Sea and Air

Image: Loch Katrine, Trossachs, Scottish Highlands (photo by Gordon Ritchie, Bon Accord Camera Club)

Week 16 (#2134)
This week we feature music from fiddler Duncan Chisholm inspired by a remote Scottish beach, and from Karine Polwart's Wind Resistance.

Ben-Y-Vrackie/The Crieftan/Old Hill (part 2)...by Tunebook from Melody Lab (Sheem)
The Wild Geese...by Liam O'Flynn from Out to An Other Side (Tara)
Uamh An Oir...by Josie Duncan and Pablo Lafuente from The Morning Tempest (Oak Ridge)
All on a Summer's Morning...by Karine Polwart from A Pocket of Wind Resistance (Hudson)
The Moor Speaks...by Karine Polwart from A Pocket of Wind Resistance (Hudson)
Lark in the Clear Air...by Karine Polwart from A Pocket of Wind Resistance (Hudson)
Lullaby for a Lost Mother...by Karine Polwart from A Pocket of Wind Resistance (Hudson)
 [ID excerpt] Snow on High Ground...by Duncan Chisholm from Sandwood (Copperfish) 
Spaílpin Fánach...by Dervish from Live in Palma (Compass)
I Love the Trees...by Nomos from Set You Free (Green Linnet)
Súile Shuibhne...by Nomos from Set You Free (Green Linnet)
The Pilgrimage...by Duncan Chisholm from Sandwood (Copperfish)
A Precious Place...by Duncan Chisholm from Sandwood (Copperfish) 
Dizzy Blue...by Duncan Chisholm from Sandwood (Copperfish) 
The Burial Clouds...by Duncan Chisholm from Sandwood (Copperfish) 
North to Cape Wrath/The Dark Reel...by Duncan Chisholm from Sandwood (Copperfish) 

New Sounds

Image: Tree canopy, Scottish Highlands (photo by Gordon Ritchie, Bon Accord Camera Club)

Week 15 240411 (#2133)
New music is as much of a springtime certainty as fresh buds on the trees. It’s time to get out among it all and listen to recordings recently acquired, downloaded, and re-discovered.

The Long Note/ Wood’s No. 1…by Hanneke Cassel from Infinite Brightness (Cassel Records)
Island Hop…Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill from The Key’s Within (Tee Nee Dee)
Mo Nighean Donn Hò Gù…by Joy Dunlop from Caoir (Sradag Music)
The Longford Tinker…by Martin Hayes & The Common Ground Ensemble from Peggy’s Dream (Faction)
Willie the Weeper…by Pete Cooper and Richard Bolton from Burning Bright (WildGoose Studios)
Golden Castle/Good of the Flock/Milliner’s Daughter…by Matt and Shannon Heaton from Whirring Wings (Fats Records)
On Board a ‘98…by Mat Green and Andy Turner from Time for a Stottycake (WildGoose Studios)
[ID excerpt] Staccato…by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill from The Key’s Within (Tee Nee Dee)
Dame Lombarde…by Poor Man’s Fortune from Bayou Curious (Speak Jolly Music)
Galine Galo/Gavotten/Salangadou…by Poor Man’s Fortune from Bayou Curious (Speak Jolly Music)
Mardi Gras…by Poor Man’s Fortune from Bayou Curious (Speak Jolly Music)
Gabhaim Molta Bríde…by Altan from Donegal (Compass)
The Yellow Tinker…by Altan from Donegal (Compass)
Liostáil mé le Sáirsint…by Altan from Donegal (Compass)
The Snuff Wife/Cutting Bracken/The Braes of Mellinish…by Poor Man’s Fortune from Bayou Curious (Speak Jolly Music)

In Flight

Image: Pete Sutherland, Timothy Cummings, Brad Kolodner (Photo courtesy of The Birds’ Flight)

Week 14 (#2132)
Migrations of birds are like songs and tunes that travel to new places and often find their way back home again. Fiona Ritchie continues to explore the movement of music with “The Birds’ Flight” by Tim Cummings, Pete Sutherland, and Brad Kolodner, and other music.

