Folktronica

Image: Musician, Producer, Engineer Barry Reid (photo courtesy of the artist).

Week 18 (#2032)
Studio production techniques bring together acoustic instruments with electronic rhythms, synthesisers, and samples. Featured are pioneering composer and virtuoso Martyn Bennett and musician/studio engineer Barry Reid.

If Six Was Twelve…by Barry Reid from Breathing Space (https://www.spad.org.uk/)
Chi Mi Na Morbheanna…by Mouth Music from Mouth Music (Triple Earth)
The Unknown…by Barry Reid from Breathing Space (https://www.spad.org.uk/)
Galleon…by Cerys Matthews from Explorer (RCM)
In Their Footsteps…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld)
Nothing To Do With It…by Dougie Maclean and Jamie MacLean from Who Am I (Dunkeld)
Break of Day (Chillout Mix)…by Twin Peaks from Celtic Clubland (R2)
[ID except] Dumji…by Jamie MacLean from Footsteps from Home (Dunkeld)
Peter Stewart, 1910…by Martyn Bennett from Glen Lyon (footstompin’)
Buain a’ Choirce (Reaping Song)…by Martyn Bennett from Glen Lyon (footstompin’)
Swallowtail…by Martyn Bennett from Martyn Bennet (Eclectic)
The Firth…by Barry Reid from Breathing Space (https://www.spad.org.uk/)
Uplift…by Barry Reid from Breathing Space (https://www.spad.org.uk/)
Mid-Summer Pipes…by Twin Peaks from Celtic Clubland (R2)

Nearly New

Photo: Katie McNally Trio (image: © 2020 by KATIE MCNALLY)

Week 16 (#2030)
It is always good to re-visit artists from New Releases shows whose music is well deserving of more airtime. There is so much on offer!

The Blue Lamp…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (The Chair)
Shiver Me Timbers…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (The Chair)
Myrstacken…by The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc from Bonfrost (ffuk.no)
Limerick Rake…by Antoni O’Breskey & Ronnie Drew from From Dublin to Bilbao (nomadicpiano.com)
As I Roved Out…by Antoni O’Breskey & Ronnie Drew from From Dublin to Bilbao (nomadicpiano.com)
Nomadic Aura…by Antoni O’Breskey from Samara (nomadicpiano.com)
[ID excerpt] Margaret Davidson…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (The Chair)
The Bonnie Wee Lassie’s Answer…by Dougie Mackenzie with Brian Miller from Along the Way (Greentrax)
Fletch Taylor/Marcel Aucoin/Matthew Robinson’s…by Katie McNally Trio from Now More Than Ever (katiemcnally.com)
Summer Sun…by Shetland Musicians from Between Islands (An Lanntair)
Whal’s Rost/Colin Scott Mackenzie of Stornoway/PM Donald Maclean of Lewis/The Lost Summer…by Neil Johnstone and Louise Bichen from Between Islands (An Lanntair)
The Fadachd Orm Fhìn…by Kris Drever and Linda MacLeod from Between Islands (An Lanntair)
Festival Reels…by The Chair from Orkney Monster (The Chair)

Pass the Torch

Image: The young musicians of the Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton (photo Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd).

Week 14 (#2028)
Join host Fiona Ritchie for an hour dedicated to the next generation of music makers, featuring young artists from the Center for Excellence in Traditional Music.

Ahma…by The Shee from A Different Season (Shee Records)
Lady Margaret…by The Shee from A Different Season (Shee Records)
The Nightingale/The Rock on the Clyde/The Jig of Port Fleadh…by Caroline Keane from Shine (carolinakeanemusic.com)
Meal Do Bhrogan…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Boxed In (musicplockton.org)
A Blessing…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Boxed In (musicplockton.org)
[ID Excerpt] The Dubs of Altnacroich…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Boxed In (musicplockton.org)
Why We Built the Wall…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Brick by Brick (musicplockton.org)
Angus Rocks…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Brick by Brick (musicplockton.org)
No LIght…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Brick by Brick (musicplockton.org)
Hooked…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Hooked (musicplockton.org)
Thig Am Bàta…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Hooked (musicplockton.org)
Monk’s Popcorn…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Hooked (musicplockton.org)
Farewell to Nigg…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from Hooked (musicplockton.org)

A Touch of Jazz

Image: Catriona McKay, Scottish harp (photo: Folk Radio UK)

Week 13 (#2027)
We hear artists this week who draw upon jazz rhythms, harmony and improvisation in their contemporary folk styles, including Tony McManus, Hilary James, and Savourna Stevenson.

