Our special CD offer today is  'The Flowers of Edinburgh'. The First 'Flowers of Edinburgh' concert which took place on 12th April, 1998 as part of the Shoots & Roots Festival show-cased the wonderful talents of over thirty of superb artists from the vibrant Edinburgh traditional music scene of that time. The Flowers of Edinburgh CD recorded live at this land-mark concert features a selection of those amazing performances.  £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/9ctG2c

1. New at Foot Stompin' includes Highland Sessions DVD, From Fuzz To Folk - Trax Of My Life by Ian Green
2. Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches  - An Amazing Resource!
3. Classic Album - Ae Spark O' Nature's Fire
4. New Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
5. Snippets: St Mungo Festival - Glasgow
6. Christmas Posting Dates
7. Best Sellers - Includes Kilt Socks and Best of the Torry Quine
8. Discussion forum - Ye Canny Shove Yer Granny...
9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
10. Testimonials

(remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

1. Last minute Christmas Shopping ideas

THE GAELIC CONNECTION!! Highland Sessions (DVD): Highland Sessions, a highly acclaimed television series filmed in 2005 for the BBC brings together as never before  a wonderful selection of singers and musicians from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic  musical traditions. Newly released on DVD, the Highland Sessions, filmed over two weeks at Strathgarry House near Killicrankie in the Scottish Highlands and presented by Mary Ann Kennedy, features from Scotland:- Alasdair Codona, James Graham, Allan Henderson, Neil Johnstone, Mary Ann Kennedy, Rona Lightfoot, Allan MacDonald, Iain MacDonald, Iain MacFarlane, Kathleen MacInnes, Donnie Murdo MacLeod, Karen Matheson, Donald Shaw, Mary Smith, Margaret Stewart, Jim Sutherland. And, from Ireland:- Mary Black, Dermot Byrne, Karan Casey, Steve Cooney, Trevor Hutchinson, Laoise Kelly, Seosaimhin Ni Bheaglaoich, Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, Padraigln Nl Uallachain, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Mick OBrien, Eamon ODonnchadha, Iarla OLionaird, Liam OMaonlai, Caoimhin ORaghallaigh, Niall Vallely.  £18.00 (£19.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/hbgCCx

EARLY TATTOO!! Pipes and Drums on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade -1982 &1983 (audio CD) Edinburgh Military Tattoo: We were delighted to come across this CD which was made from live recordings taken during the Edinburgh Military Tattoos of 1982 and 1983.  The CD features the massed pipes and drums and solo pipers recorded live on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Spectacular sounds and atmosphere from the Castle Esplanade. This is the earliest Tattoo music we have in our catalogue. We love it! £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers) £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/fFi2o5

LAUNCHED TODAY !! From Fuzz To Folk - Trax Of My Life (book): Ian Green is  the Managing Director of Greentrax Recordings.  He is a highly-respected pillar of Scotland's folk music fraternity recording many of  the famous names in traditional music. "Fuzz to Folk" chronicles Ian Green's many careers from gardener to British Army corporal, to mechanic, to footballer, to thirty years as a policeman and finally to founder of the most successful small record company in the UK .Ian chronicles his rise to the top of the Scottish folk music scene, including details of his involvement in the careers of Brian McNeill, Dick Gaughan, the McCalmans, Eric Bogle and many others, His insight into the Scottish social and cultural scene makes this a unique autobiography. £13.50 (£14.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/hmVmq9

WORD POWER!! The Gaelic English/English Gaelic Dictionary (book): A handy pocket-sized dictionary which is an up-to-date guide to the Celtic language of the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Useful hints and tips on the spelling system and pronunciation. The Gaelic English/English Gaelic Dictionary offers an intriguing starting point into one of  Europe's most fascinating languages. £3.60 (£3.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/ftKZXM

