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1.
The Barra MacNeils
RACKET IN THE ATTIC
The Glom (Sheumas, Kyle
Stewart, Lucy MacNeil/Barra Music Co, SOCAN) The Drilling Reel
(Sheumas, Kyle, Stewart, Lucy MacNeil/Barra Music Co SOCAN),
Lisa Giles (PS. Cranford/Cranford Publications, SOCAN),
Sheumas
MacNeil: Piano, Keyboards
Kyle MacNeil: Fiddle, Guitar
Stewart MacNeil: Flute Accordion
Lucy MacNeil: Fiddle Bodhran
Jamie Gatti: Electric Upright Bass
From
the album Racket in the Attic
Recorded in Bolton, Ontario, 1999
Produced by Danny Greenspoon
Courtesy of Barratone, Inc.
At
the heart of the Barras trademark sound is the piano style of
Sheumas MacNeil, who along with Jamie Gatti on upright bass,
sets the foundation for the band. Together, Sheumas and Jamie
have developed into one of the most dynamic rhythm sections in
Celtic music. The title of the new album, Racket in the Attic,
takes it’s name from the live rehearsal sessions held in the
months leading up recording. These sessions were held in the
attic of Sheumas’s house in Sydney Mines, and the repertoire
included these three new tunes. The last tune in this medley
is by lighthouse keeper Paul Cranford, who has been a regular
guest in the MacNeil I household for many years. The Barra’s
recorded some of his other tunes on The Traditional Album. The
new album includes guest performances by Paddy Moloney of the
Chieftains and the Newfoundland group Great Big Sea.
2.
Jerry Holland
THE ICEY BLUES
Icey Blue Days (Jerry Holland/Fiddlesticks Music SOCAN),
The Musical Chisholm Household (Jerry Holland Fiddlesticks
Music, SOCAN), House Hunting (Jerry Holland/Fiddlesticks
Music, SOCAN)
Jerry
Holland: Fiddle
John MacLean: Highland Bagpipes
Previously unreleased
Recorded especially for this compilation
Recorded in North River, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 2000
Produced by Paul MacDonald
Courtesy of Odyssey Records
Fiddler
Jerry Holland is recognized as one of the foremost musicians
and composers of fiddle music in the world. His fiddle tunes
have been adapted for accordion, flute, and many other Celtic
instruments, including the highland bagpipe. His fiddle tune
“Brenda Stubbert’s Reel” was first released in 1982 on
the album Master Cape Breton Fiddler. Since that time, the
tune has become a popular standard with pipers and pipe bands
throughout the world. Jerry continues to compose new music,
and this year celebrates the release of his newest book, The
Second Collection, a collection of fiddle tunes. This track
features a medley of tunes from this new book and has been
adapted for the bagpipes by John MacLean, one of the leading
exponents of Cape Breton dance-style piping. John is the son
of Johnny (Washabuck) MacLean, an admired fiddler and step
dancer. John was inspired to take up the old-time style of
piping through the encouragement of his uncles Alex Cume and
Paddy Currie.
3.
Rita & Mary Rankin
BUAIN A ‘CHOIRCE
(Traditional)
Rita
Rankin: Gaelic Vocals
Mary Rankin: Gaelic Vocals
Dave Burton: Percussion
From
the album Home
Recorded in Halifax, NovaScotia, 1998
Produced by Glenn Meisner
Courtesy of CBC Halifax/Ingold Records
Rita
and Mary Rankin are from the Mabou Coal Mines, an ocean-side
community on the western shore of Cape Breton Island. The
Mabou Coal Mines are one of the most celebrated communities in
Cape Breton traditional music, a community strong in Gaelic
song, fiddle, and pipe traditions. Mabou Coal Mines have
produced some of Cape Breton’s finest fiddlers, pipers, and
singers, including Mary “Hughie’ MacDonald, one of Cape
Breton’s most renowned fiddlers of the 20th century. It is
from the Mabou Coal Mines Gaelic tradition that Rita and Mary
Rankin derive the Gaelic songs in their repertoire. “Buain A
‘Choirce” is a love song that originates on the Island of
Islay, Scotland. It tells the story of longing for a
sweetheart while reaping the oats. The album Home wan produced
by CBC producer Glenn Meisner, who has recorded a variety of
the Celtic Colours shows for broadcast on the popular CBC
radio show Atlantic Airwaves.
4.
