 

O Love is Teasin'...by Rhiannon Giddens from Tomorrow is My Turn (Nonesuch)     
Hibernian Rhapsody...by De Dannan from Hibernian Rhapsody (Shanachie)  
Miracle of Being...by Capercaillie from Dusk Till Dawn (Survival) 
Little Sadie...by John Doyle from Wayward Son (Compass) 
Time After Time...by Alison Brown from The Song of the Banjo (Compass)
I Say a Little Prayer...by Mary Black from No Frontiers (Gift Horse)
[ID excerpt] Eddie Kelly's...by John Doyle from Wayward Son (Compass)
Gentle On My Mind...by Luka Bloom from Head and Heart (Compass)
Reel Around the Sun...by Brendan Power from Brendan Power Plays the Music of Riverdance (Greentrax) 
Ain't No Sunshine...by Sileas from Play On Light (Greentrax) 
Love Comes Quietly...by Simon Thoumire and David Milligan from The Big Day In (Foot Stompin)
Sailing...by Moya Brennan and Cormac de Barra from Affinity (Beo)
Shputnik In Glenshiel...by Martyn Bennett from Bothy Culture (Ryko)

Fall Compilation

Week 41 October 08, 2020 (#1950)
Hear more new music from an assortment of artists featured on recent New Releases and Debuts shows.

Tune for Lukas/Talon’s Trip to Thomson Island…by Kevin Henderson and Neil Peralman from Burden Lake (kevinandneil.com)
Front Door Key…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
Master of the Dance/Kennedy’s Reel/Moneymusk…by Anadama from Way Back When (anadamamusic.com)
Wayfaring Stranger…by Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi from There Is No Other (Nonesuch)
Sports Are Sports…by The Idumea Quartet from More Than One (Penny Fiddle)
Rise Up Singing…by Stevie Palmer from We Become the Sunshine (Greentrax)
[ID excerpt] …by Anadama from Way Back When (anadamamusic.com)
David Robinson…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from The Final Trawl (Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd)
Muirsheen Durkin by The Black Brothers from Glackanacker (black-brothers.com)
The Soaring Kestrel/Leddy from Cavan by Tina Eck and Keith Carr from Lilt X (Lockhouse)
The Rut…by Skerryvore from Live Acros Scotland (skerryvore.com)
Little Margaret…by Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi from There Is No Other (Nonesuch)
The Grand Bazaar…by Sultans of String from Refuge (sultansofstring.com

Biomimicry

Week 40 October 01, 2020 (#1949)
Nature often inspires scientists to create technologies that benefit humanity, with innovations known as “biomimicry”.  In a similar vein, we feature music that takes a leaf out of nature’s book, turning to the natural world for inspiration and sometimes even echoing the sounds of nature. (World Animal Day is October 4.)

The Crows of Killimer/Box Reel #2/Boys off Malin/The Opera House…by Solas from The Turning Tide (Compass)
Little Sparrow…by John Doyle from Shadow and Light (Compass)
Ode to a Butterfly…by Nickel Creek from Nickel Creek (Sugar Hill)
Pretty Bird…by Kathy Mattea from Pretty Bird (Captain Potato)
The Blackbird…by Silly Wizard form Live Again (Birnam CD)
The Blackbird…by The Bothy Band from The Best of the Bothy Band (Green Linnet)
T|he Owl Waltz…by Brian McNeill from The Busker and the Devil’s ONly Daughter (Temple)
The Marching Gibbon…by Rachel Hair Trio from Trì (March Hair)
The Last Trip Home…by Battlefield Band from Leaving Friday Harbour (Temple)
At the Races…by Nightnoise from At the End of the Evening )Windham Hill)
Remember the Geese…by Karine Polwart from A Pocket of Wind Resistance (Hudson)
Inner Sound…by The Whistlebinkies from Inner Sound (Klub)
The Lobster…by The Gloaming from The Gloaming 3 (Real World)

World Beat

Photo: AfroCelt Sound System

Week 39 September 24, 2020 (#1948)
From Asturia to the Balkans and onward to Africa, Celtic musicians go wandering and find some brilliant collaborators.

