Songs From Cape Breton / Var Songs From Cape Breton / Var CD

The musical traditions on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been shaped by a combination of social and geographic factors-none more so than the arrival of pioneering Scottish Gaelic-speaking communities who, in the 19th century, fled crop failures to seek better lives on it's shores. While Scottish piping traditions were upheld and revered by the islanders, Gaelic singing was not embraced in the same way, with younger generations favoring modern music. The performers on this album were members of the last generation of Scots in Canada to hear and speak Gaelic from birth. They learned the songs from their parents and at milling frolics, where groups would prepare homespun woolen cloth accompanied by simple, beat-driven songs. A social and musical history of the island informs the liner notes, along with lyrics, musicological analysis, and histories of the songs.

1. H? Mo Leannan (Hey, My Darling) 2. Mo H-Ingheann Dhonn (My Brown-Haired Maiden) 3. La la L?, la Luadhadh (With Water, with Milling) 4. An Se?Ladair Curanta (The Steadfast Mariner) 5. N Uair Nighidh T? (When You Wash) 6. A' Challuinn (New Year's Day) 7. Gaol An T-Se?Ladair (The Sailor's Sweetheart) 8. Moladh Na Lanndaidh (In Praise of Islay) 9. 's A' Righinn Thu Dhe Shogh (Thou Art Princess of Cheer) 10. Mo Run, Mo Nighean Dhonn Bh?Idheach (My Love, My Pretty Brown-Haired Girl) 11. Lan I de Dh'ainneadh (She Is Full of Patience) 12. Flowers of the Forest 13. I'll Get a Soldier for a Shilling