GET WHISTLIN'!!  Whistle (instrument) : A fine wee 'Feadag Brass 'D' instrument which has a blue mouthpiece and is packaged in tartan - it will look great sticking out of a Christmas stocking:) To go with it why not get the Instant Tin Whistle -Scottish book? It is designed to help the learner play the tin whistle immediately using special whistle tablature. The lessons are realistically and steadily graded so as not to over-stretch the student. Difficult traditional dances tunes, music particularly suited to the tin whistle, is introduced only on the last few pages to give a taster of things to come. It has 26 Scottish tunes with words. Guitar chords included.
Whistle (Instrument) : £4.50 (£4.99 for first time customers)   http://bit.ly/75dU9m
Instant Tin Whistle -Scottish Book: £5.40 (£5.99 for first time customers): http://bit.ly/hIfHEx

PIPES & DRUMS!! Best of Scottish Pipes & Drums (4 CD Box Set): This is a great CD box set for pipe band fans. four CDs - 50 tracks of excellent pipe music. The Cds feature Clan Sutherland Pipe Band, Kinross and District Pipe Band, Stonehaven Pipe Band and The Queen's Royal Pipers. £15.30 (£16.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/dXJF3y

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches  - An Amazing Resource!

Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches is a collaborative project which has been set up to preserve, digitise, catalogue and make available online several thousand hours of Gaelic and Scots recordings. The website  launched this week contains a wealth of material such as folklore, songs, music, history, poetry, traditions, stories and other information. The material has been collected from all over Scotland and beyond from the 1930s onwards.The items you can listen to include stories, songs, music, poetry and factual information. Joan McAlpine, writing in 'Scotland on Sunday' about the project said:
"They hauled their bulky reel-to-reel tape recorders across bog and moor to capture Scotland's traditional culture before it disappeared. Folklorists such as Hamish Henderson and Calum Maclean spent the 1950s and 1960s in crofters' kitchens, council flats and travellers' caravans, preserving the voices of herring gutters, berry pickers, pearl fishers and plough boys for future generations..."
The recordings come from the School of Scottish Studies (University of Edinburgh), BBC Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland's Canna Collection.
Examples from these collections include

* Stories recorded by John Lorne Campbell on wax cylinders in 1937
* Folklore collected all over Scotland by Calum Maclean in the 1950s
* Scots songs recorded by Hamish Henderson from travelling people in the 1960s
* Conversations recorded on Radio nan Gàidheal

Check out Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches here: http://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk     

3. Classic Album - Ae Spark O' Nature's Fire - Deaf Shepherd

This 1996 album was the first from the fabulous band Deaf Shepherd. Full of fizzing arrangements and cracking trad tunes and songs. Reviewer John O'Regan wrote of this CD:
"They combine the hell for leather attack of the Tannahill Weavers crossed with the Bothy Band. Sets like “Gies a Drink” and “The Minister’s Set” provide their ace cards in abundance; a fiery fiddle and pipes front line is given sterling support by guitar, bouzouki and bodhran. Vocally the contrast is made with quieter songs such as “Peggy Gordon”, “Logan Braes” and the gorgeous “Lost for Words at Sea”. Fiery, committed and brimming with energy, Deaf Shepherd lead the way for the new Scots roots bands to follow. Superb. "
Musicians: Clare McLaughlin: Fiddle/Vocals,  Rory Campbell : Pipes/Whistles/Vocals, John Morran : Guitar/Lead vocals, Angus McLaughlin ;Malcolm Stitt : Bouzouki/Pedals/Vocals Bodhran/Percussion/Vocals.
http://bit.ly/f00O5C
 
4. Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Ringtone

Here's a great ringtone from Deaf Shepherd's debut CD Ae Spark o' Natures Fire. This band really rock! Download it here http://bit.ly/6H7zj6
It's also our classic album this week. Get it here http://bit.ly/f00O5C

Don't forget to listen to our December 8th 2010  Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast featuring Scottish Folk Band of the Year 2010 Malinky, Skipinnish, Diamh, Rua MacMillan, Drever, McCusker & Woomble sing 'Silver and Gold' from Before the Ruin and the Old Blind Dogs.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