Blazin’ Fiddles
CROFTING
COUNTIES
Kenny MacDonald’s Jig (Calurn MacLean), Garster’s
Dream (Traditional), The Grey Buck (Traditional), Ho ro mo
Bhobain an Dram (The Favorite Dream) (Traditional)
Aidan
0 ‘Rourke: Fiddle
Allan Henderson: Fiddle
Bruce MacGregor: Fiddle
Catriona MacDonald: Fiddle
Duncan Chisholm: Fiddle
lain MacFarlane: Fiddle
Marc Clement: Guitar
Andy Thorburn: Piano
From
the album Fire On
Recorded in Ardgour, Scotland, 2000
Produced by lain MacDonald
Courtesy of Blazin’ Fiddles
BIazin
Fiddles is comprised of six of the finest young fiddle players
from the highlands and islands of Scotland. All of the members
are involved in other groups and with their own solo fiddle
careers. They first came together as a group for the Highland
Festival in Scotland in the summer of 1998. Celtic Colours
2000 will be their second visit to Cape Breton as a group.
Following a performance at the 1999 Fiddles of the World
Festival in Halifax, they performed as part of a concert
series at the Gaelic College, St. Anns, Cape Breton. Fiddler
Catriona MacDonald appeared at the 1998 Celtic Colours
Festival, and fiddler lain MacFarlane visited Cape Breton
several years ago with his father. The new Blaxin Fiddles
album was produced by lain MacDonald (a piper and flute
player), brother to Allan MacDonald. Allan has taught and
performed in Cape Breton and was featured on the second Celtic
Colours compilation. Fire On! is a fine collection of
traditional tunes, yet includes newly composed tunes by
several modern composers, including Cape Bretons Jerry
Holland.
5.
William Jackson
RORY DALLS
SISTERS LAMENT
Rosy Dali’s Sisters Lament (Traditional)
William
Jackson: Gut String Harp
From the album The Ancient Harp of Scotland.
Recorded in Seattle, Washington,1998
Produced by William Jackson
Courtesy of Mill Records
Harpist
William Jackson made a brief appearance in Cape Breton in
1983, while touring with the group Ossian. William was a
founding member of Ossian, and like the Chieftains, the harp
was at the foundation of the ensemble sound of the band. The
Harp, or Clarsach, is one of the oldest instruments in the
Celtic world. It’s origins date to the 10th century, a time
when a harpist was honoured above all other musicians. By the
18th century, however, “ the Harp had declined in popularity
and has sees a revival osiy in recent years. William Jackson
has developed a unique career as a solo harpist, producer, and
music therapist. He has released several solo albums on the
Mill Records label, including a major commission by The
Scottish Chamber Orchestra entitled A Scottish Island. William
recently directed and performed the music for “Battle of the
Clans” for The History Channel. Rory DalI’s Sister’s
Lament” is a lovely air that was previously recorded by
Ossian.
6.
Eleanor Shanley
GALWAY TO
GRACELAND
Galway to Grace/and (Richard Thompson/Bug Music)
Eleanor
Shanley: Vocals
Robbie Overson: Guitars
Neil! MacCoil: Guitars, Keyboards
From the album Desert Heart
Recorded in Dublin, Ireland, 1997
Produced by Neil MacCoil
Courtesy of Kesh Recording, LTD
Vocalist
Eleanor Shanley is from Co. Leitrim, Ireland. Members of her
mothers family were all fireside singers, and Eleanor grew up
surrounded by music. Eleanor was discovered at an informal
session by the famed Galway band Dc Dannan, who later invited
her to become their singer. Eleanor toured with Dc Dannan for
five years, and in 1995, she released her first self-titled
solo album, which was produced by Donal Lunny. Sisce that
time, Eleanor has toured with Luka Bloom, Sharon Shannon, and
Christy Moore. In 1996 Eleanor began work on her second album,
Desert Heart, which includes this selection, Galway to
Graceland. Since the release of this album, Eleanor has toured
extensively throughout Spain, Denmark, and the UK. Eleanor
appeared at the 199B Celtic Colours Festival with guitarist
John McLoughlin, and during this time, was recorded by CBC
Halifax and later broadcast by the Atlantic Airwaves show.
Galway to Graceland was composed by the prolific songwriter
Richard Thompson, who was a founding member of the highly
acclaimed British folk-rock ensemble Fairport Convention.
7.