How Can I Keep From Singing?…by Julee Glaub from Fields Faraway (Julee Glaub)
Farewell Dundee/Babe of Bethlehem…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
Sonny’s Dream…by Jean Redpath from Leaving the Land (Greentrax)
MacGregor of Roaring Fork…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
The Birds’ Flight…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
The Blackest Crow…by Laurie Lewis from Birdsong (Spruce and Maple Music)
Jackson Gal…The Birds’ Flight…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
[ID excerpt] Sheep in the Clouds…The Birds’ Flight…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
Cape Fear…by Ian Hardie from Westringing (ian-hardie.co.uk)
Jackaro…by Davids Ferrard from Across the Troubled Wave (Alter Road)
Love and Freedom…by Atwater-Donnelly from Like the Willow Tree (Beacon)
The Wood Thrush’s Song…by Laurie Lewis from Birdsong (Spruce and Maple Music)
Lexie MacAskill…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
Kilmarnock…by Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland, Brad Kolodner from The Birds’ Flight (Birchen Music)
Tingles…by The Elephant Sessions from Nead Nan Cèoladair / The Musicians’ Nest (Lews Castle College UHI)

Americana Celts

Week 13: (#2131)
The Piedmont Blues and Old Time music of Americans Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and Aunt Samantha Bumgarner were all early influences on Scottish singers and guitarists including Archie Fisher, John Martyn, and Bert Jansch. The blended sound has evolved further in “Celtgrass” and “I-grass” Irish fusion bands like JigJam and We Banjo 3

Lass From the Low Country…by Archie Fisher from A Silent Song (Red House Records)
The Bunch of Green Rushes/Salt Creek…by We Banjo 3 from Live in Galway (www.webanjo3.com)
Star of Belle Isle…by Archie Fisher from Windward Away (Red House Records)
Nottamun Town...by Jean Ritchie from American Folklife Center Archive, Library of Congress 
Nottamun Town...by Bert Jansch from Jack Orion (Transatlantic)
Highlander's Farewell to Sicily..by Hamish Henderson from American Folklife Center Archive, Library of Congress
The Times They Are a-Changin'...by Bob Dylan from The Times They Are a-Changin' (Columbia)
[ID excerpt] Red Paddy on the Ridge…by JigJam from Phoenix (www.jigjam.ie)
Sweet Roseanne…by The Unwanted from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)
Wedding Dress/Kitchen Girl…by The Unwanted from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)
Selections from a recording made of Jean Ritchie and Norman Kennedy at the Newport Folk Festival, 1966:
Hop Up My Ladies
Mrs. McLeod's Reel
Hop High Ladies/Dunsmore Lasses…by Mary Z Cox from Carolina Banjo (www.maryzcox.com)
Blue Diamond Mines…by John Doyle from Evening Comes Early (Shanachie)
Old Molly Oxford/The Three By Two-Step, Sawmill Backstep…by The Unwanted from Pay Day (Whirling Discs)

Spring Sounds

Image: Scottish band Breabach featured on this week’s show.

Week 12 (#2130)
This week we breeze into the season with music to ease our way.

