Mary writes: 'S Trom an Direadh (Sad the Climbing) is an Eigg song, which I found in Volume 2 of John Lorne Campbell's Hebridean Folksongs, a treasure trove of waulking songs, which accompanied the communal beating of tweed. Jenny had directed me there. We had been discussing songs related to the legend of the sixteenth century massacre on Eigg, during which hundreds of islanders are said to have been killed by the neighbouring Macleod clan. We recorded in the Cathedral Cave on the south side of Eigg, which is next to the Massacre Cave.
credits
from Songs of Separation,
released January 29, 2016
Traditional music and lyrics arranged by Hazel Askew, Jenn Butterworth, Eliza Carthy, Hannah James, Jenny Hill, Mary Macmaster, Karine Polwart, Hannah Read, Rowan Rheingans, Kate Young
supported by 6 fans who also own “'S Trom An Direadh (Sad The Climbing)”
a friend introduced me to this album two winters ago, and it's very quickly become a staple in my household (it isn't the holiday season until sing we all merrily plays).
the tracks that particularly strike me though are heading for home, the bear song, and the old churchyard - the way the world cycles on, the turning of the wheel, life and death in a beautiful dance. we could despair that our time is short, but we seek joy and love again and again.
I love this album. sophie
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