Dàimh
WELCOME
TO SCOTSVILLE
The Turtle (Traditional)/ Irish Reel (Traditional)/
Wilfred & Janet Burkes (Brenda Stubbert, SOCAN)/ The
Scotsville Reel (Alla MacFarlane)
Angus
MacKenzie: Highland Pipes, Border Pipes
Ross Martin: Guitar
Colum O'Rua: Banjo
Gabe McVarish: Fiddle
James Bremmer Bodhran
From
the album Moidart to Mabou
Recorded in Ardgour Scotland 2000
Produced by lain MacDonald
Courtesy of Goat Island Music
Throughout
the history of Celtic music, there have always been crossovers
of styles and convergence of players from the different
traditions. Dáimh, which means kinship, is a modern example
of convergence. Daimh is based on the west coast of Scotland,
and this young group brings together players from Ireland,
Scotland, Cape Breton. and the U.S. Although they all come
from different backgrounds and traditions, they have found
common ground in this ensemble. Their new album. Moidart to
Mabou, was also produced by piper and flute player lain
MacDonald. The repertoire on this album consists of aditional
Gaelic songs, traditional fiddle and pipe tunes, and newly
composed tunes from Cape Breton composers Jerry Holland.
Brenda Stubbert. and Dan R. MacDonald, and Scottish composers
Allan MacDonald, lain MacFarlane, and Gordon Duncan. This set
includes a popular tune by Brenda Stubbert. Also included in
this set is the Cape Breton pipe tune The Scotsville Reel,
composed by Allan MacFarlane and published in The Cape Breton
Collection (1940).
8.
Brendan Mulvihill
MARLBORO JIGS
Jackson’s Jig (Traditional) Billy, Hamilton’s Jig
(Traditional), (Arranged by Brendan Mulvihill)
Brendan
Mulvihill: Fiddle
Paul MacDonald: Guitar
Recorded
by Pierre Sprey especially for this compilation
Recorded at Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 2000
Produced by Paul MacDonald
Courtesy of Brendan Mulvihill
Mulvihill
first came to the United States in 1965 when his family
emigrated from Limerick to New York. After playing and living
in Ireland and England, Brendan now makes his home in Silver
Spring, Maryland, and in Limerick, Ireland. Brendan first came
to visit Cape Breton in the late 1980s and has been a
semi-annual visitor since that time. Brendan is a favorite
Irish fiddler of Cape Breton’s fiddlers. He is admired for
his robust tone and his exquisite bow work. This recording was
made by engineer Pierre Sprey in a 100-year-old plantation
house in Marlboro, Maryland. Brendan chose these jigs
especially for this compilation. The first traditional jig
comes from the repertoire of the famous fiddle player and
collector Frank McCollam from Ballycastle, Co Antrim, Ireland.
The second traditional pg is from multi-instrumentalist Stevie
Morris of Douglas Bridge, Co. Tyrone. Ireland. Brendan learned
this rare jig while playing with Stevie in the Washington. DC
area.
9.
Rod C. MacNeil
LAOIDH CHALUIN
CHILLE
(St. Columba Hymn) (Traditional)
Rod
C. MacNeil. Gaelic Vocal
Tracey Dares: Piano
Previously unreleased
Recorded in Point Aconi, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia 2000
Produced by Tracey Dares
Courtesy of Gigs & Reels Productions
Gaelic
singer Rod C. MacNeil is from Barra Glen, a tiny community in
Victoria County located near lona, Cape Breton. He is the
father of traditional piper Paul K. MacNeil, who is also
featured on this compilation. The village of lona is known for
its rich background in Gaelic songs and strong family
connections to the Island of Barra in Scotland. In Barra Glen,
Rod C. lives on a secluded homestead and maintains the strong
traditions he adopted from his ancestors. He is actively
involved in milling frolics and other community Gaelic events.
The 1997 Celtic Colours compilation featured Rod C. leading a
milling song on a track from the piping album, Open the Door,
by Paul MacNeil and Jamie Maclnnes. Rod C. was also featured
on the 1998 compilation as a milling chorus singer with Donald
MacDonnell. He chose this song especially for this compilation,
and he is accompanied by Tracey Dares on piano.
10.
