Calling all music critics...

[Ellen_R]

There are three very popular Scottish recording artists here in the States ("Traditional" music, folk songs, etc.) I'm curious about opinions of them in Scotland, or if you even know who they are. Any comments on Peter Morrison, Valerie Dunbar and/or The Alexander Brothers?

What crowd are they popular with Ellen? I live in the Estados Unidos (The only way I can say I live in the EU.), love folk/traditional music, and have never heard of them. Are they from Scotland? Do you have URLs that might have a sound file or three we can sample?

Originally posted by Ellen Rankin:
There are three very popular Scottish recording artists here in the States ("Traditional" music, folk songs, etc.) I'm curious about opinions of them in Scotland, or if you even know who they are. Any comments on Peter Morrison, Valerie Dunbar and/or The Alexander Brothers?

Ellen,

I think you'll find that the three artists you mention are considered by many traditional music lovers to be exponents of the 'shortbread tin' style of Scottish music.
The Alexander Brothers do for traditional Scottish music what Nero did for Roman architecture

I'm sure they retain a certain degree of popularity, but I'd urge you to listen to some of the more recent bands.
Might I suggest:

Runrig
Capercaille
Shooglenifty
Rock Salt and Nails
Andy M. Stewart

That should keep you going for a while but by all means come back for some more suggestions.

Drummy




[This message has been edited by drummy (edited 03 August 2000).]

[Ellen_R]

Thanks for your input. I was kind of afraid that's the answer I'd get. Their tapes sell at local Scottish Games catalogues, and Peter Morrison did a sold-out New York City concert about two years ago.

I don't know where I can find recordings by the artists you mention, but I'll look around.

[Alexis_US]

Ellen,
Capercaille are very popular and you should have no problem finding their numerous albums. They are also featured on a comilation album called, "One World," put out by Putamayo Records. That album also includes a song called "Ohureo," by a group called Baka Beyond (not Scottish.) The song is a Scottish lullaby, it is haunting and beautiful. According to the liner notes, the song tells the story of a stepmother mistreating the babies and the real mother returning from the grave to defend them. Not exactly the kind of story you might to tell your kiddies to put them to sleep, but very cool.

[Ellen_R]

Thank you for your suggestion - I'll certainly check out some music stores and give them a try if I can find them!

Originally posted by Alexis_US:
Ellen,
Capercaille are very popular and you should have no problem finding their numerous albums. They are also featured on a comilation album called, "One World," put out by Putamayo Records. That album also includes a song called "Ohureo," by a group called Baka Beyond (not Scottish.) The song is a Scottish lullaby, it is haunting and beautiful. According to the liner notes, the song tells the story of a stepmother mistreating the babies and the real mother returning from the grave to defend them. Not exactly the kind of story you might to tell your kiddies to put them to sleep, but very cool.

[Ellen_R]

Their cassettes are sold in almost every Scotland or Celtic merchandise catalogue I get(and I must be on everyone's mailing list). They're produced in Scotland, according to the information in the case. They do most of the popular singalong stuff (Skye Boat Song, Dark Lochnagar, Scotland the Brave, etc., as well as some lesser known pieces). I can't forward any music, but I'll see if I can find a website.

Originally posted by sonsie:
What crowd are they popular with Ellen? I live in the Estados Unidos (The only way I can say I live in the EU.), love folk/traditional music, and have never heard of them. Are they from Scotland? Do you have URLs that might have a sound file or three we can sample?