Thunderberg…by Austral from Thylacine (australband.com)
If The Day Dawns Bright and Clear/ Dry and Fair And Wet and Foul/Sheep’s Milk/The Burnt Candlemas…by Gavin Marwick & Aaron Jones from Quarterdays Candlemas (Journeyman)
Changing World…by Breabach from Fàs (Breabach Records)
The Old Collection…by Breabach from Fàs (Breabach Records)
What Haven’t We Heard?…by Úna Monaghan with Pauline Scanlon (unamonaghan.com)
[ID excerpt] The King’s Chair…by Gavin Marwick & Aaron Jones from Quarterdays Candlemas (Journeyman)
Tog Suas!…by Gillebride MacMillan from Sèimh (Dealas)
The Greenfields of America/The Ships AreSailing/Kitty Jones’s…by Hannah Flowers from Hall-Gate House (hannahflowersharp.com)
Another Artichoke Night …by Dan’l from Acoustic Storyteller (Earth n Wood Music)
Girl From the North Country…by Dylan Pearse from Songs From the North Country (dylanpearse.com)
17 Horses…by Arthur Coates from Trapdoor to Hell (Arthur Coates)
Turlutte de L’Accent Changeant…by Arthur Coates from Trapdoor to Hell (Arthur Coates)
The Cradle Song/The Rowan Tree/Lord Lovat’s Lament…by Tom Ward from Cobbled Together (Greentrax)

All Ireland

Image: Legendary Irish line-up Moving Hearts (photo courtesy of the artists).

Week 11 (#2129)
St. Patrick grew up in Roman Britain and died in Ireland in the late 5th Century. We’ll never know how music sounded fifteen hundred years ago, but we can certainly celebrate the classic and timeless sounds of today’s Irish music all-stars.

The Bag of Cats…by Sharon Shannon from Each Little Thing (Grapevine)
Mary and the Soldier…by Andy Irvine and Paul Brady from Andy Irvine Paul Brady (Mulligan)
The Hills of Donegal…by The Boys of the Lough from Sweet Rural Shade (Lough)
Do You Love and Apple…by the Bothy Band from The Best of the Bothy Band (Green Linnet)
A Fig for a Kiss/The Turf Cutter…by Altan from The Poison Glen (Compass)
The Titanic…by Moving Hearts from The Storm (Son)
The Ploughman…by Solas from Waiting For an Echo (Shanachie)
[ID break] Kids…by Sharon Shannon from Each Little Thing (Grapevine)
The Soporific/The Rights of Man…by Deiseal from The Long Long Note (Starc)
Galway Bay…by Dolores Keane from CelticWoman 4 (Valley Entertainment)
When Juniper Sleeps…by Seamus Egan from Celtic Dreamland (Putumayo)
Bittersweet Crimson…by Luka Bloom from Bittersweet Crimson (Big Sky)
Sevens/Michael Kennedy’s/The Cup of Tea…by Liz Carroll from Lost in the Loop (Green Linnet)
The Sailor’s Bonnet…by The Gloaming from Live at the NCH (Real World)

From the Archives

Week 10 (#2128)
Host Fiona Ritchie revisits memorable moments from the past decade of her radio shows.

Two Shetland Reels...by Solas from All These Years (Thl Records)
The Stride/Tom Doherty's/The Contradiction/Viva Galicia…by Solas from The Words That Remain (Shanachie) Pastures of Plenty…by Solas from Reunion (Compass)   
Black Annis…by Solas from Reunion  (Compass)   
Lia Fail: The Stone of Destiny (excerpt)…by William Jackson from Duan Àlbanach (Mill Records)
Iona Theme…by Ossian from Dove Across the Water (Iona)
[ID Break: All These Years...by Solas from All These Years (Thl Records)
Bonnie Border Lass (guitar intro)...by Archie Fisher from Windward Away (Red House)
Silver Coin...by Archie Fisher from Sunsets I've Galloped Into... (Greentrax)
Adam Cameron...by Archie Fisher from Will Ye Gang, Love (Green Linnet)
The Kid on the Mountain...by Alison Kinnaird (with Patsy Seddon) from The Harp Key (Temple)
The Judges Dilemma/The Inverness Gathering...by Sileas from Delighted With Harps (Green Linnet)
May Colvin...by Sileas from Play on Light  (Greentrax)
Roarie Bummlers...by Solas from All These Years (Thl Records)

Cymru

Recently voted the coolest national flag in the world, the dragon was first adopted as a symbol of Wales in the 5th century .

Week 9 (#2127)
A journey through the distinctive landscapes of traditional Welsh music with Crasdant, Plethyn, Cerys Matthews and more.