Whisky & Sangria…by Eileen Ivers from Crossing the Bridge (Sony)
The Road to Corrandulla…by Sharon Shannon, Frankie Gavin, Michael Goldrick, Jim Murray  from Tunes (Compass)   
Braighe Locheil…by Baka Beyond from East to West (Narada) 
No Place Like Home…by Gerry O’Connor from No Place Like Home (Myriad Media) 
Co Ni Mire Rium…by Capercaillie from Beautiful Wasteland (Survival) 
Children of Africa…by Janet Russell & Christine Kydd from Janet Russell  & Christine Kydd (Greentrax) 
Èireann…by Afro Celt Sound System from Afro Celt Sound System Volume 2: Release (Real World)
ID Excerpt: M'ionam…by Capercaillie from Beautiful Wasteland (Survival) 
Homage à Gilles Brunet…by La Bottine Souriante from J’ai Jamais Tant Ri (DEP) 
Fairy’s Lament/Reel a Bouche…by Kim Robertson from The Spiral Gate (Narada)  
Kato Sta Limonadika/The Trip to Amnesia…by  The House Band from Groundwork (Green Linnet) 
Zagreb…by Tony McManus, Alain Genty, Soig Siberil from The Clear Stream (Greentrax) 
The Bear’s Rock…..by Andy Irvine & Davy Spillane from East Wind (Tara Music)   
Marta’s Dance/The Russian Dervish…by Brendan Power from Brendan Power Plays Music  from Riverdance  (Greentrax)

Late Summer New Releases

Photo: Skerryvore

Week 38 September 17, 2020 (#1947)
Fiona handpicks some of the best sounds of the late summer season of new releases.

The Coalminer/Salvation/Brenda Stubbert’s…by Anadama from Way Back When (anadamamusic.com)
The Hunger…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
Bonfrost…by Kevin Henderson and Neil Pearlman from Burden Lake (kevinandneil.com)
Love to Mali…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
Hold On…by Skerryvore from Live Across Scotland (Tyree)
Soraidh Slàn/The Rise…by Skerryvore from Live Across Scotland (Tyree)
[ID excerpt] Le Canal en Octobre…by Anadama from Way Back When (anadamamusic.com)
Exile’s Return…by The Black Brothers from Glackanacker (black-brothers.com)
The Crystal Year/Foxes’ Rock…by Flook from Ancora (Flarfish)
Essequibo River…by The Black Brothers from Glackanacker (black-brothers.com)
A Bhonaid Aig a Ghobhair…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from The Final Trawl (musicplockton.org)
Sjovald…by Kevin Henderson and Neil Pearlman from Burden Lake (kevinandneil.com)
Keepsake…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
The Ginger Grouse Jigs…by Skerryvore from Live Across Scotland (Tyree)

Song Links

Week 37 September 10, 2020 (#1946)
Fiona recalls the connections that captured her attention when she first traveled in the U.S. by exploring what ties her native landscapes to the music of the Southern Appalachians, featuring music from the Fellside Recordings Song Links 2 collection.

Shady Grove...by Al Petteway & Amy White from Land of the Sky (Maggie's
Music)
The Cuckoo...by Jean Ritchie from Song Links (Fellside)
The Cuckoo...by Al Petteway & Amy White from Land of the Sky (Maggie's
Music)
The Cuckoo...by The Devil's Interval from Song Links (Fellside)
The Devil's Nine Questions...by Bruce Molsky from Song Links (Fellside)
Cape Fear...by Ian Hardie from Westringing (IanHardie)
Wedding Dress...by T with the Maggies from T With the Maggies(Compass)
[ID excerpt] Craggy Pinnacle...Al Petteway from Mountain Guitar (Fairewood)
Barbrie Ellen...by Mary Humphries & Anahata from Song Links (Fellside)
Sligo Maid...by Kim Robertson from Shady Grove (Gourd)
Barbara Allen...by Cassie Franklin with Southern Brew from Song Links
(Fellside)
Draggle-tail Gypsies-O...by Benji Kirkpatrick from Song Links (Fellside)
Seven Yellow Gypsies...by Dolores Keane from There Was a Maid (Claddagh)
Clayton Boone...by Skip Gorman from Song Links (Fellside)
Red Haired Boy/Cold, Frosty Morn Šby Al Petteway from Mountain Guitar
(Fairewood)

Work Songs

Photo: Christy Moore

Week 36: September 3, 2020 (#1945)

