a winter talisman - Celtic folk songs in English and captivating Gaelic

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.