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)

New For Spring

Image: four nationalities, four musical backgrounds in Fourth Moon (photo credit: Fourth Moon)

Week 12 (#2026)
This week we enjoy an hour of new releases, freshly sprouted, for Springtime.

Josh’s 2 Secs/Jo De Sylva-A force of Nature/Short and Simple/Roddy MacGregor…by Bruce MacGregor from Road to Tyranny (McGregor’s Productions)
The Elf Knight…by Fourth Moon from Odyssey (Fourth Moon Records)
Northern Star…by Fourth Moon from Odyssey (Fourth Moon Records)
Anam Saor…by Deò from Beinn Lee (Beinn Lee)
Lively Steps…by Isla Ratcliffe from The Castalia (islaratcliff.com)
[ID excerpt] Canadian Cousins …by Isla Ratcliffe from The Castalia (islaratcliff.com)
Bog an Lochan/Flora MacDonald/Wake Up to Cape Breton…by Hanneke Cassel with Yann Falquet from Over the Sea to Skye (Cassel Records)
John Barleycorn…by Old Blind Dogs from Knucklehead Circus (oldblinddogs.co.uk)
The Sun Goes on Rising…by Sarah McQuaid from The St. Buryan Sessions (Shovel and a Spade Records)
Turning Away…by House of Hamill from Folk Hero (houseofhamill.com)
Blaven…by Rain of Animals from Nali’s World (rainofanimals.com)
Iain MacFarlane’s Welcome to the DTs/Cailleach na Crach… by Bruce MacGregor from Road to Tyranny (McGregor’s Productions)

Mountains

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

Week 11 (#2025)
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)

Irish Songs at Swannanoa

Image: Fiona Ritchie and Dáithí Sproule on the campus of Warren Wilson College, home of the Swannanoa Gathering (photo credit: Arlin Geyer)

Week 10 (#2024)
Traditional Song Week at the Swannanoa Gathering offers musical encounters with singers from different traditions. We revisit Irish song contributions from across the years.

Dewdrops on the Corn/Pat McKenna’s/The Cook in the Kitchen…by Skylark from All Of It (Green Linnet)
Welcome Paddy/Snorin’ Biddy/All the Way Home…by Cathy Jordan live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering
The Pinery Boy/DADGAD guitar solo…by Dáithí Sproule live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering
Eileen McMahon…by Cathy Jordan featuring Eddi Reader from All the Way Home (Blix Street)
[ID Excerpt] Miss Johnston's...by Len Graham and Brían Ó hAirt from In Two Minds (http://www.storyandsong.com)
Here I Am Amongst You/Rambling Irishman…by Len Graham live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering
Mo Nion Ó/Somewhere Along the Road…by Cathie Ryan live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering
The World’s End (Reels)…by Dervish from Live in Palma (Compass)

Roots

Week 7 (#2021)
The foundation for today’s Celtic roots music scene was established in a lively recording scene 50 years ago. Check out some of the artists who elevated the profile of this music in the 70s and 80s.

The Presbyterian Hornpipe/The Watchmaker’s Daughter/The Hurricane…by Battlefield Band from There’s a Buzz (Temple)
Scarce o’ Tatties…by Silly Wizard from ‘Live’ Again (Birnam CD)
Rambling Irishman…by Dolores Keane and De Dannan from Thousands Are Sailing (Shanachie)
Drowsy Maggie…by The Chieftains from The Chieftains Collection - Volume Two (Claddagh)
Brian Boru in French…by Alan Stivell from Back to Breizh (Dreyfus)
Corryvreckan…by William Jackson from Composition (Mill)
Erin…by Martyn Bennett from Martyn Bennett from (Eclectic)
[ID excerpt] The Methlick Style…by Natalie MacMaster from Cape Breton Girl (eOne)
Gortavale Rock/The Road to Poynton by Kinnaris Quintet from Free One (Kinnaris Quintet)
The Final Trawl…by Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd from The Final Trawl (Sgoil Chiùil)
June Apple…by JigJam from Phoenix (jigjam.ie)
The Little Cascade…by Sìleas from Delighted With Harps (Green Linnet)
Chilly Winds…by The Shee from Different Season (Shee)
F Medley…by Natalie MacMaster from Cape Breton Girl (eOne)
The Bunch of Green Rushes/Salt Creek…by We Banjo 3 from Live in Galway (WB3CD)

Hope Springs

Image: On the Corbenic Poetry Path (photo by Fiona Ritchie)

Week 6 (#2020)
Music has its part to play in providing rays of hope. Luka Bloom, Peggy Seeger, and John McCutcheon all remind us that having something to hope for is a key to happiness.

