Flora MacNeil is a native of Barra in the Outer Hebrides - an island renowned for its wealth of traditional song and fine singers. Her mother's people were significant bearers of this tradition and it is no surprise that Flora inherited a wealth of material at an early age. However, Flora is not only heiress to a great tradition - she is also a superb interpreter and performer of Gaelic song, and has been a great ambassador for the music in her many tours outwith Scotland. The promotional leaflet which accompanied this album describes Flora as "The Queen of Gaelic singers". The ultimate accolade, but one with which few people with a knowledge of the tradition would disagree. The songs are all unaccompanied, with the exception of a chorus on some of the waulking songs and two tracks on which Alison Kinnaird provides clarsach accompaniment.
For those with an interest in Celtic/Scottish traditional music, it is an album which should not be missing from your collection. A booklet is provided with translations and background information.
"Traditional album of the year 1978" (Folk News).
Media Reviews
For those with an interest in Celtic/Scottish traditional music, it is an album which should not be missing from your collection.
..This is an invaluable re-release by Temple Records - an album of majestic songs performed by a magnificent traditional singer.