V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Wales (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For a small country, Wales has produced a lot of music, and added at least one instrument -- the triple harp -- to the arsenal of music. This compilation, however, doesn't so much look back to past glories as dwell on the young talents emerging in the country at the time, whose music is rooted in tradition, but not completely bound by it, such as Fernhill or the Rag Foundation. Inevitably, and quite justifiably, the vast majority of the pieces here are in Welsh, a language that's undergone a resurgence in recent years, and there's even one non-folkie, Catatonia's Cerys Matthews who appears here, duetting with Jonathan Shorland. While Robin Huw Bowen, one of the leading figures of Welsh music and a virtuoso on the triple harp, isn't here, the instrument certainly gets a look in with Llio Rhydderch offering some vibrant plucking on the instrument. Oddly, Sian James, one of Wales' leading performers, isn't included, but at least the trio of Kilbride, with their twin fiddles over Danny Kilbride's fleet guitar work, get a good airing. Ironically, Julie Murphy, a non-Welsh singer, appears twice, both in a duet with Dylan Fowler, and as part of Fernhill, one of the most adventurous bands to come out of Wales in many years. So while it's far from a complete picture, The Rough Guide does give an indication of where the music of Wales is likely to go in the next decade. by Chris Nickson 
Tracklist:
1 Llio Rhydderch – Merlangell / Megis Sybylltir 5:17
Harp – Llio Rhydderch
Performer – Nansi Richards
Written-By – Rhydderch
2 Julie Murphy & Dylan Fowler – Y Ddua Farch 4:20
Arranged By, Guitar – Dylan Fowler
Arranged By, Vocals – Julie Murphy
Traditional
3 Rag Foundation – Mynd I Rymni 5:52
Arranged By – Woolard, Woolard, Cowell
Traditional
4 William Taylor – Kaniad Y Gwynn Bibydd 2:23
Arranged By, Harp – William Taylor
Traditional
5 Capel Rhydwilym – Canu'r Pwnc 2:56
Traditional
6 Meic Stevens – Breuddwydion 3:20
Written-By – Meic Stevens
7 Ffynnon – Hiraeth Am Feirion 2:30
Arranged By – Ffynnon
Harp – Carwyn Fowler
Piano – Stacey Blythe
Vocals – Lynne DenmanTraditional
8 John Thomas – Hen Ladi Fowr Benfelen 2:46
Vocals – John Thomas
Traditional
9 John Morgan – Lawr A'r Ffrancod / Medley Caerfaddon 2:54
Arranged By, Concertina – John Morgan
Traditional
10    Ceri Rhys Matthews & Jonathan Shorland–    Conset Y Peipar / Erddigan Y Pibydd Coch 3:12
Arranged By, Bagpipes – Ceri Rhys Matthews, Jonathan Shorland
Traditional
11 Pigyn Clust – Merched 3:17
Arranged By – Pigyn Clust
Written-By – Traditional
Tom Edwards / Angharad Siân / Y Derwydd    (3:34)
12a – Tom Edwards
Traditional
12b – Angharad Siân
Written-By – Stacey
12c – Y Derwydd
Traditional
13 Boys From The Hill – SS Agnes Jack / Aberdare Railway Polka 4:17
Music By – Jones, Pitson, Leaman, Jenkins
Traditional
14 Siôn Williams – Bethel 3:31
Music By – Siôn Williams
Words By – Gareth Ioan
15    Bob Evans & Gareth Whelan – Erddigan Y Pibydd Coch / Tri A Chwech / Marwnad Yr Heliwr 4:46
Arranged By – Whelan
Arranged By, Fiddle – Evans
Traditional
16 Nansi Richards – Pen Rhaw 2:06
Arranged By, Harp – Nansi Richards
Traditional
17 Yr Hwntws – Triban Morgannwg - Cas Bethe / Chwi Fechgyn Glan Ffri / Difyrrwch Gwyr Dyfi 3:57
Arranged By – Lease, Yr Hwntws