Dulaman ...by Altan from Island Angel (Green Linnet)
Heavy Horses...by Robin Laing from Gentle Giants (Greentrax)
Mowing the Machair....by Fine Friday from Mowing the Machair (Foot Stompin')
Gone Are the Strong Ones...by Christine Kydd from Gentle Giants (Greentrax)
The Shoals of Herring/The Fish Gutters' Song...by Ewan MacColl from Folk on 2: Ewan MacColl (Cooking Vinyl)
The Two Conneeleys..by Christy Moore from A River of Sound (Virgin)
ID Excerpt: The Real Blues Reel…by Brendan Powers & Mick Kinsella from A River of Sound (Hummingbird Productions)
John Barleycorn...by Maddie Prior from Lionhearts (Park)
Speed the Plough/The Abbey Reel/The Primrose Lass...by Paul McGrattan from Claddagh’s Choice (Claddagh)
Bringing in the Sheaves...by Jim Boyes from All Through the Year (Green Linnet)
The Pound a Week Rise....by Dick Gaughan from Prentice Piece (Greentrax)
Molly Mallone...by Bohinta from The Great Celtic Airs (Keltia Musique)
The Last Trip Home...by Battlefield Band from Leaving Friday Harbour (Temple)
The Log Splitter Set...by Tannahill Weavers from Capernaum (Green Linnet)

Ballads of the Border

Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell (Photo credit: Tony McAnaney)

Week 34: August 20 2020 (#1943)
Cattle raids, battles, betrayals and family loyalties are all commemorated in the ballads of the borderlands between Scotland and England, sometimes referred to as “the debatable lands”. Join us to explore this rich seam of music and song.

Bonnie Border Lass...by Archie Fisher from Windward Away (Red House)  
Both Sides the Tweed ...by Capercaillie from Sidewauk (Green Linnet)  
Braw Lads o' Gala Water...by Ed Miller with Karine Polwart from Lyrics of Gold (Wellfield)
Dowie Dens of Yarrow...by Karine Polwart from Threshold (Borealis) 
The Fairest of all Yarrow...by Kate Rusby from Sleepless (Pure)  
Stories from the Debateable Lands...by Kathryn Tickell from The Best of Kathryn Tickell (Park)  
[ID excerpt Kilt Thy Coat Maggie...by Mike Katz and Iain MacLeod from Reclaimed (Greentrax)  
The Broom o' the Cowdenknowes...by Archie Fisher from Will Ye Gang, Love (Green Linnet)
May Colvin...by Sileas from Play on Light (Greentrax)
The Battle of Otterburn...by June Tabor from An Echo of Hooves (Topic) 
Young Hunting/Elzig's Farewell...by Sheila Kay Adams from All the Other Fine Things (Granny Dell) 
Young Emily...by Alasdair Roberts & Friends from Too Long in This Condition (Navigator)
Scottish border Waltzes...by The Gary Forrest Ceilidh Band from Both Sides of the Border
(Gary Forrest Ceilidh Band)

Now at ThistleRadio

(Rhiannon Giddens ~ Photo credit: Our State Magazine, NC)

Week 33: August 13, 2020 (#1942)
Hear some of the tracks being added to the playlist on ThistleRadio, our popular music channel and winner of Best Music Show: Country/Folk/Blues in the Online Radio Awards. Featured artists include: Rhiannon Giddens The Unwanted, Bachué, and Al Petteway & Amy White.

The Wave Sweeper…by John McSherry from Soma (Compass)
Whistle O-er the LaveO’t…by The Birnam Quartet from The Music of Burns (Shoogle)
Mirk Mirk is the Midnight Hour…by Bachué from The Butterfly (Big Bash)
Khazie/Trip to London/Cleveland Park…by Bachué from The Butterfly (Big Bash)
What Will We Do When We Have No Money?…by The Unwanted from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)
Donegal Reels…by De Dannan from Hibernian Rhapsody (Shanachie)
Weevily Wheat…by The Unwanted from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)
Bádaí na Scadán…by John McSherry from Soma (Compass)
Black is the Color…by Rhiannon Giddens from Tomorrow is My Turn (Nonesuch)
The Turning Tide…Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones from Old Tin (Dittyville Music)
O Love is Teasin’…by Rhiannon Giddens from Tomorrow is My Turn (Nonesuch)
Accokeep Shore…by Al Petteway and Amy White from Acoustic Journey (Maggie’s Music)
Wildwood Flower…by Al Petteway and Amy White from High in the Blue Ridge (Fairewood Studios)
Caledon Wood…by Al Petteway from Caledon Wood (Maggie’s Music)
The Maid of Murlough…by John McSherry from Soma (Compass)

