New Releases
Keith Whitham
There's been a lot of activity since I returned from
Celtic Connections, so here's some new releases to keep us busy. STOP
PRESS - new CD's also from Catriona MacDonald (Brilliant) and Skyedance.
Andy Thorburn North to South 12.99
With the singing of Alyth McCormack, Corrina Hewat plus 10 others this
Celtic Connections commision features music by Andy Thorburn, and lyrics by
Aonghas MacNeacail.
Jennifer & Hazel Wrigley 'Mither O' The Sea CDTRAX 183 12.99
Once again the most famous of fiddlin' sisters deliver an album of fine
quality. Following on from 1998's groundbreaking Huldraland CD, the girls
show that they've never lost the ability to excite the listener with new
arrangement styles.
Alasdair MacCuish & Black Rose Ceilidh Band Ceilidh Spirit CD ONLY RD001
12.99
Dance to the best in traditional Ceilidh music, played with energy, swing
and foot-stomping vitality. Alasdair MacCuish (accordion), David Gracie
(piano, keyboards), Scott Gordon (accordion), Alison Smith (fiddle), Iain
‘Stretch’ MacFadyen (drums, electric guitar, djembe). The Flying Scotsman,
Eva Three-step, Gaelic Waltz, Hoolichan’s Jig, Canadian Barn Dance, Gleann
Ballachuil, Gay Gordons, Strip The Willow, St. Bernard’s Waltz, Irish Reels,
Highland Scottische, Capercaillie Set, Virginia Reel, Postie’s Jig, Pipe
Medley, Stretch’s Set, Brittania Two-step, Dashing White Sergeant.
Birlin’ Fiddles CD ONLY CDFSR1703 12.99
This CD features three amazing young fiddlers who are becoming increasingly
well-known in traditional music circles. Brilliant Orkney fiddler and BBC
“Young Tradition” award winner Jennifer Wrigley tours with her twin sister
Hazel and is in great demand at festivals. Allan Henderson, originally from
Mallaig, was taught to play by the ‘left-handed fiddler’ Angus Grant. Julia
Legge, from Montrose, is a founder member of ‘Tannas’ with whom she toured
extensively and made two CDs.
James Coutts Not Before Time CD ONLY TRCD9907 11.99
Recognised as one of Scotland’s most exceptional accordionists. On this
album James plays a selection of music from Jigs to Jazz, French to Folk.
Surreel, In Full Flight, Whisky Chaser, Six In The Bar, Béret Sur Berry, In
The Woods, Red Iain’s Dug, Down On The West Sands, Knee Deep, Stephan Stomp,
Two On Four, Fjordfiesta, Markin’ Time, After Hours, The Lock In.
Carmen Higgins Carmen Higgins SLPYMC007 SLPYCD007 13.99
Well-known young North-East fiddle player. Fast-forward, flash-fingered
folk fiddler deeply rooted in the Celtic tradition yet lifted to the light
of contemporary styling. Some solo, some accompanied, all excellent. Red
Crow/Red Box/Fiddler’s Bid, Dean Brig O’ Edinburgh, Jenny’s Chickens, Regis,
Jenny Picking Cockles/Rambling Pitchfork, Roslyn Castle, Dubliner’s
Hornpipe/Earl’s Chair, Swedish Jig/Music For A Found Harmonium, Leaving,
Reel Reprise.
Marian Anderson Bordering On Scottish TRCD9905 12.99
A well known accordionist, both in her own right and as part of Muriel
Johnstone’s dance band, Marian is joined on this recording by other familiar
faces: Judith Linton (fiddle), Graham Bell (2nd accordion), Isobelle Hodgson
(piano), Billy Craib (bass), George Bremner (drums). Jigs, reels, marches,
waltzes and much more! “A very enjoyable new album. Don’t let the title
fool you…the majority of the tracks are in the Scottish idiom.” Box &
Fiddle.
