CD Review: Mar a Tha Mo Chridhe by Julie Fowlis

Julie Fowlis' Mar a tha mo chridhe ["as my heart is"] is a stunning coming together of time-honored Gaelic songs. Performed in the native tongue of Gàidhlig (Scots Gaelic), Mar a tha mo chridhe combines exceptional vocal work as well as extraordinary instrumentals to create a truly exquisite and charming opus of melodious art. Mar a tha mo chridhe transports traditional songs into the modern age, preserving them for many generations to come. For those interested, my personal favorites are 'Tha Mo Ghaol Air Àird a' Chuain' and 'A Mhaighdeannan 's a Mhnathan Òg'.

Track Listing with notes:

01. Òganaich Uir a Rinn M' Fhàgail [O noble youth who has left me] (2.40) - a song originating from Uist, Scotland

02. Tha Mo Ghaol Air Àird a' Chuain [My Love's on the High Sea] (3.06) - this song was originally a Scottish pipe tune which gained English lyrics from American Bernard Covert, which in turn was translated into Gaelic by Henry Whyte

03. Biodh an Deoch Sea 'n Làimh Mo Rùin [The Drink would be in my Love's Hand] (3.46) - a song dating back to around 1660 with links to North Uist

04. Jigs & Reels [Instrumental] (5.29) - a collection of various instrumentals including: The Thornton Jig, Chloe's Passion, Are You Ready Yet? and Rogha na Ghabha; with Julie Fowlis on the whistle

05. Tha Caolas Eadar Mi 's Iain

06. Ged a Sheòl Mi Air M' Aineol

07. Reels [Instrumental] (2.53) - another compilation of assorted instrumentals including: John O' Groats House, Traditional Irish Reel and The Ladies Pantalettes; with Julie Fowlis on the whistles

08. Mo Bhean Chomain [You are my woman with no obligation] (3.30) - a song Julie learned from Flora MacNeil of Barra

09. Puirt [Music] (2.40) - a collection of popular puirt a beul (mouth music) from Uist, Scotland including: Siud Mar Chaidh an Càl a Dholaidh, Nam Biodh Agam Gioball Bodaich, and Gobha Bh' ann a Hogha Gearraidh

10. A Mhaighdeannan 's a Mhnathan Òg [Maidens and Young Women] (4.01) - a song from North Uist telling the story of a drowning man, normally sung during the waulking

11. Strathspey & Reels [Instrumental] (3.37) - an additional assemblage of varied instrumentals including: Seonaidh's Tune, Glenlyon, 'S daor an Tabac, and Lumsden's Rant; with Julie Fowlis on the whistle

12. Moladh Uibhist [In Praise of Uist] (4.26) - a song written by Roderick MacKay, the Bàrd Iollaraigh, in praise of the poet's isle (Uist)