Anglo-Celtic

Week 18 (#1980)
An hour of English artists this week, who have helped define the folk and Celtic roots sound since the 1960s, influencing many artists from Bob Dylan to Paul Simon.

Worcester City…by Eliza Carthy from Anglicana (Topic)
Canadee-I-O…by Nic Jones from Penguin Eggs (Topic)
The King & Queen of England…by Sandy Denny from Circle Dance (Green Linnet)
Who Knows Where the Time Goes?…by Fairport Convention from Circle Dance (Green Linnet)
Calling On Song…by Steeleye Span from The Journey (Park)
Blacksmith…by Steeleye Span from The Journey (Park)
[ID excerpt] For Jan…by Danny Thompson from Circle Dance (Green Linnet)
Willie’s Lady…by Martin Carthy from The Collection (Green Linnet)
The Bonny Boy…by Pentangle from Think of Tomorrow (Green Linnet)
Roly Gentle/Hot Rivets/Tartar Frigate/Closed Face Reel…by Kathryn Tickell from The Best of Kathryn Tickell (Park)
Cold and Raw…by June Tabor from Ashes and Diamonds (Green Linnet)
Cold Haily Rainy Night…by Various Artists from The Imagined Village (Realworld)
Estampie…by John Renbourn from Traveller’s Prayer (Shanachie)

Beltane

Week 17 (#1979)
Marked in early May, Beltane is one of four quarter-day festivals in the old year. Join our celebration of the natural elements in a Beltane-themed hour of music.

Fire Dance...by Richard Wood from Fire Dance (Iona)
Roly Gentle/Hot Rivets/Tartar Frigate/Closed Face Reel...by Kathryn Tickell from The Very Best of Kathryn Tickell (Park) 
Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance...by Loreena McKennitt from Parallel Dreams (Quinlan Road)   
Tine Gheal/Bright Fire...by Anam from Tine Gheal/Bright Fire (Linn)    
An Hour in the Gloaming...by Jim Malcolm from The First Cold Day (Beltane) 
Blackberry Festival Footrace/For Reals...by Hanneke Cassel from For Reasons Unseen (Cassel Records)  
[ID Excerpt] Firedance/Andalucia...by Brendan Power from Brendon Power Plays the Music from Riverdance (Greentrax)   
Beltaine...by Lúnasa from Lúnasa (Compass)    
We Build Fires...by The Poozies from Raise Your Head (A Retrospective) (Compass)     
The Fire of the Spirit...by Richard Souther from Illumination. Hildegard von Bingen: The Fire of the Spirit  (Sony)    
Flowers of Spring/The Wily Old Man...by John Carty from Yeh, That's All It Is (Shanachie)      
Snowdrops/Birth...by Maddy Prior from Year (Park)     
A Rosebud By My Early Walk...by The Birnam Quartet from The Music of Burns (Shoogle)   
Firedance...by Bill Whelan from Riverdance (Celtic Heartbeat) 

Earth Day

Week 16 (#1978)
Music has a role to play in creating a sense of solidarity, delivering a message of conviction, and contributing its own energy to the global collaboration that we need to tackle the challenges presented by the climate crisis. Our music this week celebrates individual and grassroots efforts such as Climate Café.

Dance on the Wind…by Maddy Prior from The Quest (Park)
Who Will Heal the Land…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
The Wishing Tree…by Doyle, McCusker, McGoldrick from The Wishing Tree (Under One Sky)
The Earth Abides…by Debra Salem , Kevin Mackenzie, Paul Harrison from In A Sma Room (Debra Salem)
Ten Thousand Voices…by Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi from There Is No Other (Nonesuch)
As Far As the Eye Can See…by The Kruger Brothers from Appalachian Concerto (Double Time Music)
The Land…by Dougie MacLean from Marching Mystery (Dunkeld)
[ID excerpt] Mussels in the Corner…by Ofra Harnoy from On The Rock (Analekta)
Black Waters…by Jean Ritchie from None But One (Greenhays)
Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s…by Ofra Harnoy from On The Rock (Analekta)
New Tomorrow…by Dougie MacLean from New Tomorrow (Dunkeld)
The Broken Pledge/Claggy’s Dilemma/Hamilton’s Jig…by Old Blind Dogs from The Collection (Lochshore)
Lark in the Morning…by Maddy Prior from Arthur the King (Park)
Weather Update…by Sultans of String from Refuge (sultansofstring.com)

