I really enjoy this 2001 recording and recommend it highly
From [http://www.stolaf.edu/people/hend/VictoryMusic/AltTradChristmas.html]
- A Winter’s Talisman (http://house-of-music.com/susan/talisman.shtml)
is not by a local group, but one that I heard locally at the Tractor Tavern
last November (2001). It features songs by Irish singer Susan McKeown in
English and Gaelic of strange Scots traditions and curious Irish customs,
interspersed with original tunes and poetry by Scottish fiddler Johnny
Cunningham, backed up by guitarist Aidan Brennan. Johnny’s poems A
Winter’s Talisman and An Urbane Scotsman in Alaska illustrate
his dry wry wit in a style reminiscent of Robert Burns. Susan's singing is
beautiful and moving in songs about wauking(sic) the cloth (a Scottish winter
occupation), the beautiful Mal Bhan Ni Chuilleannain, a Wexford
Mummer's Song, and others. Johnny’s fiddle playing includes a 4-part jig Unfortunate
Snow Incident and a melancholy air As Warm as Winter Snow. Another
poem A Christmas Childhood by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh is the only
selection specifically about Christmas. It closes with Auld Lang Syne
sung by Susan beginning with the original words and tune. This was one of the
most moving moments at their concert as the whole audience joined in on the
latter verses. This is one of my favorite winter seasonal CDs evoking a Celtic
experience of winter. Again, it can be enjoyed any time of the year.
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