Folk-Jazz

Week 32: August 6, 2020 (#1941)
The boundaries between jazz and other genres were loosened up in the 1960s, with folk melodies offering good vehicles for instrumental solos and improvisation. We pair traditional and contemporary folk song with elements of jazz styles this week.

Moondance...by Nightnoise from The White Horse Sessions (Windham Hill)
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat...by Tony McManus from Ceol More (Greentrax)
Fishes Will Fly...by Karan Casey from Two More Hours (Crow Valley)  
Little Impulse...by Catriona McKay from Starfish (Glimster)   
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face..by Luka Bloom from Head & Heart (Compass)  
Devil's Advocate..by Chris Stout from Chris Stout's Brazilian Theory - Live in Concert (Creative Scotland)
ID Excerpt: Lord Mayo..by Simon Mayor from The Art of Mandolin (Acoustics)  
Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight...by The Two Sisters: Hilary James and Janet Giraudo from Songs & Chansons (Acoustics) 
Slippy...by Nuala Kennedy from The New Shoes (Compass) 
10,000 Miles...by June Tabor from Angel Tiger (Green Linnet)   
Cutting the Chord..by Savourna Stevenson from Cutting the Chord (Eclectic)  
All the Prayer...by Gerda Stevenson from Night Touches Day (Gean Records)  
The Beaten Track/A Certain Smile...by Bachue from A Certain Smile (Culburnie)

Season of Light

Week 31: July 30, 2020 (#1940)
Celebrate the summer and the green earth in music that celebrates the long hours of sunshine in northern places.  

A United Earth I…by Alan Stivell with Youssou N’Dour from Dublin to Dakar (Putumayo)
The Shores of Loch Ghamhna/Aolbhneas Ellis Ui Cheallaigh…by Deiseal from The Long Long Note (Starc)
Swimming Song…by Maddy Prior from Year (Park Records)
Water Music…by Pierre Bensusan from Musiques (Windham Hill)
Daire’s Dream…by Davy Spillane from Atlantic Bridge (Tara Music)
California….by Eddi Reader from Angels & Electricity (Warner Music)
At The Races…by Nightnoise from The White Horse Sessions (Windham Hill)
ID Excerpt: Baka…by Outback from Baka (Hannibal Records)
The Pearl Wedding Reel/Country Girl & the Hungarian Fiddler…by Old Blind Dogs from Fit? (Green Linnet)
Land of Light…by William Jackson from Land of Light (Mill Records)
Moondance…by Nightnoise from The White Horse Sessions (Windham Hill)
A Costa de Galicia…by Sharon Shannon & Friends from The Diamond Mountain Sessions (Grapevine)
Marabilla…by Skyedance from Live in Spain (Culburnie)
Two Fifty to Vigo…by Shooglenifty from Venus in Tweeds (Greentrax)

Salm and Soul

Week 30: July 23, 2020 (#1939)
“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.In January 2005, Scotland’s biggest cathedral was filled to capacity as Gaelic psalm singers met and sang with the Mount Zion CPCA Church Gospel Choir from Alabama to explore the connections and contrasts in the performance styles and traditions of African-American and Hebridean psalm singing. We revisit this unique musical gathering and the creative exchanges it still inspires. 