Singers Songwriters

Week 15 (#1977)
Explore the craft of songwriters this week, and the landscapes that inspire their music, with Emily Smith, Berth Jansch, Eamon Friel, and Karine Polwart.

Vanity's Child...by Aine Furey from Celtic Woman 2 (Celtic Woman Records)
The Mermaid of Galloway...by Emily Smith from Too Long Away (Shoeshine Records)
Glint of Silver...by Eddie and Luc from Tirade (EdLucCD)
Nottamun...by Bert Jansch from Jack Orion (Transatlantic Records) 
As the Day Grows Longer Now...by Bert Jansch from Sketches (Temple)
The Fairy Queen...by Ailie Robertson from Little Lights (Lorimer Records) 
 [ID excerpt]  Ellen’s Dreams...by Battlefield Band from Beg & Borrow (Temple) 
All the Fun of the Fair...by Eamon Friel from Phone Tapping (Thran Records)
Gnossienne #1...by Tony McManus from Mysterious Boundaries (Greentrax)
King of Birds...by Karine Polwart from Traces (Borealis)
Eternity...by Dougie MacLean from Essential Too (Dunkeld) 
The Japanese Hornpipe...by Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire from The Emigrant's Song (Celtic Conspiracy)
Both Sides the Tweed...by Dick Gaughan from Favourite Scottish Songs (Greentrax) 
Sporan Dhomhnaill/Mist on the Glen/Miss Monaghan...by Battlefield Band from Beg & Borrow (Temple)

ThistleRadio Classics

Photo: Wendy MacIsaac and Mary Jane Lamond by Riley Smith

Week 14 (#1976)
Great songs and tunes are always available to stream on our 24-hour music channel. Span the decades with classic tracks on ThistleRadio.

Steel and Stone (Black Water)...by Kris Drever from Black Water (Compass
Reel de Chicoutimi/Reel St. Jean/Reel Eboulement...by Chris Norman from The Beauty of the North (Dorian)
Shanagolden...by Dervish from The Thrush in the Storm (Whirling Discs)
Keeping up with Calum...by Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac from Seinn (Factor)
Hoireann ó Rathill iù ó...by Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac from Seinn (Factor)
The Devil's Courtship...by Battlefield Band from Happy Daze (Temple)
Ridee...by Session A9 from Session A9 (RAJ)
ID EXCERPT Bard Dance...by Enya from Enya (Atlantic)
The Sailor Boy...by The Bothy Band from Out of the Wind Into the Sun (Green Linnet) 
Spike Island Lasses...by Dan Ar Braz from Made in Breizh (Tinder)
May Colven...by Emily Smith from Ten Years (White Fall)
Parting Friends...by Stuart Mason from Tradition (Native Home Music)
Jig-Só...by Calan from Dinas (Sain)
Cutting the Chord...by Savourna Stevenson from Cutting the Chord (Eclectic)

New Spring Sounds

Photo: Antoni O’Breskey
Week 13 (#1975)
This week we enjoy an hour of new releases, hand picked for Springtime.