5. Snippets

St Mungo Festival - Glasgow
There's no doubt about it, Glasgow is the place to be in January! In the run up to the mighty Celtic Connections in mid January, Glasgow has another fine festival taking place at various venues across the city. Artists appearing will  include Maggie MacInnes, Adam McNaughtan, The Ideal Band.   Read more:
http://bit.ly/hiKU0E

Spring at Edinburgh Folk Club!
Here's what the club have on offer in the New Year kicking off with Scots singer Shona Donaldson with fiddler Paul Anderson on 12th January. Looks fab!
The club meets at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar Wednesdays at 8pm.
http://bit.ly/hn24kM

That's your Lot!
Sorry to hear Edinburgh arts venue and bistro 'The Lot' home to such events as the Ceilidh Club has announced that it will close at the end of January.
http://bit.ly/ifx0LI

Findlay on Film!
A wee film of Findlay Napier and The Bar Room Mountaineers in action. Findlay and his band are leading the Scottish nu-folk revolution with anthemic tales of love, debauchery and sin laced with black humour.
http://bit.ly/f6RP85

6. Royal Mail's Recommended final dates for Christmas Posting

UK
Wednesday 15th December: Standard Parcels
Saturday18th December: Second Class
Tuesday 21st December: First Class

International Airmail
Monday 6th December:  South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East (including Japan), Asia, New Zealand and Australia
Friday 10th December:  USA, Canada and Eastern Europe
Monday 13th December: Western Europe

7. Best Sellers

Kilt Socks: The funkiest Scottish novelty sock around. Brimming with kilt detail including kilt pin, sporran and buckle it’s a great fun item. a one size men’s sock with the design based on our original kilt towel. The red, grey and black tartan sits really well beneath a pair of black trousers, making it a perfect way to subtly show your Scottish identity.
http://bit.ly/fGoPIU

Book:The Very Best of Black Bob (book): The adventures of Border collie 'Black Bob' and his shepherd master Andrew Glenn began their life in DC Thomson's Scottish comic 'The Dandy' in 1944 and was also a firm favourite with Scottish readers when it was published as a picturescript in The Weekly News. This lovely nostalgic book reproduces some of the early stories with the wonderful atmospheric drawings of 'The Wonder Sheepdog' by Jack Proust.
http://bit.ly/gQW5qK

DVD: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 : The wonderful spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 is a spine-tingling extravaganza of military music. Take home the full 90 minutes of theTattoo's 60th 'Diamond Anniversary' show recorded live at Edinburgh Castle.
http://bit.ly/b9hss9

CD: The Best of the Torry Quine – June Imray: Famous for her uniquely Scottish songs and poems, June Imray recorded two LPS in the 70s, 'The Torry Quine' and 'The Torry Quine Again'. These recordings have been put together on this 22 track CD. All the numbers are written and performed by June Imray. A very funny lady with her own take on the North-East Scottish humour.
http://bit.ly/9StrRK

Lion Rampant Plectrum: Do you play the guitar or mandolin? Here's a fun plectrum bearing the Scottish Lion Rampant flag emblem. The Royal Standard of Scotland is also known as the Banner of the King of Scots  or more commonly the Lion Rampant of Scotland.  £0.68 (£0.75 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/gUO4XL

8. Discussion forum

Ye cannae shove yer granny....
"The world famous Greyhound bus brand has announced that it is to begin operating in Scotland from the beginning of next year...The three Scottish coaches, in line with Greyhound tradition, will be named after women in popular US songs. "Hello Dolly", "Long Tall Sally" and "Suzy Baby" This is national disgrace!!!@# Surely they should be using names from good old Scottish songs! How about "Hairy Mary" for starters? Any others?
http://bit.ly/hL1YB1

9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg

If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If want to watch some of our FS videos please visit our YouTube channel http://bit.ly/98ltPw
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

10. Testimonials
Testimonial: I just wanted to say thank you. I recently found out about my Scottish heritage and was trying desperately to find some Scottish folk music. Of course, in America that's pretty damned hard... At least until I found your podcast on iTunes. Bless you all! John Perkins

