Winston Scotty Fitzgerald - Canada's Outstanding Scottish Fiddler

Winston 'Scotty' Fitzgerald was a renowned Cape Breton fiddler. He was a pioneer in recorded performances of the music, and has heavily influenced the style and repertoire of later generations of players. Both his father and older brother played the violin, and Winston began to take an interest in playing at age eight. His first public performance was at a picnic at age twelve. The Fitzgeralds worked as fishermen in the summer, and in the 1930s Winston also worked at the shipyards in Halifax in the winter. During this time, Winston played radio shows and tours with Hank Snow for about two and a half years. Winston formed a group called the "Radio Entertainers" with Beattie Wallace (piano) and Estwood Davidson (guitar). The group recorded numerous 78s, as well as four LPs. As he became better known, Winston also got exposure playing on the 'Cliff MacKay' and 'Don Messer' shows. Later, he played as part of the Cape Breton Symphony on The John Allan Cameron Show. Never a full-time musician, he worked at a variety of jobs, including cooking, carpentry, and aluminum work.

1. The Iron Man/Riddrie/Mrs. Douglas Of Ednam 
2. Gan Ainm/So I’m Off With The Good St. Nicholas Boat 
3. Archie Menzie/Fisher’s 
4. Little John’s Hame/Jamie Hardie 
5. The Wonder/The Newcastle/President Garfield 
6. Miss Ann MacCormack/Sleepy Maggie 
7. The Marchioness Of Huntley/Miss Maule/Lady Glenorchy 
8. Teviot Bridge/The Stool Of Repentance 
9. Hiawatha/Jimmy Linn’s/The College 
10. St. Kilda Wedding/Trip To Windsor 
11. Mist On The Loch/Bonnie Kate 

link to the free album

Winston Scotty Fitzgerald - Canada's Outstanding Scottish Fiddler

James Galway & The Chieftains - Over the Sea to Skye

James Galway's magical flute playing combined with the Chieftains' incredible musical talent--how could it be anything but spectacular?. Each track is a delight as James Galway's flute soars over the Chieftains melodies, leaving you breathless.

1 Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady

2 Three Hornpipes: Eugene Stratton/The Banks/Arthur Seat

3 Over the Sea to Skye

4 A Slip and Double Jig

5 Cath Chéim an Fhia

6 The Rowan Tree

7 Bonny Prince Charlie

8 Lilibulero

9 The Dark Island

10 Skibbereen

11 A Fanfare

12 The Last Rose of Summer

13 Dance in the Morning Early

14 The Three Sea Captains

15 Full of Joy

16 Solo Salutes (Finale)

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James Galway & The Chieftains - Over the Sea to Skye

Donald Davidson - Banchory Moothie

Donald Davidson was born in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, but soon moved to the Deeside town of Banchory. After hearing Scottish music such as the Wyper Brothers on his father's gramophone, he took up the mouth organ at an early age, joining his siblings in a musical background. In his late teens Donald was playing for the radio in Aberdeen, and came to the attention of a representative of Beltona Records. In 1929 and again in 1931 he travelled to London to record a number of tracks which were released on Beltona, and which spreads his reputation further. This lead to advertising deals; Hohner used Davidson's name to promote their instruments. A final recording session took place in 1939 (which included some duets with Willie Kemp), and while Donald kept playing and being interested in music, it was never a full-time occupation. Davidson died in Aberdeen in 1987.

London, October 1929:
1. Moneymusk/Deil Amang the Tailors
2. Invercauld March/Marchioness of Huntly
3. Rose Amang the Heather/Kafoozulum
4. Stirling Castle; Soldier’s Joy
5. 79th’s Farewell to Gibraltar
6. The Highland Wedding
7. The Smith’s a Gallant Fireman/The Drummer
8. The Marquis of Huntley’s Highland Fling/Mason’s Apron
9. Atholl Highlanders

London, August 1931:
10.Cock o’ the North/Bonnie Dundee/Come Under My Plaidie
11.The Orange and the Blue/The Lad wi’ the Plaidie
12.The Lass o’Gowrie/My Love is But a Lassie Yet/Duncan Gray
13.Lancers: The Deil’s Awa Wi th’Exiseman/The Cumberland Reel/John Grumlie

London, November 1939:
14.Frisky Lambs/Dobbin’s New Shoes
15.Alpine Waltz
16.The Blackthorn Stick
17. Sir Roger de Coverley/Haste to the Wedding

link to the free album
Donald Davidson - Banchory Moothie

Runrig - Live at Celtic Connections 2000

Live at Celtic Connections 2000 is a live album by Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig. It marked their first appearance at prestigious Celtic Connections, a Scottish music festival which takes place annually in the Royal Concert Hall Glasgow during the month of January. The album is a fine blend of new songs and Runrig classics. All beautiful renditions by Bruce Guthro and the band.