The Dancing Leaves…by Antoni O’Breskey from Samara (nomadicpiano.com)
I’ll Always Leave the Light On…by Kris Drever from Between Islands (betweenislands.com)
The Curly Doddy/The West to North Sound/The Last Queen of Burray…by Saltfishforty and Jane Hepburn MacMillan from Between Islands (betweenislands.com)
The Wee Weaver…by Antoni O’Breskey from Samara (nomadicpiano.com)
Drunken Spider…by Antoni O’Breskey from Samara (nomadicpiano.com)
We Are the Music Makers…by Antoni O’Breskey & Ronnie Drew from From Dublin to Bilbao (nomadicpiano.com)
[ID excerpt] Reel 97…by O’Brien, Mayock, Ní Bhriain from Tunes From the Goodman Manuscripts (emermayock.com)
Ceó Draoigheachta Sheól Oidhche Chum Fághain Mé…by O’Brien, Mayock, Ní Bhriain from Tunes From the Goodman Manuscripts (emermayock.com)
The January Man…by Dougie Mackenzie with Brian Miller from Along the Way (Greentrax)
Coffee and Tea/O’Sullivan’s Fancy…by O’Brien, Maycock, Ní Bhriain from More Tunes from the Goodman Manuscripts (emermayock.com)
Dr. John O’Grady’s 75th/Quinie Fae Rhynie…by Kate McNally Trio from Now More Than Ever (katemcnally.com)
Fishing Puirt - Fiddle Tunes: The Stronsay Weaver…by Julie Fowlis, Kathleen MacInnes and various artists from Between Islands (betweenislands.com)
Sandy…by Ross & Ryan Couper from An Den Dey Made Tae (Couper Records)
And So It Goes…by Ross & Ryan Couper from An Den Dey Made Tae (Couper Records)

New Writing

Photo: The Macalla Orchestra, conducted by Michael Rooney © 2016 Draîocht.
Week 12 (#1974)
This week, we feature an hour of recent compositions, including festival commissions and soundtracks from such artists as Gillian Frame, Michael Rooney, The Macalla Orchestra, John Doyle and John McCusker.

Spleodar Reel...by Michael Rooney and The Macalla Orchestra from The Macalla Suite (Draioicht Music)
The World's Room...by Jim and Susie Malcolm from Spring Will Follow On (Beltane)
The Wishing Tree...by John Doyle, John McCusker, Mike McGoldrick from The Wishing Tree (Under One Sky)
Sprig of Thyme...by Heidi Talbot and John McCusker from Love is the Bridge Between Two Hearts (Under One Sky)

Pan O'n I'n Fach...by Blodau Gwylltion from LLifo Fel Oed (Sain)

Universal Hall/ Spider's Legs/Mick's Knitted Triplets...by Gillian Frame from Pendulum (Cheery Groove)
Rothes Colliery...by Gillian Frame from Pendulum (Cheery Groove)

[ID excerpt] Highland...by John Doyle, John McCusker, Mike McGoldrick from The Wishing Tree (Under One Sky)

Lament for 1916...by Raymond Smyth from Lament for 1916 (raymondsmyth.com)

The 1916 Centenary Suite...by Raymond Smyth from Lament for 1916 (raymondsmyth.com)

A Clash of Traditions...by Michael Rooney and The Macalla Orchestra from The Macalla Suite (Draioicht Music)

The Proclamation...by Michael Rooney and The Macalla Orchestra from The Macalla Suite (Draioicht Music)
The Battle...by Michael Rooney and The Macalla Orchestra from The Macalla Suite (Draioicht Music)

Spring Compilation

Week 11 (#1973)
Head, heart, river and rose - we pick our way through a random assortment of themes in a selection of music from artists including Luka Bloom, Elephant Sessions, The Unwanted and Underhill Rose.

Head and Heart...by Luka Bloom from Head & Heart (Big Sky Records) 
Sprig of Thyme...by Heidi Talbot and John McCusker from Love is the Bridge Between Two Hearts (Under One Sky Records)  
Borderland...by Barry Nisbet from A Bright Ray of Sunshine (Barry Nisbet)  
Tingles...by Elephant Sessions from The Musicians' Nest (Lews Castle College) 
Sovay...by Low Lily from 10,000 Days Like These (Mad River Records) 
Weevily Wheat...by The Unwanted from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)
Sweet Roseanne...by The Unwanted from from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)
[ID break] Alia Star ...by Daygan from Musician Magician Music Magick (OSMO) 
Beth Mawr Ydi Cariad...by Calan from Deg | 10 (Sain) 
New Set...by Calan from Deg | 10 (Sain) 
Banks of the Lee...by Luka Bloom from Head & Heart (Big Sky)
Trouble in Mind...by Underhill Rose from Underhill Rose Live (underhillrose.com)
Fair and Tender Ladies...by Betse & Clarke from River Still Rise (betseandclarke.com)
Arkansas Traveller...by Betse & Clarke from River Still Rise (betseandclarke.com)
Deio I Dywyn...by Calan from Deg | 10 (Sain) 

