Back to Barra is a compilation of Gaelic-language music and has been produced by Mick MacNeil and Roddy Campbell for the sole purpose of raising funds for the Barra Hospice Appeal. They were joined in this effort by a host of extremely talented singers and players, some of them being on the forefront of traditional music for years.

The CD features original tracks from Karen Matheson, Maggie McInness, Flora MacNeil, Chrissie MacDonald and Maeve MacKinnon, as well as a couple of extraordinary songs and tunes especially recorded for that worthwhile cause.

You'll find wonderful samples of waulking songs by the group Clo nan Nighean as well as a great composition by Roddy Campbell. Traditional Gaelic songs alternate with folk songs that have been translated into the language of the Gaels and songs by poets like Donald MacDonald from Uist or Rob Dann MacKay (18th century). The CD also includes two terrific instrumental tracks by the Campbell Ceilidh and the Vatersay Boys.

Besides the five original tracks from the aforementioned singers, I'd like to point out Catherine-Ann MacPhee's hauntingly beautiful traditional, a cappella song "'S Fliuch An Oidhche," C. McDonald's rhythmic "Rubh' Nan Cudaigean" performed by Coma-Co-Dhiubh, and Murdo MacDonald's beautiful interpretation of Roderick Campbell's "A Pheigi A Ghraidh."

Back to Barra represents a wonderful collection of different music styles brought forward by some of the finest artists of the Hebrides. You'll find more information about this rare and outstanding project at www.isleofbarra.com/back2barra.html or www.barrarecords.com.

by Adolf Goriup
Rambles.NET
18 February 2006