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The Celtic Realm
MARCH 2006
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Each speaks their own local language: Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, and Breton. But artists Fred Morrison, Gearóid Mac Lochlainn, and Les Frères Morvan share the common bonds of Celtic culture and the lyricism of its long, rich history.
"The Jimi Hendrix of pipers," according to one fan, Fred Morrison was inspired to write the selections featured here by life on the island of South Uist in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. "Up South," a tune on the 2003 CD of the same name and featuring bouzouki artist Jamie McMenemy, is the local term for the island's south end. "The Old School House," also on the CD, gives a lively nod to the house in Loch Carnan, South Uist, where he lived with his family when he produced the album.
Award-winning Irish writer and poet Gearóid Mac Lochlainn is committed to keeping his Celtic language alive, in everyday conversation as well as in his works. The poems here, "Feadóg Mhór" ("Flute") and "Teanga Eile" ("Second Tongue"), are featured in translation in his book Stream of Tongues (Sruth Teangacha) and on the accompanying CD. "When I read my work, it's like a séance," he said. "I feel like I'm a vessel for past voices."
Les Frères Morvan (The Brothers Morvan)—left to right, Yvon, Françoise, and Henri—are something of a legend in the Brittany region of France, where they have thrilled audiences at folk festivals since 1958 with Breton kan ha diskan (call-and-response singing). In "Apollon," all the gods of Mount Olympus are called upon to assist Apollo, the god of love. "Ar Miliner" ("The Miller") is a Scottish tale of love between a miller and a country girl.
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