Traditional
18 Guto Dafis – Breuddwyd Y Frenhines 3:26
Arranged By – Dafis
Written-By – Traditional
19 Mike Lease & Jane Ridout – Miners Hornpipe / Monmouth Hornpipe 2:38
Arranged By – Ridout, Lease
Traditional
20 Fernhill – Fi Wela 3:38
Music By – Matthews
Words By [Additional] – Murphy

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Celtic Music (2005) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The Rough Guides have had some notable success with compilations of Irish and Scottish music, but never a cross-national Celtic album until now. Luckily, they go beyond the usual two domains of influence to more far-flung locales of the genre as well as innovative takes on the genre. The album opens with some relatively traditional sounds from Ireland, but moves into Galician song courtesy of Mercedes Peon, and Capercaille adds something of a hip-hop beat to their following work. Canada's Natalie McMaster fires up her fiddle for a nice collection, and the French group Skolvan follows her with a nice instrumental. Before the album is done, more Spanish Celtic music is provided, some Americans take a shot, as do more French and Welsh, and a few more Irish and Scottish groups. Between the multitude of cultures the music remains a relative constant, working as the glue that holds the album together despite stylistic differences and linguistic changes. Somewhat less coherent than the more targeted predecessors in the line, but more interesting as a result as well. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist:
1 Dervish – Jig Songs 5:12
2 Kíla – Hebden Bridge 3:28
3 Mercedes Peón – O Mar 2:29
4 Capercaillie – Hoireann O 4:00
5 Natalie MacMaster – The Drunken Piper: Primrose Lasses / Far AmMi Fhin / Father John Angus Rankin 4:13
6 Skolvan – Bal Pinn Du Vertige 2:48
7 Old Blind Dogs – Monymusk Lads 3:53
8 Kornog – Dans Plinn 3:51
9 Llan de Cubel – Cabraliega: Romance De Cangas / Canteros De Cuadonga / A La Mar Fui Por Naranxas 5:42
10 Celtic Fiddle Festival – Laridé / Gavotte 3:36
11 Bohola – The Little Thatched Cabin 2:14
12 Téada – A Bhean A Ti Song 2:50
13 Niamh Parsons – My Lagan Love 3:11
14 Ffynnon – Y Gwydd (The Loom) 2:15
15 Alan Stivell – Cease Fire 3:33
16 The Poozies – Ged Is Grianach An Latha ('Sunny') 4:51
17 Flook – Granny: Granny In The Attick / Blue Ball / The False Proof  6:10
18 Shooglenifty – Glenuig Hall: Glenuig Hall / The Wrong Box 4:59

V.A. - The Rough Guide to Celtic Women (2012) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1 Pauline Scanlon – In Shame Love, In Shame 4:03
2 Cara Dillon – The Hill Of Thieves 4:27
3 Julie Fowlis – M' Fhearann Saidhbhir (My Land Is Rich)/Nellie Garvey's Favourite/'G Ioman Nan Gamhan 'S Me Muladach/Jerry's Pipe Jig 5:30
4 Sharon Shannon Feat. Carol Keogh – Summer Sands 3:16
5 Karine Polwart – What Are You Waiting For? 2:45
6 Susana Seivane – Foliada De Caión 4:24
7 Capercaillie – Turas An Ánraidh (The Stormy Voyage) 4:28
8 Eamon Doorley, Julie Fowlis, Ross Martin & Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh – Da Bhfaigheann Mo Rogha De Thriur Acu/Dhannsamaid Le Ailean/Cairistion Nigh'n Eoghainn 3:44
9 Karan Casey – Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye 4:21
10 Gráda – John Riley 3:32
11 Cécile Corbel – Brian Boru 4:26
12 Altan – Amhran Pheadair Bhreathnaigh 3:51