Welsh Arrow Suite…by Pierre Bensusan from Encore (Dadgad)
Ar Hyd Y Nos…by Cerys Matthews from Tir (Rainbow City)
All through the Night…by Robin Huw Bowen from Harp Music of Wales (Saydisc)
Pan ddoi adre’n ôl…by Siân James from The Music of Wales - The Folk Collection (Sain)
Mympwy Llwyd…by Crasdant from Dwndwr - the Great Noise (Sain)
Hwylio’r Heli…by Plethyn from Blas Y Pridd/Golau Tan Gwmwl (Sain)
[ID excerpt] Bethan Rhiannon…by Crasdant from Welsh Traditional Music (Sain)
Yr Unig Lie…by Lowri Evans from Clyw Sibrydion (RASP)
Bali Tw’m Sion/Dadl Dau/Gorsaf Y Gof/Rachel Dafyydd Ifan…by Cerys Matthews from Hullabaloo (Rainbow)
Yr Eneth Gadd El Wrthod…by Cerys Matthews from Explorer (RCM)
Foster’s Favorite/Mr. Barwick’s…by Erryn Marshall and Carl Jones from Old Tin (Dittyville)
Always Will…by Nanci Griffith from Transatlantic Sessions 2, Volume One (Iona)
The Buttermere Waltz… from When Summer Comes Again by Simon Mayor and Hilary James (Acoustics)
Profiad…by Carreg Lafar from The Music of Wales - The Folk Collection (Sain)

Harp on Guitar

Image: Finger style guitarist and clawhammer banjo specialist Steve Baughman (photo courtesy of the artist).

Week 8
 (#2126)

This week, we’ll hear how well the ancient music of the Celtic harp is suited to arrangements by guitar masters including Tony McManus, Steve Baughman, and Pierre Bensusan.

Mrs. Judge…by Steve Baughman from Once Upon a Harp (CelticGuitar.com)
Bridget’s Hawaiian Cruise…by Steve Baughman from Once Upon a Harp (CelticGuitar.com)
My Home Town…by Tony Cuffe and William Jackson from The Clear Stream (Greentrax)
Suite de Ridées…by Tony McManus from Ceol More (Greentrax)
Heman Dubh/The Lost Piper March…by Pierre Bensusan from Encore (Dadgad Music)
Drumleman…by Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern from Live in Concert (Greentrax)
[ID excerpt] Lady Gethin…by Steve Baughman from Once Upon a Harp (CelticGuitar.com)
The Battle of Harlaw…by Ronn McFarlane from The Celtic Lute (Sono Luminus)
Bogie’s Bonnie Belle…by Rod Paterson and Wendy Stewart from Scottish Harps (Greentrax)
Si Bhig, Si Mhor/The Rakish Paddy…by Pierre Bensusan from Musiques (Windham Hill)
Banish Misfortune…by Robin Bullock from The Lightening Field (Azalea City)
Mrs. Maxwell’s Second Air…by Steve Baughman from Once Upon a Harp (CelticGuitar.com)
Planxty Llanthony/Loftus Jones…by John Renbourn from Traveller’s Prayer (Shanachie)

Viking Vibe

Image: Viking galley at Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland 2024 (photo by Fiona Ritchie)

Week 7 (#2125)
From the northern isles of Orkney and Shetland and onward to Norway, hear the fusion of Celtic and Scandinavian music.