Swallowtail…by Martyn Bennett from Martyn Bennett (Eclectic)
Oran Do Mhartainn…by Calum Martin with Isobel Ann Martin, Fraser Fifield and Malcolm Jones from Salm & Soul (Ridge)
Bethesda/Bangor…by Fraser Fifield and Malcolm Jones from Salm & Soul (Ridge)
Kilmarnock…by Calum Martin and the congregation of Back Free Church, Isle of Lewis from Salm: Volume 1 (Ridge)
Sing Halleluiah…by Mt. Zion CPCA Church Choir & Friends from Salm & Soul (Ridge)
Dundee. Salm 103…by The Gaelic Psalm Singers from Salm & Soul (Ridge)
It’s Gonna Rain…by Mt. Zion CPCA Church Choir & Friends from Salm & Soul (Ridge)
[ID excerpt] I Love to Praise His Name…by Irvin Anderson from Salm & Soul (Ridge)
Inexile…by Capercaillie with Sibeba (now Hijas Del Sol) from Beautiful Wasteland (Survival)
Co Ni Mire Rium…by Capercaillie with Sibeba (now Hijas Del Sol) from Beautiful Wasteland (Survival)
Oran nam Mogaisean…by Martyn Bennett and Margaret Bennet from Glen Lyon (Foot Stompin’)
Fhir a, Leadain Thlàth…by Martyn Bennett and Margaret Bennet from Glen Lyon (Foot Stompin’)
Medley: Loch Rannoch by Martyn Bennett / Amazing Grace and Stornoway excerpts by Mt. Zion CPCA Church Choir and The Gaelic Psalm Singers / The Kitchen Piper by Martyn Bennett from Salm & Soul (Ridge)

Brian McNeill at Swannanoa

Week 29: July 16, 2020 (#1938)
Scottish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and former Battlefield Band member Brian McNeill visited Traditional Song Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. We hear about his worldwide travels, musical encounters, love of writing - from songs to novels - as he performs live during a conversation with Fiona Ritchie.

St. Christopher And The Magpie...by Brian McNeill from To Answer the Peacock (Greentrax)  
The Steel Grey Skies/The Boy's Lament for his Dragon...by Brian McNeill performed live at the Swannanoa Gathering - recording not available. (The Boy's Lament for His Dragon can be found on Brian MacNeill's cd "The Road Never Questions", and also on "Live & Kicking" by Brian MacNeill & Iain MacKintosh)
The Lads o' the Fair...by Brian McNeill performed live at the Swannanoa Gathering -  (The Lads o' the Fair can be found on Battlefield Band's cd "Live Celtic Folk Music") 
The Baltic Tae Byzantium...by Brian McNeill from The Baltic Tae Byzantium (Greentrax)
[ID excerpt] The Gilded Shadows...by Brian McNeill from The Busker and The Devil's Only Daughter (Temple) 
When the Laverock Sang in the Morning...by Brian McNeill performed live at the Swannanoa Gathering - recording not available. (The Laverock Sang can be found on Brian MacNeill's cd "Unstrung Hero")
Bring the Lassie Hame...by Brian McNeill performed live at the Swannanoa Gathering - recording not available.
(Bring the Lassie Hame can be found on Brian McNeil's cd "The Baltic Tae Byzantium")

New Summer Sounds

Week 28: July 9, 2020 (#1937)
The flow of music is never-ending and an early summer harvest of new recordings yields some great music. Fiona handpicks some of the best new sounds from this summer.

Hypnotica…by Sultans of String from Refuge (sultansofstring.com)
Coming Down for You…by Joan Shelley from Like The River Loves The Sea (No Quarter)
Return to Burton Road/The Inishbofin Jig/Brother John…by Catherine Keane and Tom Delaney from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good Luck (keandelaneymusic.bandcamp.com)
Gràdh Gael Mo Chrìdh…by Maggie MacInnes from Port Bàn (Marram)
Ard Aoibhinn/The Hunter’s Purse…by Marla Fibish from The Bright Hollow Fog (noctambulemusic.com)
Cha Teid Mise/’N Robh Thu ‘Sa Bheinn…by Maggie MacInnes from Port Bàn (Marram)
[ID excerpt] Peter Feeny’s Dream…by Benny McCarthy from Press and Draw (boxbenny.com)
Catherine Martin/Keeper Hill…by Lilt from Lilt X (Lockhouse Records)
The Fading…by Joan Shelley from Like The River Loves The Sea (No Quarter)
Summer in Tehranto…by Sultans of String from Refuge (sultansofstring.com)
Fall On My Knees…by Idumea Quartet from More thank One (Penny Fiddle)
900 Miles…by Adam Amos and Noel Rocks from Back Up To Zero (amosandrocks.com)
Sheehan’s Jigs…by The Gloaming from The Gloaming 3 (Real World)