Classic Counterpoint

Photo: Carina Drury, Irish Baroque Cellist

Week 10 (#1972)
We listen this week to music from Celtic roots that shares an approach with Renaissance and Baroque music.

Reel of Tulloch…by Chatham Baroque with Chris Norman from Reel of Tulloch (Dorian)
Never Weatherbeaten Saile…by Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band from Hang Up Sorrow & Care (Park)
A Round of three country Dances in One…by Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band from Hang Up Sorrow & Care (Park)
Playford Tunes…by Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band from Hang Up Sorrow & Care (Park)
Galliarde La Roine D’Ecosse…by Neil Morrison from Scotland’s Music (Linn)
The Golden Pavan…by John Kitchen from Scotland’s Music (Linn)
Come My Children Dear…by The Baltimore Consort with Custer LaRue from Scotland’s Music (Linn)
Lord Willoughby’s Welcome Home…by John Renbourn from The Hermit (Shanachie)
[ID Excerpt] The English Dance…by John Renbourn from The Black Balloon (Shanachie)
Francesco Geminiani: Sonata Op. 5 No. 6 in A Minor: Adagio; Allegro Assai, Grave; Allegro…by Carina Drury from Irlandiani (Penny Fiddle)
Sídh Beag agus Sídh Mór Variations…by Antoni O’Breskey from When Bach Was An Irishman and Mozart a Gypsy Boy (nomadicpiano.com)
Bach’s Stormy Fuga…by Antoni O’Breskey from When Bach Was An Irishman and Mozart a Gypsy Boy (nomadicpiano.com)
When She Cam’ Ben She Bobbit…by Chatham Baroque with Chris Norman from Reel of Tulloch (Dorian)
J.S. Bach: Sonata No. 2 in A Minor…by Chris Thile from Bach Sonatas and Partitas Vol 1.(Nonesuch)

Wales

Week 8
210225 (#1970)
“Do the little things in life” is a Welsh saying loosely attributed to St. David, the patron saint of Wales. We follow this approach to exploring some Welsh music, stopping to enjoy the particular features and details that engage us in the music and singing.

Swansea Barracks…by Rag Foundation from Minka (Fflach) 
Tros yr Aber – Over the Estuary…by Crasdant from Dwndwr – The Great Noise (Sain)
Elen a’r Eos…by Ffynnon from Adar Gwylltion (Taith)
En filant ma Quenouille…by Ffynnon from Adar Gwylltion (Taith)
Malldraeth…by LIio Rhydderch & Elin Wyn Jones from Enlli (Fflach)
A Ei Di’r ‘Deryn…by Ember from Open all the Doors (Salt & Slate Records)
Moelyci…by Steve Eaves from Moelyci (Sain)
ID excerpt: Tra Bo Dau...by Cerys Matthews (with Gwenan Gibbard) from Hullabaloo (Rainbow)
Bwthyn…by Toreth from Toreth (Fflach)
Can y Fari…by Julie Murphy & Dyland Fowler from Ffawd (Fflach)
Alabaina Wood…by Robin Huw Bowen from Y Fford I Aberystwyth – The Road to Aberystwyth (Sain)
Four Loom Weaver…by Rag Foundation from Minka (Fflach)
Storm…by Ember from Open All the Doors (Salt & Slate Records) 
Ty Bach Twt...by Cerys Matthews (with Gwenan Gibbard) from Hullabaloo (Rainbow) 
Dadl Dau...by Cerys Matthews (with Gwenan Gibbard) from Hullabaloo (Rainbow) 