13 Maggie MacInnes – A' Mhaighdeann Bharrach (The Barra Maiden) 3:58
14 T With The Maggies – Ciahc Mo Londubh Buí 2:56
15 Teresa Doyle – O'Halloran Road 2:27
Tracklist 2 : Bonus CD: by Teresa Doyle    
1 Seacht Suáilce Na Maighdine Muire 3:34
2 Tàladh Ar Slànair 3:18
3 In Ainm An Athar Go Mbuaidh 2:45
4 Caoineadh Mhuire 4:21
5 Suantrai Na Maighdine 4:57
6 Deus Meus Adiuva Me 4:09
7 An Taiséiri 5:20
8 Rug Muire Mac Do Dhia 3:08
9 Gabham Molta Bhride 2:11
10 Don Oiche Ud I Mbeithil 5:16
11 Seach Ndolás Na Maighdine Muire 7:42

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Celtic Music (2014) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1 Capercaillie – S'Och A' Dhomhnaill Oig Ghaolaich (Waulking Song) 4:03
2 Chantan – Slave's Lament 3:13
3 Solas – Trip To Kareol 3:00
4 Liz Carroll & John Doyle – Rushin' Dressing / The Quitter / Remove The Rug 3:53
5 Altan – Caitlin Triall 4:54
6 Grada – The Butcher Boy 3:12
7 Cara Dillon – Johnny, Lovely Johnny 3:16
8 John Doyle – Bound For Botany Bay 4:56
9 Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas - Highlander's Farewell 7:28
10 Old Blind Dogs – Room With A View (Room With A View / Trip To Moreda / Danny's Birthdays) 5:35
11 Vishtèn – Shediac Bridge 3:57
12 Yann-Fanch Kemener & Aldo Ripoche – L'Angelique 2:02
13 Ffynnon – Llanw Chwant 5:04
Tracklist 2 : Bonus CD by Dalla:    
1 – Dean Younk A Gernow (Young Man Of Cornwall) 3:22
2  – Tana An Gove (The Smith's Fire) 3:19
3  – Bal Maiden's Chant 2:56
4  – King Of Sweden 3:54
5  – Can Dilly (Dilly Song) 5:50
6  – Tansys Golowan (Midsummer Bonfire) 5:45
7  – Crantock Games 7:23
8  – Descent 6:06
9  – Seventeen Come Sunday 4:43
10  – Hernan Rooz (Red Herring) 5:41

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Irish Folk (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Rough Guide to Irish Folk provides an introduction to the different styles and artists within the genre. Established groups like De Danann and Deata and newer artists perform jigs, reels, and "sean nos, " a traditional form of a cappella singing. Rich in heritage and creativity, this collection should whet the appetite of anyone interested in contemporary Irish folk performers. by Heather Phares
Tracklist:
1 Brian Hughes –  The Ships Are Sailing/Ambrose Moloney's/The New Mown Meadows 3:08
Arranged By – Brian Hughes, Garry Ó Briain
 Traditional
2 Reeltime – The Trucks Of Bohermore 5:25
Arranged By – Reeltime
Written-By – Traditional
3 Aoife Ní Fhearraigh – Seacht Suálicí Na Maighdine Muire 4:47
Arranged By – Aoife Ní Fhearraigh
Written-By – Traditional
4 Cherish the ladies – Green Grow The Rushes Oh 4:46
Arranged By – Cherish the ladies
Words By – Robert Burns
5 Paddy Glackin – John Stewart's/James Byrn's/Pretty Peg/Miss Patterson's Slipper 4:25
Arranged By – Paddy Glackin
Traditional
6 Dé Danann – Mac's Fancy/The Mist Covered Mountain 3:07
Arranged By – Dé Danann
Traditional
7 Óige – The Maid Of Culmore 3:33
Arranged By – O'Cathain, McCloskey, McLaughlin, O'Cathain
Traditional
8 Declan Masterson–    Ríl Jimmy O'Reilly/Cailíní Deasa Mhaigh Eo/Sín Chugam Anuas An Tácla 3:46
Arranged By – Masterson
Traditional
9 Seán Ryan – London Lasses/Coast Of Austria 3:17
Arranged By – S.F. Ryan
Traditional
10 Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin – A Bhean Udaí Thall 2:02
Arranged By – P Ní Uallacháin
Traditional
11 Seán Tyrrell – Mattie 3:24