Shetland Pony Shuffle…by Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley from Idiom (Geo Sound)
The Sheriff…by Chris Stout from Quintet (Greentrax)
Braes o’ Gleniffer…by Ivan Drever from Four Walls (Iona)
James & Emilie Kirkness…by Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley from Northern Lights (Birnam CD)
Got To Go…by Rock, Salt & Nails from Live and Hazardous (Park)
Norwegian…by Blazin’ Fiddles from Thursday Night in the Caley (Accusound)
Swedish…by Blazin’ Fiddles from The Old Style (Blazin Fiddles)
[ID excerpt] Totaig…by Harta from Harta (HartaSkye)
The Constitution…Aly Bain from The Shetland Sessions, Vol 1 (Lismor)
Shaskeen/Paddy Fahey’s, Fair Jenny…Hom Bru from The Shetland Sessions, Vol 1 (Lismor)
Turning Tide…by Shoormal from Turning Tide (Greentrax)
Don’t Drink and Dance…by The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc (Nordic Fiddlers Bloc)
The Call and the Answer…by Kris Drever from Mark the Hard Earth (Navigator)
Valtrail…by Harta from Harta (HartaSkye)
The Joy of It!…by Catriona Macdonald from Bold (Peerie Angel Productions)

What’s Love Got to do With It?

Week 6 (#2124)
Celtic love songs don’t always follow the romantic script. In matters of the heart this week, expect tales of the unexpected.

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)

At the Gathering: John McCutcheon

Image: John McCutchoen at The Swannanoa Gathering, 2022. (Photo by Fiona Ritchie.)

Week 5
(#2123)
Join Fiona Ritchie at the Swannanoa Gathering’s Traditional Song Week for a musical conversation with John McCutcheon, singer-songwriter and master of many instruments. Hear live performances and chat about John’s long and varied musical career, and how his work as a storyteller feeds into his performances and songwriting.

How Can I keep From Singing?…by John McCutcheon from To Everyone In All The World - A Celebration of Pete Seeger.
Carolan’s Welcome (excerpt)…by John McCutcheon from Step by Step (Rounder)
We’re Stole and Sold from Africa…by John McCutcheon live at The Swannanoa Gathering (private recording not available).
Appalachian Dulcimer tunes…by John McCutcheon live at The Swannanoa Gathering (private recording not available).
John Philip Sousa tunes…by John McCutcheon live at The Swannanoa Gathering (private recording not available).
[ID excerpt] Step by Step…by John McCutcheon from Step by Step (Rounder)
The Hours After (excerpt)…by John McCutcheon from Live At WolfTrap (Rounder)
Christmas in the Trenches…by John McCutcheon live at The Swannanoa Gathering (private recording not available).
Time Has Made a Change in Me…by John McCutcheon with Sheila Kay Adams live at The Swannanoa Gathering (private recording not available).

Auld Lang Syne

Image: Lyrics for Auld Lang Syne, in the hand of Robert Burns

Week 4 (#2122)
Fiona Ritchie explores some of the timeless lyrics of Robert Burns, and delves into the verses of his famous anthem, Auld Lang Syne, to explain its bitter sweet nostalgia.

Auld Lang Syne (short version)…by The Cast from Auld Lang Syne (Culburnie)
Rantin’ Rovin’ Robin…by Alan Reid from The Complete songs of Robert Burns, Vol 2 (Linn)
Rattlin’ Roarin’ Willie…by Dougie MacLean from A Robert Burns Selection (Dunkeld)
Ye Banks and Braes…by The Cast from The Winnowing (Culburnie)
Parcel of Rogues…by Old Blind Dogs from There Was a Lad… Songs of Burns (KRL)
Niel Gow’s Lament for James Moray Esq. of Abercarney…by Pete Clark from Even Now (Smiddymade)
A Red. Red Rose…by Andy M. Stewart from Songs of Robert Burns (WunderTüte)
[ID excerpt] Wandering Willie…by The Birnam Quartet from The Music of Burns (Shoogle)
Auld Lang Syne…by The Bells from There Was a Lad… Songs of Burns (KRL)
Auld Lang Syne…by The Cast from The Winnowing (Culburnie)
Address to a Haggis…by Hugh MacDiarmid from There Was a Lad… Songs of Burns (KRL)
Thou Gloomy December…by Corrina Hewat from The Complete songs of Robert Burns, Vol 4 (Linn)
The Shepherd’s Wife…by Jim Malcolm from The Complete songs of Robert Burns, Vol 4 (Linn)
O Whar Gat Ye That Hauver-Meal Bannock?…by Wendy Weatherby from from The Complete songs of Robert Burns, Vol 4 (Linn)
Scots Wha Hae…by Dougie MacLean from A Robert Burns Selection (Dunkeld)
A Man’s A Man For A’ That…by The Birnam Quartet from The Music of Burns (Shoogle)