Love and Freedom

Week 6 Feb 11, 2021 (#1967)

Venus in Tweeds...by Shooglenifty from Venus in Tweeds (Greentrax) 
The Gowden Locks of Anna…by MacAlias from Highwired (Greentrax) 
Jim Batty’s/The Bloom of Youth…by Michael McGoldrick & John McSherry from At First Light (Vertical Records) 
To The Homeland…by Maura O’Connell from Walls & Windows (Sugar Hill)
I Love the Trees…by Nomos from Set You Free (Green Linnet)
Suite de Ridees…by Tony McManus from Ceol More (Greentrax)
Voices of the Land…by Maire Brennan from Maire (Atlantic)
Gi’e Me Lass Wi’ a Lump o’ Land…by Ian F. Benzie from I’se The B’y (Lochshore)
ID Excerpt: Dans Fisel...by Tony McManus from Tony McManus (Greentrax)
A’ The Airts…by Ceolbeg from Seeds to the Wind (Greentrax) 
Wild West Waltz…by Wendy Stewart from About Time (Greentrax)
The Beauty Spot/The Maid Behind the Barrel…by Danu from All Things Considered (Shanachie)  
More Than Just a Dram…by Robin Laing from The Angel’s Share (Greentrax)
Aibreann - The Last Pint…by Lunasa from Lunasa (Compass)
Tail Toddle Finale…by Skyedance from Skyedance - Live in Spain (Culburnie)

Mountains

Music featured by Jamie MacLean was written in support of The Little Sherpa Foundation

Week 5 Feb 04, 2021 (#1966)
Mountain ridges, peaks, summits and sentinels have always inspired awe and affection. As ever, they find their way into songs and instrumentals. We take to the hills this week on Thistle.

High On a Mountain…by We Banjo 3 from Live In Galway (We Banjo 3)
High On the Mountain…by Joan Shelley from Like the River Loves the Sea (No Quarter)
Up On Flat Top Mountain…by Al Petteway and Amy White from High In The Blue Ridge (Fairewood Studios)
Round About the Mountain…by Rhiannon Giddens from Tomorrow is My Turn (Nonesuch)
Sherpas Speak…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
Dumji…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
Dargie…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
Who Will Heal the Land…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
[ID excerpt] The Quiet Glen…by Marla Fibish from The Bright Hollow Fog (Noctambule Music)
Cuillins of Home…by Archie Fisher from Windward Away (Red House)
Craggy Pinnacle…by Al Petteway and Amy White from High In The Blue Ridge (Fairewood Studios)
Young Man On a Mountain…by Karine Polwart from Laws of Motion (Hegri Music)
Not Over Yet…by Jamie Maclean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
Climbing Wall…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
The Mani Wall…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
Footsteps from Home…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld Records)
Red Paddy on the Ridge…by JigJam from Phoenix (www.jigjam.ie)

The Gathering: Song Connections

Week 4 January 28 (#1966)
Join Fiona Ritchie at the Swannanoa Gathering’s Traditional Song Week with her guests Appalachian balladeer Elizabeth LaPrelle and Irish singer and flute player Nuala Kennedy. Together they explore the connections between songs of love, loss and migration that connect Scotland, Ireland and Appalachia.

Footsteps/Julian and Iwona's...by Nuala Kennedy from Tune In (Compass)
Five Mile Town...by Nuala Kennedy from Tune In (Compass)
Óró mo bháidín (excerpt)...by Nuala Kennedy - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
Bobby Shaftoe (excerpt)...by Elizabeth LaPrelle - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
Black is the Colour (excerpt)...by Elizabeth LaPrelle - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
Cha Tig Mòr...by Nuala Kennedy - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
The Three Little Babes (The Wife of Usher's Well)...by Elizabeth LaPrelle - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
[ID excerpt] Ida Red...by Anna Roberts-Gevalt & Elizabeth LaPrelle from Anna & Elizabeth (Free Dirt)
Troubles (excerpt)...by Anna Roberts-Gevalt & Elizabeth LaPrelle from Anna & Elizabeth (Free Dirt)
Awake, Awake You Drowsy Sleeper (excerpt)...by Elizabeth LaPrelle - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
Night Visiting Song (excerpt)...by by Nuala Kennedy - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
Sally Sits a-Weeping...by Nuala Kennedy and Elizabeth LaPrelle - sung live at the Swanannoa Gathering
Five Mile Town...by Nuala Kennedy from Tune In (Compass)