Written-By – Johnny Mulhern
12 Kevin Burke's Open House – Tour De Taille (Around The Waist) 2:58
Written-By – Frederic Paris
13 Craobh Rua – The Red Crow/The Dawn/The Bianzano 5:04
Arranged By – Connolly, Byrne, Donnelly, Cassidy
Written-By – Ní Mhaonaigh, Traditional
14 Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich – Cailín Na Nurla Donn 4:43
Arranged By – Dónal Lunny, Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich
Written-By – Traditional
15    Colm Murphy–    Lord Gordon's/Kiss The Maid Behind The Barrell 3:39
Arranged By – Colm Murphy, Conal Ó Gráda
Traditional
16 Jackie Daly – Fonn Mall/Slow Air: Ag Taisteal Na Blarnan 3:18
Arranged By – Jackie Daly
Traditional
17 Áine Uí Cheallaigh – Seoladh Na Ngamhna 2:41
Arranged By – Mel Mercier, ÁineUí Cheallaigh
Traditional
18 Moving Cloud – Paddy Fahy's Reel/The Ewe Reel 2:55
Arranged By – Moving Cloud
Written-By – Paddy Fahy, Traditional
19 The Tulla Ceili Band – The Battle Of Aughrim 2:13
Arranged By – P.J. Hayes
Written-By – Traditional
20 Déanta – Lone Shanakyle 5:46
Arranged By – Déanta
Written-By – Traditional

 

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Irish Music (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The World Music Network's second installment in its excellent Rough Guide to Irish Music series is another high-quality overview of Celtic music both traditional and contemporary that eclipses many of the genre's numerous other anthologies. With a roster that forgoes the emerging industry's more fusion-oriented material in favor of young and older talent with muses that burn bright with forward-thinking -- but ultimately reverent -- renderings of traditional songs and dances, it's an excellent introduction for the curious and a solid collection for the already converted. Highlights include the whistle-heavy trio Flook, the Manhattan-based Celtic folk of the Prodigals and the blistering harmonica and fiddle duo Paul Moran and Fergal Scahill. by James Christopher Monger
Tracklist:
1 Flook – G.D.'s: Hoopers Loop / Pressed For Time 4:02
2 Dervish – An T-Úll 2:17
3 Frankie Gavin – The Night Cap / The Frost Is All Over 2:46
4 Maighread & Tríona Ni Dhomhnaill With Dónal Lunny – Liostáil Mé Le Sáirsint 2:38
5 The Prodigals – The Morning After 3:08
6 Séamus Quinn & Gary Hastings – Paddy Killoran's Highland / Hannah Mhicí Mhicheáil's 2:09
7 Paddy Keenan & Tommy O'Sullivan – Antara / The Twirly Haired Girl / The Mountain Road 4:04
8 Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola – Bean Pháidín (Páidin's Wife) 2:18
9 Ciarán Ó Maonaigh & Dermot McLaughlin –    Loughisle Castle 1:17
10 Mary McPartlan – Slieve Gallion Braes 2:35
11 Séamus Creagh & Aidan Coffey – Hughie Travers / The Cat In The Corner 3:09
12 Paul Brady – Mary And The Soldier 3:55
13 Matt Molloy – A Stór Mo Chroi / The Primrose Lass / Miss Mcgovern's Favourite 4:11
14 Séamus Begley & Jim Murray – An Seanduine 4:06
15 North Cregg – Polkas (Callaghan's / The Glen Cottage / Is Trua Gan Peata An Mhaoir Agam) 3:59
16 Cran – Taimse 'N Arrears 3:14
17 Paul Moran & Fergal Scahill – The Cúil Aodha Slide / Dan Patsy's Slide / The Toormore Slide 2:20
18 Lúnasa – The Walrus 2:39
19 Helen Roche – As I Roved Out 4:16
20 Paul McGrattan – The Lark On The Strand / The Geese In The Bog / The Eavesdropper 3:50