Buddy MacMaster
MRS. FERGUSON OF
REATHS SET
Mrs. Ferguson of Reaths (Traditional), Lord Donne‘s
Strathspey (Traditional), Pigeon on the Gate (Traditional),
Miss Johnson Pitworth (J. Walker)
Buddy
MacMaster: Fiddle
Mary Jessie MacDonald: Piano
From
the album The Judique Flyer
Recorded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2000
Produced by Gordie Sampson
Courtesy of Stephen MacDonald Productions
The
year 2000 has been an exciting one for fiddler Buddy
MacMaster. This summer, amid an already busy schedule, Buddy
received the prestigious Order of Canada award and released
his new album, The Judique Flyer, both in the same week.
Although he has taught and performed throughout the world for
many years, Buddy still maintains his reputation as a
community player. His weekly appearances at the Glencoe Hall
dances are legendary. A selection recorded at Glencoe Hall
with Buddy and Natalie MacMaster was released on last years
Celtic Colours compilation. The year 2000 has also been a busy
year for piano player Mary Jessie MacDonald, who Joins Buddy
on this track Mary Jessie was a featured accompanist to Dave
Macisaac during last year’s festival and on the Celtic
Colours compilation entitled Forgotten Roots. Since then, Mary
Jessie has kept up a busy schedule, including a performance
with Dave Macisaac at the Montreal Celtic Festival. This
spring, Mary Jessie performed an part of the Symphony Nova
Scotia series ‘i Halifax, which included fiddlers Howie
MacDonald, Carl MacKenzie, and Buddy MacMaster. This track was
recorded in Halifax during that time.
11.
Celtic Tide
THE BEAR RIVER
HILLBILLIES
Dana's Jig (Kevin Chaisson, SOCAN) Pebble’s & Goose’s
Jig, Koren’s Reel (Kevin Chaisson, SOCAN) Katie’s Reel (J.J,
Chaisson, SOCAN)
JJ
Chaisson: Fiddle
Dana Chaisson: Piano
Kurt Chaisson: Guitar
Brent Chaisson: Drums
Re,ni Arsenault: Bass
Elmer Deagle: Mandolin
From
the upcoming album Kindle
Recorded in Irish Cove, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 2000
Produced by Ed Woodsworth
Courtesy of Celtic Tide
From
the 1930s to the late 1950s, the radio played a powerful force
in the promotion of Cape Breton style fiddle music throughout
Atlantic Canada. Nightly live broadcasts from Sydney featured
Bill Lamey, Joe Maclean, Teria Campell, Angus Chishoim, Johnny
Wilmot, and Winston Fitzgerald These broadcasts brought Cape
Breton fiddle music to listeners throughout Prince Edward
Island, the Magdalen Islands, and all the way to the Gaspé Peninsula
of Quebec. On Prince Edward Island today, fiddle players have
absorbed much of the Cape Breton repertoire. Throughout the
island, this Cape Breton music is blended with the existing
regional repertoiren. Souris is on the eastern end of Prince
Edward Island and home to the Chaisson family and Celtic Tide.
For this track, the band chose a set of tunes composed within
the Chaisson family Their new album, Kindle, was produced by
bass player Ed Woodsworth, who made a guest appearance with
Slàinte Mhath on last year’s Celtic Colours compilation.
12.
Doug MacPhee
DUNCAN
MACQUARRIE TUNES
Glen Grant’s Strathspey (Traditional), Neil R. MacDonald’s
(Dan R. MacDonald, SOCAN), Dusky Meadow (Donald MacLellan),
Maggie Cameron’s Strathspey (Traditional), A Duncan
MacQuarrie Reel (Traditional)
Doug
MacPhee: Solo Piano
Previously unreleased
Recorded in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 1997
Produced by Paul MacDonald
Courtesy of Doug MacPhee
Piano
player Doug MacPhee has been featured at all three Celtic
Colours festivals as an accompanist and as a soloist in the
annual piano summit. This year, Dougie has been touring and
recording with David Greenberg and was recently the featured
accompanist at the launching of Bill Lamey’s CD in Boston.
When Doug was growing up in New Waterford, his home was guest
to many of Cape Breton’s finest fiddlers, who would drop in
to play with his mother, piano player Margaret MacPhee. Duncan
MacQuarrie was one of these fiddlers. Duncan was from Glenora
Falls, and he moved to New Waterford in 1919 Throughout his
career as a fiddler Duncan wan a frequent visitor to Doug and
Margaret’s household. This track is a medley of tunes that
were often played by Duncan, and includes a tune that Dan R.