Burns Night

Week 3 Jan 21, 2021 (#1965)
Our annual review of the songs of Robert Burns celebrates the enduring influence of Scotland’s National Bard.

The Lea Rig…by The Paul McKenna Band from Between Two Worlds (Greentrax) 
Now Westlin Winds…by Dick Gaughan from Gaughan Live! At the Trades Club (Greentrax) 
Ae Fond Kiss…by Corrina Hewat from My Favourite Place (Foot Stompin’)
Braw Lads o’ Gala Water…by Ed Miller from Lyrics of Gold (Wellfield)  
Highland Mary…by Jim Malcolm from Acquaintance (Beltane) 
Rigs o’ Barley…by Emily Smith from A Day Like Today (Foot Stompin’) 
[ID excerpt] Brose and Butter…by Corrina Hewat from My Favourite Place (Foot Stompin’) 
The Slave’s Lament…by Feisty Besoms from Auld Flames (Feisty Besoms)  
Parcel of Rogues in a Nation…by Rod Paterson from Songs from the Bottom Drawer (Greentrax) 
Ye Jacobites…by Eddi Reader from Eddi Reader Sings the Songs of Robert Burns (Compass)  
Aye Walkin’ O…by Jock Tamson’s Bairns from Rare (Greentrax) 
O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose…by June Tabor from Rosa Mundi (Green Linnet)  
Auld Lang Syne…by Jim Malcolm from Acquaintance (Beltane) 
Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonie Doon…by Ferintosh from Ferintosh  (Ferintosh.com)

Wintersong

Week 2 Jan 14, 2021 (#1964)
Monochrome landscapes, wild weather and long dark nights are perfect for inspiring the songs and tunes of the season.

Snow on the Hills…by Kim Robertson from Christmas Lullaby Volume II (Gourd Music)
Long Shadows…by Maddy Prior from Ballads & Candles (Park Records)
Shenandoah…by Dean Shostak from Revolutions (Dean Shostak Music)
The Undefeated Sun…by Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band from Ringing the Changes (Park Records)
Cold Frosty Morning/Growlin’ Old Man, Growlin’ Old Woman…by Atwater.Donnelly from When Winter Calls (Rabbit Island Music)
Wild…by Atwater.Donnelly from When Winter Calls (Rabbit Island Music)
Imagine Peace…by Atwater.Donnelly from When Winter Calls (Rabbit Island Music)
Planting in Winter…by Maggie Sansone from Cold Frosty Morn (Maggie’s Music)
[ID excerpt] The Snowy Path…by Altan from A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh (Green Linnet)
Travellers’ Prayer…by John Renbourn with Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill and The Voice Squad from Traveller’s Prayer (Shanachie)
When the Wind Begins to Sing…by John Renbourn from Traveller’s Prayer (Shanachie)
Improvisation on Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)…by Yo-Yo Ma with Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile from Songs of Joy & Peace (Sony Classical)
Improvisation on Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)…by Yo-Yo Ma with Sérgio Assad and Odair Assad from Songs of Joy & Peace (Sony Classical)
Improvisation on Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)…by Yo-Yo Ma with Paquito d’Rivera and Alon Yavnai from Songs of Joy & Peace (Sony Classical)
Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)/Auld Lang Syne…by Yo-Yo Ma with Chris Botti from Songs of Joy & Peace (Sony Classical)
Dona Nobis Pacem…by Jean Redpath from Still the Night (Jean Redpath Records)
The Moving Cloud…by Kipps Bay from A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh (Green Linnet)

New Year Sounds

photo: Cellist Ofra Harnoy and trumpet player Mike Herriott

Week 1 Jan 7, 2021 (#1963)
Mark the beginning of 2021 with an hour of new releases, hand picked to brighten the New Year.

