Various Artists: The Tiree Songbook

The Tiree Association

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Based on a popular Tiree songbook,

Na Bàird Thirisdeach, this double album showcases the rich Gaelic culture of this island, recorded at Celtic Connections, local venues and at Watercolour Studios. A warmhearted production, it features artists from, or with family ties to, the island (among the pipers is one Alastair Campbell, political aide, whose father was a Tiree native). Directed by Mary Ann Kennedy and with a strong core band, repertoire ranges from pipe, fiddle and accordion sets to beautifully poised Gaelic song from the likes of Linda Macleod, James Graham and Kennedy herself. There’s a fine piobaireachd from Calum Maccrimmon, sounding over a rushing burn, but the most moving expression of island spirit is Lag nan

Cruachan, sung by Bernie Smith who died not long afterwards, joined here by players from the bands Skerryvore and Skippinish. The album is dedicated to him.