Gillebride MacMillan - Freumhan Falaichte

CD

(September 2018)

11 Tracks: Baile Nam Bard * Duan An Fhogarraich * Craobh An Teaghlaich * Feum Thu Radh a-Rithist? * An Bal * Dileab * Tha d'Eanchainn Alainn * A Chailinn Donn * Eun Beag * Santiago * Tha Mi Sgith A-Nochd A Ghaoil.

An inspiring album from renowned Gaelic singer Gillebrìde MacMillan showcasing his skills as a songsmith.

Gillebrìde is from the Milton in South Uist. He comes from a family with a strong Gaelic background. Gaelic is his first language and Gaelic songs and traditions were always an important part of family life.

Sleeve notes include song lyrics and translations along with an introduction to each song.

Freumhan Falaichte means Hidden Roots.

All the songs - words and melodies are composed by Gillebride.

Album cover and design by Somhairle MacDonald.

Gillebride is joined on this album by an electic group of top musicians.

Natalie Haas (cello), Donald Hay (percussion), Fraser Fifield (whistle, flute, kavel, saxophone), Euan MacPherson (guitar, mandolin, electric bass), Anna-Wendy Stevenson (fiddle, viola), Mhairi Hall (piano, harmonium).

Featuring vocals: Julie Fowlis, Rosa Cedron, Mary MacMillan, Adhamh O'Broin, Neil MacMillan, Eilidh MacMillan. Maite Gomez, Sandra MacKay.

"True Gaelic song is a seamless marriage of lyric and melody. It is not poems set to music although the old bards may have used existing tunes as the basis on which to lay new words. Gillebrìde composed both lyrics and melody and has produced a masterful recording of contemporary Gaelic song. Contemporary because the issues he writes about are modern and relevant and because the arrangements are inventive, surprising, and a tribute to producer Mhàiri Hall in that the ancient sits seamlessly beside the modern." Donald MacNeill. folk radio.

"While warriors may rise and fall, the need of a good bard is with us still. And we are privileged indeed to have the music of Gillebride MacMillan - one of the modern world's great bards, whose music reminds us so brilliantly of the world around us and the world within. Like the bards of old his songs speak of the important issues of our day. These original songs- and they are songs in the age old Gaelic traditions where the words and melody are completely entwined and composed as one - span the breadth of human experience dealing as they do with love, loss, pain, politics and passion." Diana Galbaldon, author of the Outlander book series.