Sandy Nixon Morino Magic CD ONLY TRCD9908 12.99
Stylish stuff from Sandy and a full harness of Morino accordions! Syncopated
shenanigans, smooth waltzes and energetically orchestrated march sets are
included on this excellent dance album. Sandy (accordion), Hamish Smith &
Bob McMath (2nd accordion), Bill Hendry (piano), Gordon Young (drums) and
John Delaney (bass). The Soft Horse Reel, Sandy Nixon’s Jig, A Tribute To
Stan Saunders, Two-step, Hamish’s 2/4 Marches, Helen Frame’s Jig, Polka,
Dumfries House, Angus Reel, Pride Of Erin, Gay Gordons, Two-step, Water Aid
Reel, Eva Three Step, Polka, Iain Peterson’s Waltz, Gay Gordons, The Black
Mountain Reel, Tribute To The Borders, Medley, Two-step, March Medley, Pipe
Medley, Roxburgh Castle.
Ceolbeg Cairn Water CD ONLY CDTRAX188 12.99
A mixture of tunes and songs from one of Scotland’s top bands with their
very own sound. The band consists of the very talented Wendy Stewart
(vocals, harp), Peter Boond (flute, whistle, mandola), Colin Matheson
(keyboards, accordion, guitar), Rod Paterson (vocals, guitar), Mike Travis
(drums, percussion) and Gary West (pipes, whistles).
Malinky Last Leaves CD ONLY CDTRAX190 12.99
Winners of the “Danny Kyle Award” at Celtic Connections 1999, this young
band from Edinburgh is led by two fine voices and skilful instrumentation.
The band are Karine Polwart (vocals, guitar, bouzouki), Steven Byrne
(vocals, guitar, cittern, mandolin, bouzouki), Mark Dunlop (bodhran,
whistle) and Kit Patterson (fiddle, guitar). They have a repertoire of
mainly Scottish song and this excellent debut album should showcase them to
a wider audience.
The Garioch Blend Hogmanay Party CDR044 DRCD1044 12.99
The popular Garioch Blend’s new album…sure to be a big success. Boston
Two-step, Boston Two-step (encore), Jacqueline Waltz, Gay Gordons, I’m My
Own Grandpa, Pride Of Erin Waltz, Rose Of Kelvingrove, Scots Wha Ha’e,
Virginia Reel, Just A Wee Deoch An Doris, Dashing White Sergeant, Scottish
Waltz, Deil Amang The Tailors, The Mason’s Apron, Sing Along Waltz, Strip
The Willow.
Also available on video VIDEO DRV502
Various When The Pipers Play REHCV049 REHCV049NTSC 13.99
Narrated by the renowned actor Tom Conti, this video features some of the
most stunning and unusual footage ever seen in a documentary about music.
Beautiful locations in Scotland and America combined with rare archive
footage form the back drop to the many compelling stories explored in this
film, with recollections from Phil Collins, Karen Matheson, Donald Shaw (of
Capercaillie) and veteran pipers. Featuring the voices of Isla St. Clair,
Charleton Heston and Hannah Gordon, with appearances from Alasdair Gillies,
William MacCallum, Michael Cusak, Angus McColl, Gordon Walker and many
others.
Wendy Wetherby A Breath On The Cold Glass CD ONLY WCMCD019 12.99
Traditional and new tunes and songs helping to reinstate the cello as an
integral part of Scottish music. Wendy Weatherby has worked as a cellist,
singer and composer with many top Scottish soloists, bands and theatre
companies, and is joined here by some of the best musicians on the current
Celtic music scene. Spine-stirring stuff, ranging from a wantonly explicit
John Anderson, through stately airs and heartbreaking ballad, to the immense
intensity of the Ballachulish Tango!
Elspeth Cowie Naked Voice CD ONLY SFCD01 12.99
One of Scotland’s major traditional singers. “Magnificent vocal gravitas.”
The Herald. Ex-member of Seannachie and Chantan. “Utterly compelling”.
The Scotsman.
Highland Welcomes The New Millennium CD ONLY HCCD001 12.99
A double CD containing a musical contribution from every Secondary School in
the Highlands. A fascinating cross-section of teenage talent; instrumental
and vocal items ranging from Gaelic and folk pieces, to contemporary and
pop, film music and instrumental sacred pieces.
