TARTAN TV
Tartan Roots
If you think you might be one of 34 million people of Scottish descent living in North America, then this DVD is for you! In 90 minutes of breathtaking footage and archival expertise, you'll be able to trace your Scottish roots.
Scots have kept incredible records, which will make it very easy for you to research your roots and walk the footsteps of your ancestors - even view your family's original Scottish birth certificates online. Find out who the Picts and Celts were.
As well as tracing your roots, you will also learn more about the history and view some magnificent scenery, castles and facts about Scotland. There are also Celtic ballads sung by host and renowned Celtic vocalist, Fiona Kennedy. Among the extras on the DVD, Fiona sings her stirring Scottish ballad Follow Me, Robert Scott is also one of the narrators on Tartan Roots. One of the other extras is a feature on the top 10 most popular Scottish names in America.
There are a lot of historical facts as well, such as, Glasgow has more Gaelic speakers than any other part of the country and the population of Scotland is five million inhabitants.
This is a DVD that will be referred to whenever you want to trace your roots or as a keeper for those of Scottish ancestry. To purchase Tartan Roots, call Island Music in North Vancouver at (604) 984-9110, or call toll-free at 1-888-907-9977.
NEW CELESTE
The Celtic Connection
Initially formed in the mid 1970s, combining folk, rock and jazz players from the Glasgow music scene, New Celeste created controversy with their rock and jazz treatments of traditional music and their fast and furious stage act.
The band toured extensively in Britain and then Europe and recorded three albums. The band broke up in 1983 with the members going their own ways. In 1990, guitarist and singer Ian Fergus formed a contemporary version of New Celeste with several new musicians, and went on to perform a number of live concerts and festivals throughout Europe.
New Celeste describe themselves as an occasional assortment of Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English musicians who have been playing electric folk music on and off for 15 years.
They have recorded a new CD called The Celtic Connection for Lismor Records in Glasgow. This album is an eclectic combination of Irish and Scottish traditional music along with Bulgarian and they even rattle of a toe-tapping country tune called Don't Think About Me. New Celeste has its own distinctive and inimitable style that is refreshing to listen and tap your toes to.
The line-up with New Celeste includes: Iain Fergus on vocals, acoustic guitar, high-strung acoustic guitar and whistle; Rod Dorothy on violins; Steve Reid on electric and acoustic guitars and high-strung acoustic guitar; Ian Aitken on Korg guitar, synthesisers, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, banjo and high-strung acoustic guitar; and Jerry Soffe on bass guitar.
Tracks on The Celtic Connection include: Music For A Found Harmonium; I once Loved A Lass; The Wiggly Jig; When A Man's In Love; Don't Think About Me; Medley: The Banks of the Bann; The Bann Air; The Celtic Connection Suite; Medley: The Rocky Road To Dublin; The Out Jig; Julie; Medley: Glen Moriston; Reel Ale; Irish Stew and Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally.
New Celeste has also released another CD entitled New Celeste Best. All their albums are available by e-mailing: iainfergus@yahoo.co.uk, or info@parkrecords.com.
MARY DUFF
Heartbreaker
Many in North America first became aware of the extraordinary talent of Mary Duff when we saw her on PBS television with Daniel O'Donnell. We were struck by her great stage presence, warmth and charisma.
Mary was born in County Meath, Ireland, and her talent as a singer was really discovered, by chance when she was 12 years old. Her father heard her singing on a home tape recorder and recognized her talent. Having his own band at that time, he invited Mary to sing with them on the weekends.
But it was when Mary entered and won the Sunday World nationwide talent competition in Ireland that she really made her mark. Soon afterwards, she was signed to Ritz Records where she has achieved much success with her albums. She was then offered the special guest slot on Daniel O'Donnell's first UK concert tour. Such was her success, that Mary still remains Daniel’s special guest.
Mary has numerous awards to her name including Best Female Vocalist from the British Country Music Awards and Best Female Solo Artist from the Annual Irish World Awards. In 1990 Mary was named Meath Person of the Year, a much prized accolade received from her home county.
Tracks on Heartbreaker include: Heartbreaker; Forever Isn't Long Enough For Me; Another Town; Will You Walk With Me; You're So Far Away; Walking On The Moon; Wish You Were Here; Time To Learn; Future Road; We Made The Nails; Simply Being You; Strawberry Wine and Someone’s Child.
These days Mary is kept busy with concerts, festivals, and special appearances with Daniel O'Donnell. For more information, check out her website at www.maryduff.co.uk/1164.html.
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