Our special CD offer today is singer Calum Kennedy's  'Legends of Scotland '. The music includes Here's to the Hills, Amazing Grace and Dark Lochnagar. This CD shows of his lovely Highland voice with a fine selection of the songs which made Calum Kennedy a popular entertainer and household name the world over. £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/9ehy27

1. New at Foot Stompin': includes  Matheu Watson; The 'Singing Shepherd'
2. Classic Album:  Fhuair Mi Pog  - Allan MacDonald and Margaret Stewart
3. Scotland's Bright Young Stars - Koda
4. Snippets
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Runrig
7. Reviews - includes Skerryvore
8. Discussion forum - Nyckelharpa in Scotland
9.Foot Stompin' on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
10 Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

YOUNG AND GREAT!! Matheu Watson: A reviewer describes this CD as  "'a spectacular first album'...and no wonder! The young multi-instrumentalist showcases his prowess on fiddle, guitar, all the other fretted instruments – and even the tin whistle. He is joined on his debut CD by some very starry friends including Kris Drever, Aly Hutton, Martin Simpson and Martin O'Neill. There's a lovely variety of tone, mood and texture  on this CD and  the oh so talented Matheu also wrote all the the music himself! £12.60 (£13.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cfFP5X

DREAMY!! Fields  of Dreams - Iain Thomson: A superb collection of twelve songs all from the pen of Iain Thomson. Iain, also know as 'the singing shepherd' lives and works on the Isle of Mull. He is inspired by the beautiful landscape and diverse wildlife which surround him.  Iain (lead vocals and 6 string guitar) has some great guest musicians on his album in the shape of Capercaillie founder members Marc Duff on whistles, bodhran, bouzouki and Charlie McKerron on fiddle, Gaelic singer Maeve MacKinnon, bassist Gordon Maclean and accordionist John Somerville. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bwtnB1

A FINE TRIBUTE!! Reflecting on Rankine - Iain MacPhail & Friends: With a lineup featuring Iain Macphail, Jack and John Delaney, Alastair McGirr, Andrew Knight and the late, legendary, Billy Thom, the disc has 20 tracks compiled by Iain and Jack to pay tribute to their old friend, Alloa bandleader Andrew Rankine. A must-have collection for Rankine fans and Scottish dance band enthusiasts alike. Andrew Rankine (1932 - 1985) became one of the most famous Country dance band leaders, acclaimed by Scottish Dance enthusiasts and fellow Dance musicians. He was renowned for his skill as an accordionist and also for his ability as arranger and composer. He was at the forefront in the development of a new approach to Country Dance Music which gathered momentum in the early 1950s. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/auDHBd

THIS TIME WITH THE LINK!!  Runrig - 50 Great Songs (3CD+1DVD set): We missed it out last week and we don't want you to miss out on this  fabulous package!  A compilation of fifty all-time favourite Runrig songs on three CDs, plus a bonus DVD of eleven songs performed live. Includes two recordings of Runrig songs by Cathy Ann McPhee and Dick Gaughan, and featuring The Craigie Choir and The Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir. The tracks are taken from the albums The Stamping Ground, Everything You See, In Search Of Angels, Proterra, Mara, Transmitting Live, Day Of Days DVD, Year Of The Flood DVD, The Big Wheel, The Greatest Flame, Amazing Things and The Cutter And The Clan. £18.00 (£19.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aIX71P

GIE'S A TUNE!! The Eildon Collection (book) Anyone playing Scottish music will be delighted to see this book featuring 29 great tunes written by veteran button accordionist and band leader Jim Mackay. Jim Mackay's Dance Band (originally from Caithness) made up of three generations of family members, has been on the go since 1957. Several of the tunes can be heard on the band's CD 'Mountain Tears' The book which has musical notation and chord symbols for each tune has a foreword from Andy Ross of Moray Firth Radio: £9.90 (£10.99 for first time customers)
The Eildon Collection (book) http://bit.ly/bvetxU
Mountain Tears (CD): http://bit.ly/bwj3tw