Reel à Bouche…by John McCutcheon from Water From Another Time (Rounder)
Shadow of the Mountain…by Dougie MacLean from New Tomorrow (Dunkeld)
Yellow Coat…by Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac from Seinn (Factor)
The Beauty of Everyday Things…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (BigSky)
Well for Zoë…by Karine Polwart and Tim O’Brien from Wells for Zoê Water for Life (Compass)
Sitting on Top of the World…by Doc Watson from Trouble in Mind (Sugar Hill)
How I Long For Peace…by Peggy Seeger from First Farewell (Red Grape)
[ID excerpt] Keeping Up with Calum…by Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac from Seinn (Factor)
The Great Storm is Over…by John McCutcheon from Water From Another Time (Rounder)
Sunday River Waltz…by Bruce MacGregor, Christine Hansen and Friends from Kissin’ is the Best of A’ (Brechin All)
Light on a Distant Shore …by Ossian from Light on a Distant Shore (Iona)
Seudan a’ Chuain…by Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac from Seinn (Factor)

Wintersong

Image: Cellist Yo-Yo Ma (photo courtesy of Opus 3 Artists)

Week 5 (#2019)
Monochrome landscapes and long dark nights are perfect for inspiring the music of winter, including contributions from John Renbourn and Yo-Yo Ma.

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)
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)
When the Wind Begins to Sing…by John Renbourn from Traveller’s Prayer (Shanachie)
Travellers’ Prayer…by John Renbourn with Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill and The Voice Squad 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)

Angels' Share

Week 4 (#2018)
Around 2% of distilled spirits is lost to evaporation as it ages, and this is called the angels’ share. In this hour of music, host Fiona Ritchie hopes to feature around the same percentage of the songs and tunes written about whisky and other traditional beverages.

The Humours of Whiskey…by Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny from Dublin Lady (Green Linnet)
Whisky Pilgrims…by Robin Laing from Holding Gold (Frisky Whisky)
The Jug of Punch…by Altan from Best of The Thistle & Shamrock, Vol 1 (Hearts O’Space)
Farewell to Whisky/Welcome Whisky Back Again/Highland Whisky/Athole Brose…by Pete Clark from Even Now (Smiddymade)
Leaving Brittany/The Pernod Waltz…by Relativity from Relativity (Green Linnet)
John Barleycorn…by Maddy Prior from Lionhearts (Park)
[ID excerpt] Whisky & Beer…by Pete Clark and Gregor Lowrey from Caught & Released (musicinscotland.com)
Shining Clear…by Battlefield Band from There’s A Buzz (Temple)
Fermentation…by William Jackson from Composition (Mill)
Willie Brew’d a Peck o’ Maut…by Tony Cuffe and Rod Paterson from Robert Burns: The Complete Songs, `Volume 2 (Linn)
The Wee Cooper o’ Fife…by Robin Laing from Whisky for Breakfast (Greentrax)
A’ Bunadh…by Robin Laing from One for the Road (Greentrax)
Happy Days…by Battlefield Band from Happy Daze (Temple)

Burns Night

Week 3 (#2017)
Our annual review of the timeless songs of Robert Burns celebrates the international profile of Scotland’s National Bard.

Willie Stewart/Molly Rankin...by Eddi Reader from Sings the Songs of Robert Burns (Compass)
Wee Willie Gray...by Tony Cuffe and Rod Paterson from The Complete Songs of Robert Burns, Vol 1 (Linn)
Logan Water...by John Cunningham from Fair Warning (Green Linnet)
Logan Water...by Janet Russell and Christine Kydd from Dancin' Chantin' (Greentrax)
Gala Water...by Old Blind Dogs from New Tricks (Lochshore)
Ca' the Yowes...by Sileas from Beating Harps (Green Linnet)
Rattlin' Roarin' Willie...by George Duff from The Collier Laddie (Beag)
[ID excerpt from Variations on 'The Lea Rig"...by David Johnson with Bonnie Rideout from The Art of Robert Burns (Scotstown Music)
Tae the Weavers...by Janet Russell and Christine Kydd from Russell & Kydd (Greentrax)
Slave's Lament...by Chantan from Primary Colours (Culburnie)
Corn Rigs...by Ossian from Seal Song (Iona)
Banks and Braes...by Dougie MacLean from Tribute (Dunkeld)
The Highland Hills...by David Johnson with Bonnie Rideout from The Art of Robert Burns (Scotstown Music)
Auld Lang Syne...by The Tannahill Weavers from The best of The Tannahill Weavers 1979-1989 (Green Linnet)
Stumpie...by Natalie MacMaster from Cape Breton Girl (eOne Music)

Ed Miller

Week 2 (#2016)
Join Fiona Ritchie at the Swannanoa Gathering’s Traditional Song Week with her guest, Scottish folk singer Ed Miller. We’ll follow Ed’s journey from Edinburgh, Scotland to Austin, Texas and hear some of the songs that have accompanied him along the way along the way.

