According to legend a tribe of mer-men inhabited deep-sea caves around the Shiant Isles, just of the east coast of Lewis and Harris. Ships would be wrecked if the Blue Men jumped aboard and gained the upper hand over the skipper in a battle of rhyme, riddle and wit. At 17 tracks there is something here for almost everyone. An t-Alltan Dubh, a classic ceilidh favourite is sung with real swing by a close relative of the composer, David Boag, Meantime’s fiddler. This connection sums up this album. Four young Gaelic musicians connecting with their instruments, their culture and their language and in turn connecting the listener to this wonderful CD.....From a CD review by Kenny Mathieson published in Hi Arts Magazine.
The Musicians and guests
Daibhidh Boag: Fiddle, Mouthorgan & Vocals Tormod MacArtair: Bagpipes, Bass, Guitar & Vocals Diabhidh R.MacIllinnein: Guitar, Banjo, Bass & Vocals Calum Rothach: Accordion, Melodeon, Organ & Vocals with Sheila Nic a' Phearsain: Piano Catriona Nic Coinnich: B/vocals (Tk.5) Ailean Harfield: (Tks.5&15) Coisir Sgire a' Bhac - B/vocals (Tk.2)
Four young Gaelic musicians connecting with their instruments, their culture and their language and in turn connecting the listener to this wonderful CD.
The Blue Men of the Minch, Meantime’s long awaited second CD has, as did it’s predecessor The Natives are Friendly, invigorated and refreshed the Gaelic music canon. The most engaging aspect of this CD and dare I say most important, is that it features six brand new songs in Gaelic composed by various members of the band. From the atmospheric ‘Latha as Teotha as t-Samhradh (Hottest Day of Summer) the award winning Griomsay Boat Day to the intimate Chunna mi Bhuam thu (I saw you from afar) the band wears its heart on its sleeve, both lyrically and musically. The Back Gaelic Choir add their inspiring sound to an anthemic Le Cheile (Together) while a stirring Thugainn Dhachaigh (Come away home) with its sing along chorus inspires us to head west. Laimisiader praises the beauty of the area of the same name in Carloway, Lewis, while reflecting on a lost community and way of life.
It's invigorating, full of character, sometimes rough but often beautiful; just like the Highlands
Watch out for those fabled guys when you sail to the Hebrides - they're full of dangerous trickery. Not like the four decent chaps in Meantime and their second album full of honest, workmanlike instrumental playing, rich harmony vocals and a cheerful feel for the Gaelic tradition. But this is no museum piece. There are half a dozen new Gaelic song compositions amid the dances and airs played on pipes, melodeon, moothie, banjo, jaw harp and fiddle. It's invigorating, full of character, sometimes rough but often beautiful; just like the Highlands.
Customer Reviews
Blue Men of the Minch domhnull
If it's authentic Gaelic music you're looking for, look no further! This is splendid stuff -- natural, relaxed and untrammelled by the contemporary yearning for 'blistering' dance music (the kind you can't dance to). There is talent here in depth, not only in the skilful handling of a variety of instruments, but in the ability of all band members to sing. In the scheme of things, there are few CDs which don't contain a track or two which disappoint. I have played this recording over and over and have never felt the need to skip a track. There is dance music to lift you off the floor; there are songs to squeeze the heart. It is nothing short of a triumph.
|