21 Altan – The Humours Of Castlefin / Nia's Dance / An Dúidin 3:26
22 Gerry O'Connor – Cam A' Lochaigh (The Curve Of The Lake) 3:21

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Irish Music (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1 Dolores Keane – Solid Ground 3:54
2 Altan – Tommy Peoples / The Windmill / Fintan McManus' 3:17
3 Clannad – Coinleach Ghlas An Fhómhair 5:46
4 Eileen Ivers – On Horseback 3:10
5 Kevin Crawford – Season Of Mists 2:49
6 Déanta – The Lakes Of Pontchartrain 5:01
7 Patrick Street – The White Petticoat / The Kerry Jig / Katy Is Waiting 4:37
8 Sliabh Notes – Terry 'Cuz' Teahans Polka / Murphy's Polka / O'Sullivan's Polka 2:59
9 Dervish – Molly And Johnny 3:51
10 Joe Derrane With Carl Hession – Humours Of Lissadell / Music In The Glen / Johnson's 4:18
11 Ciaran Tourish & Dermot McLaughlin – The Boys Of Malin / The Gravel Walks 3:06
12 Cran – Dulman / Charlie O'Neill's Highland 3:29
13 Brendan Larrissey – Mist On The Mountain / Three Little Drummers 3:04
14 Siobhan O'Donnell, Karen Tweed, Andy Cutting – Untitled / Untitled / Hand Me Down The Tackle 3:05
15 Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill – Colm Cille Na Féile 4:52
16 Martin Murray – Sod Of Turf / Katie Goes To Granny 3:02
17 Martin Hayes – O'Connel's March/ Galway Bay Hornpipe / The Banshee's Wail / Over The Mangle Pit 5:18

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Scottish Folk Music (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Like the other entries in this almost uniformly excellent series, The Rough Guide to Scottish Folk presents a richly diverse introduction to its chosen subject, collecting approaches both traditional and contemporary, and often featuring Gaelic vocals. Artists present include the Tannahill Weavers, Ross Kennedy, Karen Matheson (best known for her work with Capercaillie), and Mac-talla, among others. by Steve Huey
Tracklist:
1 Battlefield Band – Clan Coco / The Road To Benderloch / Fifteen Stubbies To Warragul 3:46
2 Mac-Talla – Griogal Cridhe (Beloved Gregor) 4:21
3 Karen Matheson – Rithill Aill 3:39
4 Wolfstone – Heart and Soul 3:15
5 Alison Kinnaird – The Crags Of Ailsa / Staffa's Shore 3:40
6 Silly Wizard – The Queen Of Argyll 3:21
7 Rory Campbell & Malcolm Stitt – John Griffin's 3:18
8 Fiddlers Five – The Centennial Waltz 3:04
9 The Tannahill Weavers – Good Drying Set 4:57
10 Christine Primrose – Tha M'Eudail Is M'Aighear 'S Mo Ghradh (My Treasure, My Delight, My Love) 3:09
11 Ewan MacColl – Dirty Old Town 2:50
12 Ossian – 'S Gann Gunn Dirich Mi Chaoidh 3:05
13 Jonny Hardie & Gavin Marwick – The Quiet Man / The Solstice / The Silver Spire 4:21
14 Whirligig – The Harper / Lady Catherine Ogle 3:51
15 Ross Kennedy & Archie McAllister – The Gathering Storms / The Lowland Of Scotland / Feaden Glan A'Phiobair 3:50
16 Tom Anderson & Aly Bain – Jack Broke Da Prison Door / Donald Blue / Sleep Soond Ida Mornin' / Lasses Trust In Providence / Bonnie Isle O'Whalsay 3:05
17 Alasdair Fraser – Wooden Whale / Leaps & Bounds / Skye Barbeque 5:05
18 Capercaillie – The Tree 3:59
19 John D Burgess – The Swallow-Tailed Coat / Turf Lodge 2:24

