Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 40

Michael Marra - Silence

Listen to the Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 40

Wayhay we’ve made it to 40 podcasts! Actually there are more podcasts than this kicking around as I seem to have been doing this for years now. I must find them all – surely I must have them backed up…

Anyway here is the podcast playlist.

People And Songs Of The Sea by Compilation

Track – Farewell Tae The Haven (Davy Steele and Ceolbeg)

It was great hear Davy’s voice again when I first put on this track. Davy died in 2001 and I think his voice as been missed in the scene. I very nearly formed a band with Davy years ago with Gregor Borland but just as it happened he got the unmissable opportunity to join the Battlefield Band. He was so excited when this came along and the band definitely helped him gain the recoginition he deserved. This is a lovely arrangement by Ceolbeg as well.

Leaving Mingulay (A Fagail Mhuighalaigh) by Maggie MacInnes

Track – Beinn A’cheathaich

Maggie is the daughter of the legendary Flora McNeil and in this album you can really hear her class. The recording also sounds fantastic – it is really clear.

The Collection by The Iron Horse

Track – The Iron Horse Medley

During the ninties this band were working all over the place. It’s amazing how a band stops playing and the memories fade. They made quite a few CDs plus music for a documentary called ‘The Gamekeeper’ that was very popular. This CD captures all their past glories.

The Collection by Tannas

Track – Mairead Nan Cuiread – The Bob Parson’s Strathspey

I watched this band start and end. They started off as Fire in the Glen playing in the bars and evolved into Tannas doing concerts. For their 2nd album (they made three in all) they got Donald Shaw into produce and you can really hear his influence in the sound of the track.

This Feeling Inside by Mairi MacInnes

Track – Follow the Light

I have to admit to not knowing a lot about this album. I purely picked it because of the quality of Mairi’s vocal – it is beautiful! I’ve only met Mairi a few times but it is a joy to hear her sing here.

Silence by Michael Marra

Track – Silence

As I said in the podcast Michael is a real master. His voice on this track is brilliant. I don’t think he receives the proper recognition of his talents. Most of his records are not easily available which is a travesty. Not only is Mick a great singer songwriter he is also a painter and recently just had his first exhibition.

Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 39

Listen to the Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 39

Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast No 39

It’s been a busy few weeks. The major thing that has happened is THE SUN IS SHINING! When the sun shines I notice the number of work emails slow down as people head outside! In fact I’ve just been sitting in a deckchair and felt guilty about not getting on with my work…

2009 seems to be year of babies for folk musicians and congratulations go to piper Finlay MacDonald and his wife Jo on the birth of their first son Elliot.

Finlay works at The National Piping Centre and yesterday I attended their 10th annniversary lunch which Prince Charles was attending. The music provided was top notch. There were performances from Gillian Chalmers, Tia Files, Marrisa Vachon, Norrie MacIver (4th year RSAMD Scottish Music course), TNT, 1st year RSAMD Scottish Music course, 3 very young pipers, The current highland dancing world champion accompanied by Chris Armstrong who also performed an amazing solo. The last act finished off with all the tutors playing ‘dueling bagpipes’ which was great fun. The finale was all the pipers who played during the show plus board members and Phil Cunningham. It was a real tribute to the work of the National Piping Centre. The Prince wasn’t in for long but heard quite a few of the performances. I would have liked to have heard him say a few words on the merits of the Piping Centre to the many budding donars who were present.

Podcast playlist:

The Missing Gift by Anna Massie Band

Track – The Badger

The Anna Massie Band have announced their ‘dissolution’ and are currently on their farewell tour. This band have been very popular for the last few years. Anna is in high demand as a session musician and has just joined Blazin’ Fiddles.

Strewn with Ribbons by Lauren MacColl

Track – The Profit

This Lauren’s 2nd CD and is much of the music is collected from book The Highland Collections. I used this book alot when putting together – with Dave Milligan – our Third Flight Home CD. Lauren’s playing is really beautiful and the backing thoughtful.

Farrar by Duncan Chisholm

Track – Nuair Bhios Mi Leam Fhin

This CD won Album of the Year at the 2008 Scots Trad Music Awards. Duncan has a beautiful tone to his playing and really carries this opening track off when others would think twice about starting with a slow air. Congratulations also to Duncan and Jo who also had a baby boy at the end of April

The Gathering Storms by Archie McAllister and Ross Kennedy

Track – The Milltimber Jig / Priscillas / Donald MacLean

Archie is probably one of Scotland’s most gifted fiddlers with a real dazzling technique. You can watch him in action on the Foot Stompin’ YouTube channel (you’ll also catch Lauren MacColl here as well)

The Strathspey King by James Scott Skinner

Track – Allegory: The Miller O’ Hirn/Mackenzie Frazer/The Auld Wheel

James Scott Skinner is the man! We are so lucky in Scotland to have so many great composers. I love Scott Skinner’s tunes and play them regularly.

Laughing Girl by Jenna Reid

Track – The Laughing Girl

This is a great track and a brilliant opening to a record.