Band:
Iain Bayne: drums
Bruce Guthro: vocals, acoustic guitar
Malcolm Jones: guitars, pipes, accordion, vocals
Calum Macdonald: percussion, vocals
Rory Macdonald: bass guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar
Peter Wishart: keyboards

Rocket to the Moon

Protect and Survive

Big Sky

Sìol Ghoraidh (The Genealogy of Goraidh)

The Only Rose

A Dh'innse na Fìrinn (To Tell You the Truth)

Edge of the World

Hearts of Olden Glory

Rubh nan Cudaigean (Cuddy Point) / The Middleton Mouse

Maymorning

The Message

Cearcall a' Chuain (The Ocean Circle)

Pòg Aon Oidhche Earraich (A Kiss One Spring Evening)

Skye

link to the free album

Runrig - Live at Celtic Connections 2000

Saw Doctors - Live at The Melody Tent

The Melody Tent in Hyannis in Cape Cod has been a celebratory venue for The Saw Doctors for many years now, completely surrounded by banks of exceptionally enthusiastic and charged-up fans and friends. While mainly making a dvd, the Saw Doctors found, that they had the makings of a new live album - a current one with a different line-up from the previous collection released a few years earlier. So here they are as a record of how The Saw Doctors played and sounded across the Atlantic Ocean in 2008.

1. Intro
2. Macnas Parade
3. Will It Ever Stop Raining?
4. Out For A Smoke
5. Never Mind the Strangers
6. Green and Red of Mayo
7. Galway and Mayo including Maroon and White
8. This Is Me
9. I'll Be On My Way
10. That's What She Said Last Night
11. Clare Island
12. N17
13. Chips

14. Hay Wrap

link to the free album

Saw Doctors - Live at The Melody Tent

Mary McLaughlin - Daughter Of Lir

Mary McLaughlin writes songs that bridge the gap between Celtic Mythology and the modern world. Lush harmonies blend with guitars, keyboards, cello and Uilleann pipes to produce a haunting, atmospheric soundscape. McLaughlin's graceful, fluid vocals caress songs like "The Gift of Freedom," "Silhouettes," and "Sealwoman/Yundah."

1. Sealwoman / Yundah

2. Eyes Of Africa

3. Cool Waters

4. You Saw His Eyes

5. The Gift Of Freedom

6. Bring The Peace

7. Motherland

8. Fionnuala's Song

9. Daughter Of Lir

10. Silhouettes

11. Trying To Forget

12. I'll Be There

link to the free album

Mary McLaughlin - Daughter Of Lir

Capercaillie - Glenfinnan (Songs of the '45)

Songs taken from the BBC Scotland film "Raising The Standard" about the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The beautiful voice of Karen Matheson, and the contemporary Scottish music of Capercaillie - a perfect match!

1. Oran Do Loch Iall
2. Oran Air Brith A Phrionnsa Tearlaich
3. Oran Eile Don Phrionnsa
4. An Fhideag Airgid
5. Alasdair's Tune
6. Clo Mhic Ille Mhicheil
7. Mo Run Gael Og
8. Smuladh Mi's Mi Air Maineol
9. Gaelic Psalm Theme

link to the free album

Capercaillie - Glenfinnan (Songs of the '45)

Plethyn - Drws Agored

At their most active between 1978 and 1995, Plethyn are pioneers of authentic Welsh folk music, specializing in the close harmonies of the “Plygain” tradition.

Plethyn (meaning ‘braid’ or ‘bond’) is a very apt name for this trightly knit Welsh folk group. The three members originate from the region of Maldwyn, in Mid-Wales. Roy and Linda are brother and sister and John Gittins was born on a neighbouring farm. The folk tradition of this region is particularly rich and its influence can be clearly heard in the voices and style of Plethyn.

Linda Healy has one of the outstanding voices of Welsh folk singing, and the harmonic and natural blend given by Roy’s tenor and John’s bass provide the perfect frame for it.

They accompany themselves on guitar and mandolin and most of their songs are their own arrangements of traditional ones, but they also include new compositions, many of the lyrics penned by poet Myrddin ap Dafydd.

Group:
Linda Healy: Vocals, guitar and accordion.
Roy Griffiths: Vocals, guitar.
John Gittins: Vocals and mandolin.

01 - Cwm y Coed

02 - Myn Mair

03 - Breuddwyd Glyndwr

04 - Rho Wên yn Dy Gwsg

05 - La Rochelle

06 - Philomela

07 - Hon yw Fy Olwen i

08 - Y Ceidwad

09 - Ffarwel i Aberystwyth

10 - Wylaf Dros Iwerddon

11 - Y Deryn Pur

12 - Cysga Di Fy Mhlentyn Tlws

13 - Tafarn Fach Glyd ar y Cei

link to the free album

Plethyn - Drws Agored

Donald MacLellan - Dusky Meadow

This recording is an absolute treat. Lots of classic Scottish tunes played with Gaelic expression. To many, Donald was the living master of old-style strathspey playing. It's truly inspiring to hear someone in his mid-80s playing so strongly. Donald MacLellan is supported on thge album by Doug MacPhee on piano. Sadly Donald passed away one month after this CD's release in 2003. He hadn't made a solo album for nearly 40 years.