Freedom and Whisky

Week 3 (#2118)
According to poet Robert Burns, “freedom and whisky gang thegither”. He was interested in its mind altering properties: “Inspiring, bold John Barleycorn! What dangers thou can’st make us scorn!” Learn more this week, from songs and tunes written about Scotland’s national drink.

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)

Still Kicking

Image: Rainbow at Clachnessie Beach (photo by Gordon Ritchie, Bon Accord Camera Club)

Week 2 (#2120)
It’s a life affirming hour of live music and lively audiences this week, to celebrate another year of great music to come! 

Glenlogie…by Jim Malcolm from Live in Glenfarg (Beltane) http://jimmalcolm.com 
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) http://www.musicscotland.com/cd/Various-Artists-Scottish-Women.html 
Trip to Skye…by Skolvan from Live in Italia (Keltia Musique) http://www.skolvan.com 
Sir Patrick Spens…by Jim Malcolm from Live in Glenfarg (Beltane) http://jimmalcolm.com 
ID Excerpt: Flowers of Edinburgh…by Jim Malcolm from Live in Glenfarg (Beltane) http://jimmalcolm.com
Bogey’s Bonnie Belle…by Christy Moore, Donal Lunny & Jimmy Faulkner from Live in Dublin (Tara Music) http://www.taramusic.com 
The Rocky Road to Dublin/Indian Ate the Woodchuck…by Mozaik from Live From the Powerhouse (Compass) http://compassrecords.com 
Breileach…by Capercaillie from Dusk Till Dawn (Survival) http://www.capercaillie.co.uk 
The Big Set…by The Unusual Suspects from Live in Scotland (Foot Stompin’) http://www.footstompin.com/products/cds/unusual_suspects_live_in_scotland 
The Kerry Dances…by Frankie Gavin and Stephane Grappelli from Frankie Gavin 2003-2004 Collection (Frankie Gavin) http://www.allcelticmusic.com 

New Year Sounds

Image: Drumbeg, Scottish Highlands (photo by Gordon Ritchie, Bon Accord Camera Club)

Week 1 (#2119)
Make a resolution to explore new music this year, by artists you know and those you’ll soon discover. Here are some to get you started in 2024.

Flannery’s Dream/The New Mown Meadow…by Owen Marshall from Throughline (owenmarshallmusic.com)
Toss the Feathers/The Magherabaun Reel…by Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble from Peggy’s Reel (251 Records)
Intro/The Three Danish Galleys…by Holly & the Reivers from Three Galleys (HATR)
Thresherman…by Patakas (Will & Joe Sartin) from When You’re Ready (Wildgoose Studios)
Ó ho Nighean, É ho Nighean…by Máire Ní Cathasaigh from The New Strung Harp (Old Bridge)
Jigs…by Joy Dunlop from Caoir (joydunlop.com)
[ ID excerpt] Dogs Among the Bushes…by Owen Marshall from Throughline (owenmarshallmusic.com)
Princess Royal…by Simon Mayor from Carolan (Acoustics)
Ballantrae Bound…by Davie Anderson from Ballantrae Bound (Brechin All Records)
Les Filles des Forges…by Triton from Rule of Three (TritonTad.com)
Pilé-menu…by Triton from Rule of Three (TritonTad.com)
Dans La Froidure…by Triton from Rule of Three (TritonTad.com)
Lovely Liddy/Teagan’s Trip…by Hanneke Cassel from Infinite Brightness (hannekecassel.com)

On the Brink

Image: Clashnessie Beach, Scottish Highlands (photo by Gordon Ritchie, Bon Accord Camera Club)

Week 52. (#2118)
We invite you to accompany us into the New Year, on a hopeful tide of tunes and songs.

