The new record from Kris Drever (of Lau) and Éamonn Coyne (of Treacherous Orchestra) was recently released on Compass Records. OK, it was three months ago but Storymap is a real cracker that deserves a listen. If you follow Fiddlefreak at all you know I have a healthy jones for trad music and this record delivers… Continue reading Éamonn Coyne & Kris Drever: Storymap
The capercaillie is a big, beautiful bird that looks like a mix of a turkey, a grouse, and a raven. It requires a habitat of old coniferous forests. In Scotland, the population has declined greatly since the 1960s because of deer fencing, predation and lack of suitable habitat. There are believed to be fewer than… Continue reading Capercaillie: At the Heart of It All
Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac are stalwarts of the Cape Breton (Nova Scotia, Canada) traditional music scene. In September they released a duo album titled Seinn (pronounced “shane”) that represents their first studio collaboration. From old-school strathspeys to smooth jazzy jigs and rocking reels, and silvery songs sung in Scots Gaelic, this record rewards… Continue reading Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac: Seinn
Nuala Kennedy‘s third solo record came out last month, titled Noble Stranger (Compass Records). With a deep background in traditional Irish and Scottish music, and a youthful sense of adventure and fun, she has produced a wonderful mashup of old and new on her latest release. Her playful flute and crisp vocals tumble out of… Continue reading Nuala Kennedy: Noble Stranger (MP3)
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