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Scottish Music (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In an all-new second edition focusing on the music of Scotland, Pete Heywood compiled a set of completely contemporary tracks, some by established artists like the Battlefield Band and many by a new generation who have embraced the music's older traditions after having been raised on 20th century pop/rock, blues, and jazz. One thing binds them together: No matter how contemporary some of these artists are, their musical sensibilities are rooted in the past. Instrumentation may be such that Emily Smith uses a piano alongside the fiddle on the centuries-old "Fair Helen of Kirconnel," with a new melody she composed. Elsewhere, the internationally renowned Capercaillie juxtapose the Uillean pipes with the bagpipes, synthesizers, electronic percussion, and a melody from the 17th century. It's haunting in Karen Matheson's gorgeous alto and floats rather than stomps across the listener's sound palette. Jack Beck from the kingdom of Fife (like Jackie Leven) sings a ballad in both his native tongue and in the King's English, accompanied by whistles and his guitar playing. Christine Primrose is a native Gaelic speaker and is steeped in both tradition and culture. Though she is a young woman, the music she sings comes from the Scotland of her ancestors. Likewise, the Boys of the Lough turn their medley of "Brother Gildas" and "Calliope House" into a rollicking journey through the ages and musical evolution. Nothing on this collection is more moving than the medley performed by Pipe Sergeant Gordon J. Walker on Gaelic air and hornpipes. From droning balladry to lively jigs to reels, he invests a maximum of emotion from the Pentland Firth -- one of the most dangerous areas of the world in winter -- and extracts the muse's own song in his readings of these timeless songs. This set with its contemporary bent may be tough for followers of strict tradition to swallow -- though there's plenty of that here -- but in all it is stronger and more vibrant than the first edition, and a welcome addition to any library of world music.
(This Comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our Blog ´O Púbis da Rosa´)
Tracklist:
1 Battlefield Band – Chuir I Gluin Air A Bhodach / DJ MacLeod's / The Ness Pipers / The Earl Of Space 4:22
2 Emily Smith –    Fair Helen Of Kirkconnel 3:21
3 Finlay MacDonald – Cowden Hall 3:59
4 Deaf Shepherd – Millenium Village (Islay's Charms / Farewell To Millenium Village / Pierre's Right Arm / Alec C. MacGregor) 4:56
5 Capercaillie – Skye Waulking Song - Chuir M' Athair Mise Dhan Taigh Charraideach (My Father Sent Me To A House Of Sorrow) 4:39
6 Bob Hobkirk – Niel Gow's Lament For His Second Wife 1:57
7 Jennifer & Hazel Wrigley – Utiseta (Roseness / Churchill Barriers / Deerness Reel) 3:40
8 Jack Beck – Fordell Ball 4:09
9 Pete Clark – Coilsfield House 3:08
10 Christine Primrose – Do Ghaidheil Shiatail 3:25
11 Robert Mathieson – Calypso (The Carnival Reel / The Calypso Piper) 2:34
12 Boys Of The Lough – Brother Gildas / Calliope House 3:50
13 Heather Heywood – Logie O'Buchan 3:33
14 Cliar – Cailleach An Airgid / Rachainn A Shuiridh' Air Oighrig 3:14
15 Donald Black & Malcolm Jones – 6/8 March, Hornpipe 2:53
16 Blazin' Fiddles – Dancing On The Moon (Celtic Cousins / The Flaggon / Dannsa Air A' Ghealach) 3:07
17 Pipe Sergeant Gordon J. Walker – Gaelic Air & Hornpipes (My Love, My Joy / Duncan Johnstone / Doctor MacInnes' Fancy) 3:36
18 Alison McMorland & Geordie McIntyre – Rowan In The Rock 3:32