Christine Kydd Dark Pearls CD ONLY CUL115D 12.99
This long-awaited solo album features mainly traditional ballads such as
Lord Gregory, Greenwoodside, Plooman Laddies, etc.. Christine’s vocals and
guitar are joined by Lorraine Jordan on several tracks. Solo or
accompanied, Christine’s clear voice and feisty delivery imbue ballad and
song with the emotional intensity many singers miss.
Coinneach 2000 Tears CD Single COIN2000 3.99
Coinneach are Davy Cowan (guitar, vocals), Graeme Hosie (drums), Jean Pierre
Sieczkarek (bass), Steve Spence (keyboards) and Debbie Swanson (violin).
2000 Tears, Scottish Greenhouse 2000 (radio edit), Highland Jail, 2000 Tears
(acoustic), Scottish Greenhouse 2000. Contemporary- conscience protest
songs; Nineties angst with a Sixties feel.
Solan Northern Shore CD ONLY VKCD106 12.99
Concertina, vocals and fiddle blend together on this album to create a very
harmonious piece of listening. Haunting airs, songs with a story, waltzes
and reels….enjoy!
The Munros & David Methven The Lone Piper RELV048 RELV048NTSC
At last… the award-winning double-platinum album on video! Dark Island,
Amazing Grace, My Home, Skye Boat Song, Highland Cathedral, Hasten & Come,
Scots Wha Ha’e, Flower Of Scotland, Scottish Soldier, El Alamein, Lord Lovat
’s Lament, Ye Banks & Braes, Abide With Me, Ae Fond Kiss, Morag Of Dunvegan,
Auld Lang Syne, Glengarry’s Lament.
Strathbogie Junior Fiddlers Just For Fun CDR045 TAPE ONLY
Having first met in October 1996 with 8 members, the group has now grown to
22 members. On their own and with the Senior fiddlers they play at many
community events in and around the Huntly area and also at the annual
Fiddlers Rally in March. Frank McNally, guest vocal soloist on this
recording, sings regularly with the fiddlers at these events.
Glen Of Tranquillity VIDEO RELV039 REL039NTSC 13.99
Following the success of the acclaimed Glen Of Tranquillity on CD and
cassette, here is the scenery to match the beauty of the music. The
Rosebud, Annie Laurie, The Glen Of Tranquillity, Morning Has Broken, My
Heart Is In The Highlands, The Rowan Tree, Flow Gently Sweet Afton, Mother
Nature’s Son, Rest Thy Weary Head, Come O’er The Stream Charlie, The Wee
Highland Glen, Land O’ The Leal, Ye Banks & Braes.
Ian Cruickshanks & his band Old Time Dancing in Dufftown CD ONLY SMR099CD
12.99
Ian Cruickshanks (3-row button key accordion), Jim Sturrock (fiddle), Johnny
Murray (5-row button key accordion), Bill Milligan (drums). Progressive
Waltz, Boston Two-step, Ideal Scottische, The Lancers, The Tango Waltz,
Mayfair Quickstep, Over The Top, La Rinka, Progressive Quadrille, The Jazz
Twinkle, Gypsy Tango, Imperial Two-step, Waltz Cotillion (Half Figure),
Chicago Swing, Southern Two-step, The Waltz Of The Bells.
Also available on video (useful for learning these 16 dances) VIDEO SMR099V
14.99
Donnie MacSween Precious To Me BRHCD1 12.99
Hymns, psalms and religious songs in Gaelic and English. Donnie MacSween
sings, and plays keyboards and guitar on this album of his favourite
inspirational pieces.
Perth Strathspey & Reel Society The Leader’s Choice SMR073CD 12.99
Fiddle orchestra in full fling! Under the leader/conductor John M Napier,
the society has blossomed since its inception in 1989, even touring Canada
in 1998. Fiddle favourites, accordion solos, violin duet and huge
enthusiasm. Marches, reels, two-steps and easy listening.
Kinlochard Ceilidh Band Strip The Willow CDITV656 12.99
This album features six ceilidh dance tracks, including the title track, but
also has seven solo or duo tracks featuring fiddle and clarsach players.