Green Grows the Laurel…by Ed Miller with Brian McNeill from Lowlander (Wellfield)
The Twa Corbies…by Ed Miller - recorded live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering 2019
The Broom o’ the Cowdenknowes…by Ed Miller - recorded live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering 2019
Diamond Joe…by Ed Miller - recorded live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering 2019
[ID excerpt] Lowlander…by Ed Miller with Brian McNeill from Lowlander (Wellfield)
London Town…by Ed Miller and Rich Brotherton with Kevin Burke from Follow the Music (Wellfield)
The Rolling Hills of the Borders…by Ed Miller with Karine Polwart from Never Frae My Mind (Wellfield)
Follow the Music…by Ed Miller - recorded live at Traditional Song Week, Swannanoa Gathering 2019

Vintage

Week 1 (#2015)
Join host Fiona Ritchie to explore music captured on 10” shellac discs and some wax cylinders by pioneering artists from a century ago. As well as music from the early recording era, you’ll also hear digital re-masters of recordings and tune versions by today’s artists.

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 Touhy 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)

Hogmanay

Week 52 (#2014)
Looking forward and moving on, we mark our passage into a New Year with an upbeat hour of music.

Glenlogie…by Jim Malcolm from Live in Glenfarg (Beltane) 
Katie Campbell’s Rambles/Streets of Forbes…by Niamh Parsons from Loosely Connected (Greentrax) 
Man of Arran…by Niamh Parsons featuring the Loose Connections from Loosely Connected (Greentrax) 
Canan Nan Gaidheal…by Scottish Women & Band from Scottish Women (Greentrax) 
Trip to Skye…by Skolvan from Live in Italia (Keltia Musique) 
Sir Patrick Spens…by Jim Malcolm from Live in Glenfarg (Beltane) 
ID Excerpt: Flowers of Edinburgh…by Jim Malcolm from Live in Glenfarg (Beltane)
Bogey’s Bonnie Belle…by Christy Moore, Donal Lunny & Jimmy Faulkner from Live in Dublin (Tara Music)
The Rocky Road to Dublin/Indian Ate the Woodchuck…by Mozaik from Live From the Powerhouse (Compass)
Breileach…by Capercaillie from Dusk Till Dawn (Survival) 
The Big Set…by The Unusual Suspects from Live in Scotland (Foot Stompin’) 
The Kerry Dances…by Frankie Gavin and Stephane Grappelli from Frankie Gavin 2003-2004 Collection (Frankie Gavin)

Celtic Christmas

Week 51 (#2013)
Enjoy the rich sounds of festive acoustic music, with tales of tradition and rhymes of remembrance.

Winter Song…by Emily Smith from Songs for Christmas (White Fall)

The Wexford Carol…by Ashley Davis with John Doyle from The Christmas Sessions (Daisy Rings Music)

Apples in Winter/Frost is All Over…by Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire from A Winter Solstice Celebration (thecelticconsipracy.com)

Christ Child Lullaby…by Immigrant’s Daughter with Rhiannon Giddens from The Winter Moon (immigrants-daughter.com)

Heard from Heaven Today…by Emily Smith from Songs for Christmas (White Fall)

Joy to the World…by Steve Schuch & The Night Heron from Celtic Christmas (Putumayo)

Light the Winter Dark…by Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra from Song of Solstice (SunSign)

[ID excerpt] Voici La Noel…by Jennifer Cutting from Song of Solstice (SunSign)

Time to Remember the Poor…by Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra from Song of Solstice (SunSign)

Cold Frosty Morning/Growling’ Old Man, Growlin’ Old Woman…by Atwater.Donnelly from When Winter Calls (Rabbit Island Music)
Noel Nouvelet…by Druid Stone from Celtic Christmas (Putumayo)

Merry Christmas to All and Goodnight…by Ashley Davis with John Doyle from The Christmas Sessions (Daisy Rings Music)
The Blessings of Mary…by Emily Smith from Songs for Christmas (White Fall)

Strip the Willow Set…by Cassie and Maggie from The Willow Collection (cassieandmaggiecom)

Soltsice

Week 50 (#2012)
This time of year may feel different depending on where you live and which customs matter to you, but midwinter in the northern hemisphere is a shared experience. Hear the music that keeps you company through the shortest days of the year. 

