The Ultimate Guide to Scottish Folk

The third in a series of Ultimate Guide collections, following Spanish and Irish editions, this two-CD set traces the development of Scottish folk music from Sir Jimmy Shand's strict-tempo dance band playing to Lau's experimental style. Largely traditional in its sources, with songwriters Karine Polwart and the late Michael Marra also represented, it was compiled with assistance and knowledgeable liner notes from broadcaster, musician, composer and performer Mary Ann Kennedy. Her insight into the Scots and Gaelic traditions has helped to produce a good, at times exhilarating listen. Piper Gordon Duncan's ‘Just for Seamus’ magnificent in its fiery musicality; Martyn Bennett's ‘Nae Regrets’ is a marvellous, groundbreaking meeting of tradition, technology and heart; and Paul Mounsey's ‘Passing Away’ is superb in its eloquent marriage of musical longing and historical documentation.

Alongside widely known older names – Dick Gaughan, Dougie Maclean, Capercaillie, Aly Bain, Archie Fisher – the young tradition is represented by Skipinnish, Breabach and Mischa MacPherson. And it's good to see lesser-feted and sometimes overlooked artists including Ossian, Mick West, Gaelic singer Ishbel MacAskill, and composer Blair Douglas acknowledged as well.