Strip The Willow, Ashokan Farewell, Dashing White Sergeant, Shetland
Waltzes, Clarsach Feature - Braveheart, The Military Two-step, Eilidh’s
Reels, The Gay Gordons, Clarsach feature, Tommy’s Medley, The Canadian Barn
Dance, Brian’s Spot, Neil’s Air & Reel.
Davie Stewart & his Band Ceilidh & Old Time Dancing SMR101CD 12.99
Davie Stewart (piano accordion), Lennie Lyall (piano accordion), Bill Ewan
(piano, keyboard), Kevin Milne (drums). The Gay Gordons, Flirtation
Two-step, Hesitation Waltz, Palais Glide, Hebridean Scotch Reel, White
Heather Foxtrot, Eva Three-step, Virginia Reel, Postie’s Jig, Gay Gordon’s
Two-step, Mississippi Two-step, Boston Two-step, New Killarney Waltz,
Highland Barn Dance, The Black Mountain Reel, Highland Scottische, Swedish
Masquerade.
Maggie Boyle Gweebarra CD ONLY PRCD05 12.99
Maggie Boyle (vocals, flute, bodhran), Frank Kilkelly (guitars, bouzouki),
Steve Anstee (cello), Mike Hockenhull (banjo) and Andy Seward (bass).
Gweebarra Shore, My Generous Lover, Lady Margaret, Ao Tea Roa, The Bloody
Gardener, Deartháirín Ó Mo Chroí (Little Brother Of My Heart), Paddy’s
Rambles Through The Park, Harry Eddom, Blackbird (Singing On A Hedgerow
Morning), Lord Gregory, Little Thatched Cabin, If You Walk Away.
Clive Carroll Sixth Sense CD ONLY OBMCD12 12.99
Clive is a graduate of Trinity College, London, with an honours degree in
composition coupled with a performance award for guitar. An album of
brilliantly vibrant intensity. The purest combination of acoustic steel
string with the genius of intellectual musicality. Clive’s own compositions
fuse elements of jazz harmony and Irish undertone with rural American
styling and luther’s overtones. Sublime. “All in all it’s something that the
finger-style steel-string guitar has been waiting for.” John Renbourne.
Dougie MacLean Perthshire Amber CD ONLY DUNCD023 13.99
Dougie (guitar, fiddle, bouzouki) is joined by Kevin McCrae (cello), Pete
Clark (fiddle), Graham Mulholland (whistle, Highland pipes, Scottish small
pipes), Jamie MacLean (percussion), John Morran (guitar) and the BT Scottish
Ensemble (cello, violin, viola, bass). This four movement instrumental
composition was described as “..an irresistible tapestry of
tunes, rhythms, instrumental and orchestral colours, harmonies and
textures.” The Herald.
Bill Black Home & Away CD ONLY SMR100CD 12.99
Jigs, reels, marches and waltzes from one of Scotland’s favourite bands.
Bill Black (3-row button accordion), Ian Adamson (fiddle), Colin Johnston
(piano accordion), Mabel Gray (keyboard), Robert MacFadyen (drums).
Also available on video VIDEO SMR100V
Runrig This Is Not A Love Song CD Single RR013 4.49
With Bruce Guthro. This Is Not A Love Song (radio edit.), Oran, This Is Not
A Love Song (remix). Not A Love Song, but smoochily smoothly seductive all
the same. Forget the sporran-shocking rocking Runrig, forget pogo-ing like
hell in the middle of the dance floor,.. and head for a quiet corner with
someone who’s Not Just A Friend.
Various Folk Music In Orkney Vol 3 ATCD054 12.99
Following on the successful formula, another round-up of Orkney talent.
Brisk tunes, emotional vocals, and some pretty nifty playing. The talent is
from Orkney, the tune traditions are from a mainly Celtic diversity. Solos,
duos & groups in fine form.
