Harlaw, Scotland,1411 (2 CDs)

Bonnie Rideout - Harlaw, Scotland,1411 (2 CDs) : Ancient Music and Stories Commemorating the 600 year anniversary of the Legendary Battle of Harlaw. 600 years ago, the windswept fields of Harlaw in north-east Scotland were witness to one of the bloodiest of battles in Scottish history. Although forgotten by many, the Battle of Harlaw was well remembered in music and song, much of it centuries old. This double CD brings the past to life.

Disc one features Bonnie Rideout's fiddle playing of the ancient piobaireach "The Battle of Harlaw," and "The Battle of the Birds. She is joined by fifteen of the world's finest Celtic musicians including Glenuig piping legend Allan MacDonald who sings and plays the powerful 500-year-old Gaelic incitement to the battle.  Andy Hunter sings the 16th-century ballad, accompanied by Bonnie, and William Taylor on Celtic harp; and Elizabeth Stewart sings her commanding north-east Aberdeenshire version of the ballad.  Several stunning solo versions of the ancient melody Battel Harloe are performed by Billy Jackson - harp, Ronn McFarlane -Lute, Chris Norman - flute, Grant Herreid - theorbo, and more. On the final track, Barnaby Brown, plays triple pipes reconstructed from 1000 years ago, and with Bonnie accompanying, creates a haunting and beautiful version of The Battle of the Birds.

Disc Two, a Narration CD, award-winning broadcaster and Scottish music historian, John Purser, guides listeners through the thrilling story of "Bloody Harlaw" and the fierce clash of clans between the MacDonalds of the Isles from the West of Scotland, and the Stewarts in the East. Glasgow University scholar, Alan Riach, and legendary ballad singer, Elizabeth Stewart, join the commentary regaling the tale with new insight, humor, and even a ghost story from the battlefield itself passed down to Elizabeth from her grandfather of the Northeast travelling folk.  The outstanding line-up of musicians accompanies the narration to create a beautiful and fascinating listening experience. This project is a feast of traditional music and Scottish history.

Bonnie Rideout - fiddle, viola; John Purser - narration; Matthew Bell - bodhran; Barnaby Brown - triple pipes; Paula Glendinning - Highland bagpipes; Grant Herreid - theorbo, lute; William Jackson - clarsach; Allan MacDonald - vocals, Highland bagpipes and small pipes; Ronn MacFarlane - lute; Chris Norman - flute; Al Petteway - guitar; Betty Rideout - piano; Elizabeth Stewart - vocals; William Taylor - clarsach and harp.