Walk Beside Me…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (FGCD)
The Rose in the Gap…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (FGCD)
Saltwater Joys…by Ofra Harnoy from On the Rock (Analekta)
Lonely Waterloo…by Ofra Harnoy from On the Rock (Analekta)
Fiddle and Bow…by Tommy O’Sullivan from Song Ablaze (tommyandsaundra.com)
Dublin Blues…by Tommy and Saundra O’Sullivan from Safe Home (tommyandsaundra.com)
[ID excerpt] Bonfrost…by Nordic Fiddlers Bloc from Bonfrost (nordicfiddlersbloc.com)
Lewis Jig/Munro’s Jig/Rory Gallagher/Lee’s Lulaby/Crossing the Minch…by The Pipes & Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards from Going Home (Scotdisc)
Heron…from Spell Songs, the musical companion to The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
The Lost Words Blessing…from Spell Songs, the musical companion to The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
- Spell Songs ensemble includes: Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Kerry Andrew, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter, Jim Molyneux -
Tune for Lukas/Up Da Stroods Da Sailor Goes …by Nordic Fiddlers Bloc from Bonfrost (nordicfiddlersbloc.com)
Sing Merrily to Me…by John Doyle from The Path of Stones (Compass)
The Gael (excerpt)…by The Pipes & Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards from Going Home (Scotdisc)
Fixing Jigs…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (FGCD)

These Are The Hands

Week 53 Dec 31, 2020 (#1962)
International best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith collaborated with the composer James Ross on their song cycle “These Are The Hands”. The writer and composer met with Fiona Ritchie to chat about the process of telling their stories and combining lyrics with musical arrangements. Singers Michelle Burke and Kathleen MacInnes both feature, along with other contributors.

The Waves Bear the Saints…by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
You Are Far Away (excerpt)… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Spaghetti Panic Set (excerpt)…by James Ross from James Ross (Greentrax)
Silver Darlings… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
The Vikings Sing Their Tribute… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Miner’s Hymn… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Miner… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
[ID Excerpt] The Hurricane…by James Ross from James Ross (Greentrax)
The Great Michael… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Built on the Clyde… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Corvette Returning… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Cutty Sark… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)
Forth Bridges… by Alexander McCall Smith and James Ross from These Are The Hands (Greentrax)

Solstice

Week 52 Dec 24, 2020 (#1961)
This time of year may be experienced quite differently depending on where you live and which customs matter to you, but there is something universal about the music that marks midwinter, the older the better.

Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow..by Cherish the Ladies from A Star in the East (Big Mammy)
Silent Night...by Phil Cunningham with Karen Matheson from Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook (Vertical)
Chickadee's Christmas/365 Days till Christmas/A Tribute to Larry Reynolds...by Phil Cunningham and friends from Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook (Vertical)
Lovely Molly Mae...by Phil Cunningham and friends from Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook (Vertical)
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/The Reel Beatrice...by Phil Cunningham with Eddi Reader from Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook (Vertical)
Mainistir na Búille...by California Revels from Christmas in an Irish Castle (www.calrevels.org)
Bán-chnuic Éireann Óighe...by California Revels from Christmas in an Irish Castle (www.calrevels.org)
Wexford Carol...by California Revels from Christmas in an Irish Castle (www.calrevels.org)
[ID excerpt] God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen...by Cherish the Ladies from A Star in the East (Big Mammy)
Aberystwyth/The Jolly Shepherds...by Bonnie Rideout and guests from A Scottish Christmas - The Celebration (Tulloch)
Auld Lang Syne...by Bonnie Rideout and guests from A Scottish Christmas - The Celebration (Tulloch)
A Dash for the Presents/Joy to the World/Parnell's March...by Cherish the Ladies from A Star in the East (Big Mammy)
Christ Child's Lullaby...by Cherish the Ladies from A Star in the East (Big Mammy)
Tam the Gun/Wee Michael's March/Ack Stirling's March...by Phil Cunningham and friends from Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook (Vertical)

Celtic Christmas

Illustration detail from “Santa Day” by Madeleine Hand

Week 51 Dec 17, 2020 (#1960)
It’s the radio equivalent of a mug of hot chocolate and a thick slice of fruit cake as Fiona Ritchie conjures the musical mood of the season along with verses old and new.