MacDonald composed for Neil MacDonald of Detroit (Neil R's
daughter Joan MacDonald Boes, was a well-known piano player
and composer) This track was recorded in Doug s home in New
Waterford Cape Breton.
13.
Danu
SCARTA GLEN
Scarta Glen (Traditional), Hunter Purse (Traditional), The
Reconciliation (Traditional)
Tom
Doorley: Flutes
Eamon Doorley: Bouzouki
Brendan McCarthy: Accordion
Daire Bracken: Fiddle
Timmy Murray: Guitar
Donnchadh Gough: Bodhrãn
From
the album Danu
Recorded in Waterford, Ireland, 1997
Produced by Danü
Courtesy of Danü
This
young Irish group is based in Co. Waterford Ireland Waterford
has ancient ties with both Newfoundland and Cape Breton Many
of Cape Breton earliest Irish settlers came from thin county.
This track is from their debut recording. The fiddler in the
group is now Jesse Smith, and he is from Baltimore and for
many years was a student of fiddler Brendan Mulvihill.
Although a fairly new group, Dansi has already established a
trademark instrumental sound. highlighted by intricate
arrangements of traditional tunes and the exceptional bodhran
playing of Donnchadh Gough. One of the most outstanding
members of the newest lineup of the group is vocalist Ciarasi
Gealbháin. His renditions of Irish Gaelic and English songs
are stunning, and he is considered one of the great new voices
of Irish music. This track includes the slide Scarta Glen
Slides are popular throughout the southern counties of Kerry,
Cork, and Waterford and can be hoard today in Newfoundland.
14.
Filska
DUNN’S
DINGS
Dunns Dings Aa (James Robertson), Courtney’s Favourite
(Brenda Stubbert SOCAN), Dinky Dorian (Francis Byrne),
Cairngorm Brooch (Traditional)
Jenna
Reid: Vocals, Fiddle, Accordion
Gemma Wilson: Fiddle
Bethany Reid: Fiddle
Andrew Tulloch: Guitar, Bass
Joyce Reid: Piano
From
the album Time and Tide
Recorded in Scotland, 1999
Produced by Joyce Reid
Courtesy of Highlander Music
Last
year’s Celtic Colours compilation featured music from
Orkney, a cluster of islands north of Scotland. Further north
again are the islands known as the Shetland Islands and home
to a culture that, like Orkney, is a unique mixture of Celtic
and Norse influences. Here, the music has the influence from
the Northeastern part of Scotland, yet the music is spoken
with a Nordic sounding accent. A strong local composing
tradition keeps the music alive in Shetland, home to The
Shetland Folk Festival, one of the most unique folk festivals
in the world. “FiIska” is an old Shetland word that means
mischievous and high spirited. Filska is a group that
represents the young generation of Shetland fiddlers. a
tradition that is alive and well today. The fiddlers were all
winners of Young Fiddler of the Year’ awards held in
Shetland. Their repertoire is a mixture of Shetland tunes,
traditional Scottish tunes. and new tunes from composers Phil
Cunningham, Jerry Holland, Dan R. MacDonald, and Brenda
Stubbert.
15.
Alyth MacCormack
A FHLEASGAICH
O'G
Most Gentle Youth (Traditional)
Alyth
MacCormack: Gaelic Vocals
Davey Trotitori: Piano
Aidan O ‘Rourke: Fiddle
From the upcoming debut album An lomaf I (The Edge)
Recorded in Edinburgh, Scotland, 2000
Produced by Jim Sutherland
Courtesy of Vertical Records
The
islands known as The Hebrides are a duster of islands located
on the west coast of Scotland. Many of Scotland’s finest
Gaelic singers are from these islands The Hebrides have strong
ancestral ties with Cape Breton’s North Shore and are rich
in Gaelic culture. Alyth MacCormack is from the Island of
Lewis, an island in The Outer Hebrides. She grew up immersed
in the Gaelic culture and later studied music in Edinburgh and
Glasgow. After graduating with a degree in music performance,
Alyth began to develop the style of Gaelic music she performs
today. Since then, Alyth has performed this music at several
prominent European festivals, and in 1998, she was a featured
performer on the widely acclaimed CBC Halifax television
special entitled Celtic Electric. A Fhieasgaich Oig is a happy
love song that refers to the Isle of Mull, another Hebndean
island. Alyth is accompanied on this tracts by Davey Trouton
on piano and fiddler Aidan O’ Rourke, a member of Blazin’
Fiddles.
