Braes of Badentarbat

Ali Beag MacLeod & Kevin Macleod - Braes of Badentarbat : A flavour of the music and bàrdachd (Gaelic poetry) traditions of Coigach in the far north west Highlands, not just today, but also back in time where it all came from, featuring button accordion player Ali Beag Macleod and tenor guitarist Kevin Macleod.

Ali 'Beag' and Kevin first considered this recording in the autumn of 2009, over a few drams and rums in the kitchens of Ali 'Beag's home in 255 Achnahaird and Kevin's family home, 204 'Springwell' in Polbain. Initially, they thought to do a duet recording, reflecting their opportune musical sessions, but they were also keen to include a fine new self-penned poem from their great friend Sandy 'Boots' MacLeod. This led Kevin to revisit the recordings he had made in 2004 of his father, Roddie Macleod, reciting the last remaining examples of local Gaelic poetry composed by one Neil MacLeod, The Polbain Bard. They had produced a small booklet, An Trubhal Na Mo Dhòrn (The Trowel In My Hand), documenting Neil's life and work, and recorded the poetry in Roddie's native Coigach Gaelic. Three of the best poems are here, each augmented by exciting music from good friends and musical pals Freeland Barbour (The Occasionals) on piano and John Maclean (The Aliens, Beta Band) on keyboard. John's father, Will Maclean, closely related to Ali, Roddie and Kevin, has granted use of artworks entitled Badentarbat Suite, which enhance the booklet.

Mandolinist Luke Plumb of Shooglenifty recorded the album beautifully in Springwell, added fine musical colours in places and duetted with Kevin on mandolins and bouzouki.