Merry Xmas Everybody...by Karine Polwart (single - not on label) 
On That Night in Bethlehem...by Kim Robertson from Christmas Lullaby ~ volume 2 (Gourd Music) 
The World is Old Tonight...by Little Windows from Snowman’s Waltz  (littlewindows.net) 
Galician Carol...by Carlos Nuñez from Brotherhood of Stars (BMG) 
Boar’s Head...by Maddie Prior from Ballads & Candles (Park)  
A Latin Latin Christmas...by Maddie Prior and the Carnival Band from Ringing the Changes (Park) 
Christ Was Born on Christmas Morn...by Rhiannon Giddens, Laurelyn Dossett, Joe Newberry, Mike Compton, Jason Sypher from The Gathering  (http://joenewberry.me/wordpress/music/the-gathering/ ) 
[ID Excerpt] God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen...by Cherish the Ladies from A Star in the East (http://cherishtheladies.com) 
Christmas in September ...by Heidi Talbot from Christmas in September (Under One Sky)  
Am am Baile Rioghail Dhaibhidh...by Julie Fowlis from Brìgh an Nollaig (Highland Hospice)  
Midwinter Waltz/Christmas Eve...by Bruce MacGregor and Caledonian Ceilidh Trail from Brìgh an Nollaig (Highland Hospice)  
Gathering Night...by Rhiannon Giddens, Laurelyn Dossett, Joe Newberry, Mike Compton, Jason Sypher from The Gathering (http://joenewberry.me/wordpress/music/the-gathering/ )
The Winter Moon...by Immigrant’s Daughter with Rhiannon Giddens from The Winter Moon (Immigrant’s Daughter) 
Huron Carol...by La Petite Bande de Montreal from En la Fête de Nöel - Carols from French Canada (Naxos) 
Christmas Bells...by Joel Mabus from How Like the Holly (Fossil)  
O Christmas Tree/Road Dust Slip Jigs...by Cherish the Ladies from Christmas in Ireland (cherishtheladies.com) 

Gifts

Spell Songs ensemble - photo courtesy of Elly Lucas

Week 50 Dec 10, 2020 (#1959)
The gift of music is always well received, whether presented in performance, delivered virtually, or wrapped in a familiar shaped flat package. Fiona has a few suggestions to help you honor your loved ones over the holidays.

Coolaney Reel/The Winding Stair/Rossagh’s Rambles…by John Doyle from The Path of Stones (Compass)
Teelin Harbour…by John Doyle from The Path of Stones (Compass)
Apples in Winter/Frost is All Over…by Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire from A Winter Solstice Celebration (celticconspiracy.com)
Winter Song…by Emily Smith from Songs for Christmas (White Fall)
The Earth Abides…by Debra Salem, Kevin Mackenzie, Paul Harrison and Patsy Reid from In A Sma’ Room (Debra Salem)
Christmas Eve…by Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire from A Winter Solstice Celebration (celticconspiracy.com)
[ID excerpt] Lady Wynde by John Doyle from The Path of Stones (Compass)
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day…by Silent Winters from Christmas Morning (Fallen Tree)
Acorn…from Spell Songs, the musical companion to The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
Willow…from Spell Songs, the musical companion to The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
Scatterseed…from Spell Songs, the musical companion to The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
- Spell Songs ensemble includes: Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Kerry Andrew, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter, Jim Molyneux -
Limerick’s Lamentation…by Carina Drury from Irlandiani (Penny Fiddle)
Knock a Chroí/Beltra Fair/Aughris Head…by John Doyle from The Path of Stones (Compass)