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)

Gifts

Image: Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti (photo courtesy Scottish Chamber Orchestra)

Week 49 (#2011)
Music is the gift that will keep giving through the year to come. Host Fiona Ritchie offers some recordings and seasonal favourites that will all make welcome gifts for music lovers everywhere.

Past Three o' Clock...by Chris Newman and Maire Ni Chathasaigh from Christmas Lights (Old Bridge)
Aberlady...by Nicola Benedetti from Homecoming - A Scottish Fantasy (Decca)
Mouth Music and Tunes Set…....by Nicola Benedetti from Homecoming - A Scottish Fantasy (Decca)
Niel Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife...by Pete Clark and Muriel Johnstone from Niel Gow's Fiddle (Inver)  
Pomegranate...by Ye Vagabonds from Ye Vagabonds (Inglenook) 
For Bert...by Ye Vagabonds from Ye Vagabonds (Inglenook) 
Lowlands of Holland...by Ye Vagabonds from Ye Vagabonds (Inglenook) 
[ID excerpt] Errigal Beauty...by Cherish the Ladies from Christmas in Ireland (Big Mammy) 
One Morning in May...by Pierre Bensusan from Encore (DADGAD Music)  
Jigs: Merrily Kissed the Quaker/Cunla...by Pierre Bensusan from Encore (DADGAD Music)
All the Valley Down...by Cherish the Ladies from Christmas in Ireland (Big Mammy) 
Trip to Athlone/Castletown Connors/Father Kelly's/Man of the House... by Mick Moloney and Athena Tergis and Special Guests from An Irish Christmas - A Musical Solstice Celebration (Irish Arts Center NYC)   
2000 Years Ago...by Jean Redpath from Still the Night (Jean Redpath Records)
Flamorgan Air/The Last Pint...by Pierre Bensusan from Encore (DADGAD Music)

Peggy Seeger and Alan Reid

Image: Peggy Seeger (photo credit: Acoustic Guitar)

Week 47 (#2009)
Recorded live at the Birnam Book Festival, American folksinger, songwriter and activist Peggy Seeger is joined by Scots singer and songwriter Alan Reid, with host Fiona Ritchie, to explore the transatlantic travels of songs.

Roving Gambler...by Peggy Seeger from Bring Me Home (Appleseed Recordings)
The Road of Tears...by Alan Reid - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
Mary Parker's Lament...by Peggy Seeger - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
It Was A' For Our Rightful King...by Alan Reid - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
Weevily Wheat...by Peggy Seeger - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
ID excerpt: Sally Goodin...by Peggy Seeger from Peggy Seeger Live (Appleseed Recordings)
The Gypsy Laddie...by Alan Reid - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
The Hippies and the Beatniks O...by Peggy Seeger - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
Lichtbob's Lassie...by Alan Reid - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
Katie Cruel...by Peggy Seeger - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
Goodnight Irene...by Peggy Seeger with Alan Reid and audience - live performance at Birnam Book Festival
Sourwood Mountain...by Peggy Seeger from Peggy Seeger Live (Appleseed Recordings)

Windfall

Image: Chris Newman (photo courtesy of Old Bridge Music)

Week 46 (#2008)
New releases are a reminder that musicians’ creative spark has burned brightly during the pandemic.Fiona Ritchie plays music newly picked up by Thistle, including “Breaking Bach - Flatpicking the Partitas” with Chris Newman.

Allegro…by Chris Newman from Breaking Bach (New Bridge)
Lovely Joan…by Simon Mayor and Hilary James from When Summer Comes Again (Acoustics)
The Kissing Gate & The Strawberry Tree…by Simon Mayor and Hilary James from When Summer Comes Again (Acoustics)
Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh…by Màiri MacMillan from Gu Deas (mairimacmillan.com)
Sarabande…by Chris Newman from Breaking Bach (New Bridge)
Bourrée Anglaise…by Chris Newman from Breaking Bach (New Bridge)
¿Un Hombre Cansado?…by Charlie O’Brien from from Hy Brasil (Trouble or Fortune)
[ID excerpt] Gigue …by Chris Newman from Breaking Bach (New Bridge)
Hurricane Ridge…by The Godhard Sisters from Dragonfly (Godhard Sisters)
Shadow and Sun…by The Godhard Sisters from Dragonfly (Godhard Sisters)
Kid on the Mountain…by Liam Kelly from At Home with McKenna (John McKenna Society)
Uamh an Oir…by Eddie Seaman from Cave of Gold (Green Linnet)
Giving Back…by Graham Rorie from The Orcadians of Hudson Bay (grahamrorie.com)