Bruce Lindsay Morino Mixture CD ONLY SMR046CD 12.99
A re-release of Bruce’s first recording, now on CD. Whether you wish to
dance or listen, this is a great album. Waltzes, a one-step, polka, jig and
marches make up a full complement of accordion favourites. With Ray Elphick
on piano. Millbank Cottage, Bonawe Highlanders, St. Johnstone Reel, Paddy
On The Railroad, The Cairdin O’t, The Bellman Polka, Leaving Stornoway, Mull
Of The Cool High Bens, Uist My Love, Woodlands Flowers Barn Dance, Italian
Waltz, Washington Post March, Meadow In Bloom, Donal Ring Favourite,
Rollicking Dandy, St. Patrick’s Day, Nights Of Gladness Waltz, Greencastle
Hornpipe, Showman’s Fancy, The Strand, Rose Dior Polka, French Waltz,
Captain Norman Orr-Ewing, Hunter’s Hill, Scandinavian Scottische, Piano
Solo, High Level Bridge, Londonderry Hornpipe, Arthur Seat.
Full Steam Ahead Ceilidh Band Fisherman’s Dream CD ONLY SMR098CD 12.99
The Full Steam Ahead Ceilidh Band are Neil MacLeod (midi-accordion) and Iain
Barrie (fiddle, vocals). MacPherson’s Rant, Iain’s Waltz, All Things Must
Change, Lonesome Boatman, Fisherman’s Dream, Hut On Staffin Island, Kate
Martin’s Waltz, Going Home, Bonepartes Retreat, Road And The Miles To
Dundee, The Water Is Wide, Greenland Fisherman.
The Black Watch Pipes & Drums Majestic Scotland CD ONLY CDITV655 12.99
The Black Watch are the senior Highland Regiment. With Pipe Major Michael
Elder. Company Marches (Atholl Highlanders, Lord Alexander Kennedy, Ho Ro My
Nut Brown Maiden, Scotland The Brave, The Road To The Isles), Highland Troop
(My Home, Highland Cradle Song, Skye Boat Song, Corriechoillies 43rd Welcome
To The North Meeting, Bonnie Lass O’ Fyvie), 51st Highlanders Division,
Caledonia, Colin’s Cattle, She Moves Through The Fair, Frank Thomson, Long
Reveille (Soldier’s Return, Say Will Ye Yet, Miss Girdle, Erchless Castle,
Johnny Cope), Glencoe, Loch Maree, Sleep Dearie Sleep, Morag Of Dunvegan,
Amazing Grace, Regimental Marches (Black Bear, Heilin’ Laddie), The Dark
Island, Roses Of Prince Charlie, Drum Salute, The Day Thou Gavest.
Fochabers Fiddlers Frontline Energised CDGR169 12.99
Seventeen of Speysides best young fiddlers front this highly regarded group.
Here they have captured their youthful spirit on CD with duets and group
playing and a few songs for extra variety. “… a very special album” Duncan
Chisholm. The Armstrong Set, Waiting For The Federals, Big John, Caledonia,
Bulgarian Red, Calmer Weather, The Goat Set, Paddy, Dick & Tom, Jackie
Coleman, After The Storm, Morrison’s Jig, Brenda Stubbert’s Reel, The Orange
Blossom Special Medley, Until We Meet Again.
Fergie MacDonald’s Traditional Ceilidh Band Millennium Strip The Willow MC
Single RA101 2.49
The hugely popular ceilidh band led by the one and only Fergie MacDonald,
Scotland’s top button-box player. Both sides of the tape are dedicated to
Strip The Willow…so no need to rewind!! Strip The Willow 1: The Jig Runrig,
Lochaber 2000, Donald Findlay’s Jig, Roddy Wright’s Jig. Strip The Willow 2:
Maureen’s Jig, Johnny’s Jig, The Lochaber Roamer, Rhona Wilson’s Jig.
Alasdair Fraser/The Cast Auld Lang Syne CD Single CUL201D 3.99
The Cast’s stunning performance of Auld Lang Syne, taken from their
acclaimed album The Winnowing (CUL104D) is released as a single along with
Alasdair Fraser’s Theme For Scotland taken from his album Dawn Dance
(CUL106D). Both artistes played in front of a star studded audience at the
Kennedy Centre, Washington on Sunday 5th December in a televised tribute to
Sean Connery. Present were Mr & Mrs Bill Clinton, Harrison Ford, Stevie
Wonder, Catherine Zeta Jones and many others…the CBS TV programme was
broadcast in North America on 29th December 1999.
All The Best
Keith
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