1. Captain Carswell/ The Drunken Piper/ The Marchioness of Tullibardine

2. Niel Gow's Lamentation for James Moray of Abercairny/ The Duchess of Hamilton/ The Hon. Mrs Maule of Panmure/ Lady Georgina Campbell/ Captain Byng/ Loch Earn

3 A.F. Irving/ Captain Campbell/ Craig o' Barns/ Sandy is my Darling/ Mr. John Stewart of Grantully/ MacKinnon's Rant

4 The Road to Skye/ Off to Donnybrook/ Whisky Jig/ The Flower in the Garden

5.Sir Alexander Don/ The Ewie with the Crooked Horn/ Johnnie's Made a Waddin' O't/ Country Hall/ Miss Charters

6 Compliments to Annabelle/ Dusky Meadow/ Sandy Cameron/ The Marquis of Tullybardine/ Sandy Duff

7 The Honey Maid/ Pretty Bess/ Key West

8 Killiecrankie/ Gaelic Air/ Welcome to your Feet Again/ Fight about the Fireside/ The White Crow/ Blind Norry's/ Marquis of Queensberry

9 Miss Marianne Oliphant/ The Duke of Gordon's Birthday/ Don Side/ Cross of Inverness/ Muschats Cairn

10 Dr. Shaw/ The Strong Man o' Drum/ Jamie Russell/ The Breem Dog/ Sandy Skinner/ The Spinnin' Wheel

11 O Dear! What can the Matter Be?/ Irish Jig

12 The Shakins of the Pocky/ Miss Christy Nicholson/ Miss Whitefoord/ Isle of Skye/ Put me in the Big Chest

13 Morag's Wedding/ Craig o' Barns/ Pigeon on the Gate/ Finlay's Favorite/ Muileann Dubh

14 Johnny Pringle/ Money Musk/ I'll Gang nae mair to yon Town/ Lord MacDonald's Reel/ The Perrie Werrie/ The Bear in the Buckwheat/ A Dhòmhnuill, A Dhòmhnuill

link to the free album

Donald MacLellan - Dusky Meadow

Cormac Breatnach - Music For Whistle And Guitar

Although this is perhaps not the album for lovers of pure Celtic traditional music, I must confess being a big fan of Cormac's whistle playing and of his recordings with the group Deiseal, on which, with the help of  Niall O'Callanain and Paul O'Driscoll, he fused traditional music and jazz in a very convincing way. This album very much follows on the same path, this time in partnership with the excellent guitar player Martin Dunlea. Traditional and original tunes are played in traditional style, with Cormac's amazing variations, and interspersed with jazzy improvisations, the whole flowing together superbly.

1 Reels: Through The Fields - The Man Of The House - Shores Of Lough Reagh
2 Jigs: The Cotton Grass Flowers - The Killavil - The Old Flail
3 Christmastime In Ashland
4 The Foggy Dew
5 The Wicklow Way
6 Hornpipe: Sue's Hornpipe - Last Train
7 Cufflink - Chuir Me Feisteas Ar Mo Theachsa - Eileen Og - The Pride Of Petravore
8 Air & Reel: Down By The Glenside - The Irish Paddy
9 Music Box
10 Jigs: Morrison's - Port An Tailliuira Small
11 Armada

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Cormac Breatnach - Music For Whistle And Guitar

Brendan McGlinchey - Music of a Champion (1974)

This classic album of traditional Celtic fiddle music was made in 1974 when the County Armagh man was at his peak.There were far less Irish Musicians recording then and this album was influential. For many years after its release these tunes were`staple diet` in the fiddle competitions in Ireland and abroad. Mary Mulholland’s piano accompaniment on the recording is exquisite. Herself and Brendan had no rehearsal and the recording was made, as was usual at the time, in one take

1. Splendid Isolation/Lawrie's [Reels]
2. Whelan's/Paddy Taylor's [Jigs]
3. Across the Fence to the Neighbour's Wife/The Gate to the West (The Acrobat) [Hornpipes]
4. The Floating Crowbar/McKenna's [Reels]
5. Banish Misfortune/The Trip to Sligo [Reels]
6. Music in the Glen/Rakish Paddy [Reels]
7. The Galway/Paddy Fahey's [Reels]
8. The Tosspot (The Queen of the West) [Hornpipe]
9. The Fisherman's Island/The College Groves [Reels]
10. The Drunken Sailor [Hornpipe]
11. The Knocknagow [Jig]
12. The Liffey Banks/The Shaskeen [Reels]

link to the free album

Brendan McGlinchey - Music of a Champion

At the Back of the North Wind (version 2) [by George MacDonald]

At the Back of the North Wind is a children's book by George MacDonald. It was serialized in the children's magazine Good Words for the Young beginning in 1868 and was published in book form in 1871. It is a fantasy centered on a boy named Diamond and his adventures with the North Wind. Diamond travels together with the mysterious Lady North Wind through the nights. The book includes the fairy tale Little Daylight, which has been pulled out as an independent work, or separately, added to other collections of his fairy tales. Summary from Wikipedia.


link to the free audiobook
At the Back of the North Wind (version 2) [by George MacDonald]