The 2007 edition of the Celtic Colours Festival seems to be moving along well. It s certainly moving along swiftly and it s hard to believe that it s already two-thirds over. I ve seen and heard some wonderful shows over the past few days but I ll have more details on that next week.
One thing that a lot of the concert-goers are taking home is the 2007 edition of the Celtic Colours CD. This year s compilation, once again the work of Alf McConnell and Odyssey Records, contains 18 cuts. Split evenly between local and visiting artists, the recording also contains an equal number of vocal and instrumental selections.
There are several Gaelic songs, one from Calum Alex MacMillan (a young Scottish singer), and the other from Lewis MacKinnon from Antigonish County. There is also a Welsh song by Gwenan Gibbard and two French numbers, by Quebec s Genticorum and Vishen from Prince Edward Island. There s a recently recorded cut from Jerry Holland, an unreleased selection from Wendy MacIsaac and a song from David Francey that was recorded live at the Festival in 2004.
There is a bit of something for everyone on this CD, from the amazing vocal harmonies of the Sangsters to a soulful rendering of The Sweetness of Mary by saltfishforty from The Orkney Islands and the intricately arranged work from Scotland s LAU. One of the things that make this CD stand out is the powerful cuts of fiddle tunes in contains. Besides Jerry and Wendy, there is fiddle music from Leanne Aucoin, Chrissy Crowley, Krysta MacKinnon and Colin Grant, as well as a delightful piano cut from Jason Roach.
There are also songs from Newfoundland s Ron Hynes and from Cape Breton s own troubadour, Donnie Campbell (who has a sold-out Celtic Colours concert dedicated to his honour in Westmount tomorrow night). The Celtic Colours Volume XI CD may not be available in every store just yet. They are currently available at every Celtic Colours show throughout the week, and will be available in some stores after the festival is over.
This is an excellent CD that makes a great souvenir or a wonderful gift. The closing concert for Celtic Colours is a tribute to the Barra MacNeils and their 20 years in the music business. This takes place at the Sydney Marine Terminal on Saturday night.
If you want the music to continue, head to the Sydney Curling Club for a dance with Jason Roach and Mike Hall. Jason and Mike are also playing for a session of music at the K of C Hall in New Waterford on Sunday afternoon. And speaking of The Barras, congratulations go out to one of the Baby Barras.
Ryan MacNeil was married in Pictou a few weeks ago. I also must mention that I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Cheticamp singer Gerry Romard. An accomplished guitarist, he lost part of his left hand in an accident some years ago but he just adapted a flat-top style of playing and kept on entertaining.
He was a very nice man and he will be missed by all that knew him. Coming up in the weeks ahead, it s the Sydney Rotary Disco Ball at The Membertou Trade Convention Centre on Saturday, Tony Lee (Uncensored Comedy Hypnosis) on Nov. 9 and George Canyon on the Nov.
10. Celtic Colours presents The Celtic Mass for the Sea at the Savoy tomorrow night, Robert Munsch is there for two afternoon shows on Saturday, it s Ballet Jorgen on Oct. 23 and there s A Tribute to Elvis on Oct.
27. The Arrogant Worms are there on Nov. 1, Tapeire (featuring James Devine and Ashley MacIsaac) is there the following night, Classic Albums Live - Pink Floyd: The Wall is on the Nov.
4 and it s Matt Andersen on Nov. 7. How about Bob Dylan in Gaelic!
Skye-based poet Rody Gorman has converted the lyrics of some of Bob Dylan s classic songs into Gaelic, (including Knockin On Heaven s Door and All Along The Watchtower). Howie MacDonald did a skit a few years ago with Elvis singing Gaelic. Maybe that wasn t too far-fetched after all.
(Dan MacDonald (BA Celtic Studies, Cert. Heritage Studies) is a former Inverness County resident who now resides in the Sydney area. Involved in the Cape Breton music scene for more than 20 years, he operates his own company, Creignish Hills Entertainment.
Contact him at creignish_hills@hotmail.com.
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