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)

A Celtic Holiday Tradition

Image: Christmas Lights on Regent Street, London (photo by Fiona Ritchie).

Week 51 (#2117)
Festive songs, Christmas carols, and wintertime verses conjure the magical spirit of the season.  As communities come together to mark the midwinter festivals, Fiona Ritchie debuts a community reading of her new poem: the Old Oak Tree.

Here We Come a-Caroling…by The Gothard Sisters from A Celtic Christmas (gothardsisters.com)
Children Go…by Eileen Ivers from Scatter the Light (Musical Bridge)
Christmas Song…by Dougie MacLean (Christmas Song on You Tube)
Hirour Erregereki…by Gwen Màiri from Douze Noëls (telyneg)
The Wexford Carol…by Yo-Yo Ma with Alison Krauss from from Song of Joy & Peace (Sony)
A Christmas Jig/Mouth of the Tobique Reel…by Yo-Yo Ma with Natalie MacMaster from Song of Joy & Peace (Sony)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel …by Eliza Lynn (private recording)
[ID Break] Beude Bazter…by Gwen Màiri from Douze Noëls (telyneg)
Bleary Winter…by Holly & The Reivers from Three Galleys (Holly & The Reivers)
Lully Lullay…by Nighnoise from Celtic Christmas III | (Windham Hill)
The Old Oak Tree (poem and birdsong)…by Fiona Ritchie and friends (private recording)
Sunrise at Solstice…by We Banjo 3 from A Winter Wonderful (We Banjo 3)
Ring Out , Solstice Bells…by Jethro Tull from Songs from the Wood (Chrysalis)
Winterberry Set…by The Gothard Sisters from A Celtic Christmas (gothardsisters.com)
Noël Emmanuel…by The Fire from Very Scottish Christmas (thefirescottishband.com)

Wintersong

Image: Yo-Yo Ma, American cellist (photo courtesy of the artist).

Week 50 (#2116)
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)
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)

Gifts

Image: Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and recording artist Loreena McKenitt.

Week 49 (#2115)
Music is the gift that will keep giving through the year to come.  Host Fiona Ritchie offers some new music and seasonal favourites that will all make welcome gifts for music lovers everywhere.

Breton Carol…by Loreena McKennitt from A Midwinter Night’s Dream (Quinlan Road)
Kerry Slides…by the Chieftains from The Foxhunt - San Francisco 1973 & 1976 (Claddagh / Universal)
Blinding…by Luke Jackson from Of The Time (First Take)
The Drouthy Burn…by Dougie MacLean and Jamie MacLean from Flo (Dunkeld)
I Saw Three Ships…by John Renbourn from A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh (Green Linnet)
Garçon À Marier/Orgies Nocturnes/Dans Fisel…by Touchstone from A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh (Green Linnet)
Swannanoa…by Janis Ian from The Light at the End of the Line (Rude Girl)
[ID excerpt] The Snowy Path…by Altan from A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh (Green Linnet)
Bach’s Sonata No. 1 in G Minor - IV Presto…by Chris Thile from Bach Sonatas and Partitas (Nonesuch)
Petty harbourt Bait Skiff…by Ofra Harnoy from On The Rock (Analekta)
Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No 1 in G Major…by Chris Newman from Breaking Bach (Old Bridge Music)
The Diamond Ring…by Karen Matheson from Still Time (Compass)
Strathspeys and Reels…by Brìghde Chaimbeul, Ross Ainsley and Steven Byrnes from LAS (Great White)
Better Times Will Come…by Janis Ian from The Light at the End of the Line (Rude Girl)
Noël Nouvelet…by Loreena McKennitt from from A Midwinter Night’s Dream (Quinlan Road)