16.
Sean McGuire
THE MASON’S
APRON (Traditional)
Sean
McGuire: Folk Violin
Patsy McCabe: Piano
Pat Conroy: Guitar
Pearce McKenna: Accordion
From the album Fiddle on The Fiddle
Recorded in Northern Ireland, 2000
Produced by George Doherty
Courtesy of Emerald Music
One
of the most memorable events of the 1993 Cape Breton Music
Festival in Cork, Ireland, was the performance of Irish
fiddler Sean McGuire. Sean’s style and technique have been
well admired by Cape Breton fiddlers for many years After his
concert, Sean performed privately for all the Cape Breton
fiddlers in a small backroom session at Cork City Hall. He
played Dwayne Cotes fiddle and was accompanied by Dave
Macisaac on guitar. This session was one of the greatest
performances of his long career. He was later joined in that
session by Frankie Gavin, Donal Lunny, and Martin O'Conner.
Sean was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1927. He is the son of
Co Cavan, whistle player Johnny McGuire. Sean was
classically trained on the violin. He went on to apply this
training to traditional music throughout his career as a folk
violinist. Today, Sean McGuire is a fiddlers fiddler,~ known
around the world for his trademark variations on traditional
tunes such as on this selection, ‘The Masons Apron,’ the
definitive version.
17.
Buddy MacDonald
THA MO GTIAOL
AIR ‘AIRD A CHUAIN (Jamie on The Stormy Sea)
(Traditional) (Arranged by Buddy MacDonald/Budmac Music,
SOCAN)
Tommy
(Peggy) MacDonald: Gaelic Vocals
Buddy MacDonald: English Vocals, Guitar
From the album We Remember You Well
Recorded at Point Aconi, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 2000
Produced by Fred Lavery
Courtesy of Buddy MacDonald
Singer
Buddy MacDonald is from North Shore, St. Ann’s Bay, Cape
Breton. His father, Tom Angus, was known in his community as
Tommy Peggy MacDonald, a member of The North Shore Gaelic
Singers. Tommy Peggy was recorded throughout the 1950s and 60s
by various folklorists, including Ralph Rinzler. (A collection
of Ralph Rinzlers Gaelic recordings from Cape Breton will be
published early next year by the Smithsonian/Folkways label)
It was Ralph Ririzler who brought Tommy Peggy and The North
Shore Gaelic Singers to the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. At
this now-famous event, these tall Gaelic men mingled with the
likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Donovan, heros of the 1960s
folk music revival It was from this folk music revival that a
young Buddy MacDonald took his inspiration as a singer. Today,
Buddy is well known for his ballads and songs and his unique
North Shore accent. On this selection, the two worlds that
first met on the Newport stage in 1965 merge again with this
unique blending of Gaelic and English verses.
18.
Tracey Dares & Paul MacNeil
ALEX’S LAST
DANCE
Alex John J. (Paul K. MacNeil, SOCAN)
Paul
MacNeil. Highland Pipes
Tracey Dares: Piano, Keyboards
Gordie Sampson: Acoustic Guitar
Ed Woodsworth: Fretless Bass
From
the album castlebaymusic.com
Recorded by Paul MacDonald in Castle Bay, Cape Breton, 1999
Produced by Tracey Dares and Paul MacNeil
Courtesy of Gigs and Reels Productions
Community
piper Paul K. MacNeil is from Barra Glen, a small neighbouring
glen to the village of lana in Victoria County, Cape Breton
Island. Piano player and step dancer Tracey Dares is from
Marion Bridge, Cape Breton County. Paul was featured on the
first Celtic Colours compilation, along with piper Jamie
Maclnnes. This selection was from their highly-acclaimed album
entitled Open the Door. Tracey was also featured on the first
Celtic Colours compilation as an accompanist to fiddler
Natalie MacMaster and on the second compilation as the
accompanist to Buddy MacMaster. Paul and Tracey are now
married and make their home in Castle Bay on the ancestral
homestead of Paul’s father, Rod C. MacNeil Their new album,
entitled castlebaymunic.com, features a wide selection
of traditional and newly- composed selections. The unique
sound you hear in the result of this track being recorded in
Paul and Tracey’s old house, enriched by local hardwoods and
wide pine-board wall paneling. Paul composed this beautiful
air for Alex John J Maclean, a local carpenter and community
character.
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