BACK IN STOCK!! Seeing Scotland DVD: Seeing Scotland is a totally beautiful DVD.  A ground-breaking 6 part series now released on this single DVD that explores and discusses the inspiration, dedication and human interest behind photography.  The series is presented by world-renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite. In Seeing Scotland each journey takes a look into one of the many elements involved in making a photograph, from light, through to composition, photographing wildlife and even ways of improving portraiture. Set amid some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery, and enlivened by Charlie's encounters with local characters along the way, Seeing Scotland is a lavish pictorial celebration with breathtaking images, both moving and still. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/a8137v

LEST WE FORGET!! Far Far from Ypres - Songs, Poems and Music of World War l (double CD): Various artists:  In this week of remembrance, a tribute to all the soldiers from the home countries, their Commonwealth brothers in arms from across of the globe who together fought, suffered  and in so many cases died in the Great War. A thoughtfully constructed double CD set documents songs, poems and pipe music from the First World War. It is intended as a tribute to soldiers of the UK and Commonwealth who fought and died in the battlefields of Europe, with a strong but not exclusively Scottish slant. Disc one features The Scottish Pals Singers performing songs sung by the troops and music hall pieces. Disc two draws on songs about the war by the likes of Eric Bogle, Dick Gaughan and The McCalmans A wonderful tribute to the men and women of two generations ago who gave so much. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cDoXoa

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Classic Album: Fhuair Mi Pog - Allan MacDonald and Margaret Stewart

This 1998 album features Gaelic song and piping by two hugely talented artistes. Margaret Stewart (this is her first recording)  is a great traditional singer - a native Gaelic speaker whose singing is steeped in the rhythms of the language. Allan MacDonald is an expert piper (one of the famous Glenuig piping MacDonald brothers) as well as a fine singer. The success of this collaboration - and the pipes sit well with the ornate Lewis singing style - may say something about the past but certainly points the way to future possibilities. Terrific entertainment with lovely singing and great tunes, some of the best written by Allan MacDonald himself.  A reviewer described Fhuair Mi Pog as " not only a recording of deep musicality and austere beauty, it was also one of the most important Gaelic music recordings of recent years, making great music from a challenging and original approach to the tradition." Also on the album are Allan Henderson (fiddle), Ingrid Henderson (harp, piano), Iain MacFarlane (fiddle), Iain MacDonald (flute, whistle) and Nick Turner (bass guitar). The CD booklet is bilingual - in Gaelic and English.
http://bit.ly/a3i9x1

3. Scotland's Bright Young Stars - Koda

KODA, or the Keith Dickson Accordion Orchestra as it was formerly known, was formed in Dumfries in 1987 to provide an opportunity for young accordionists to meet regularly and play music together.  1998 saw the introduction of Scots Fiddle and Highland Bagpipes into the accordion lineup line-up followed by guitar and percussion. The group then went on to win their first title at the UK Accordion Championships. After winning a "Danny Award" at Celtic Connections Festival the band were invited to perform in the Shetland Isles in July 2000. In 2002, the group received a “Special Award” at the European Accordion Festival in the City of Prague, Czech Republic and in 2003 appeared at T in the Park. As the young people grow up and move on the band has had many changes of personnel but the standard of musicianship remains  top notch and they have an enviable record of high-profile gigs in both the UK and Europe, including performing at the ScotsTrad Music Awards in 2009, plus an amazing four CDs to their credit. Notable former members include Award winning Scots singer and accordionist Emily Smith, The Johnson Sisters who went on to form the band 'Give Way' and Tom Orr whose band won Best Dance Band at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Koda has continually developed since its early years and now offers a varied programme of traditional instrumental compositions as well as a fresh, vibrant and imaginative approach to their great music.  In 2010 the band again won the title "UK Accordion Showband Champions 2010. A fantastic young outfit and well done Keith Dickson!  Check out the Koda CDs:
Alternative Frequency: http://bit.ly/a6oYDd
Keepin' It Reel: http://bit.ly/bpnRHx
Tight Squeeze:  http://bit.ly/cUipPa

4. Snippets

Catriona Macdonald's Homemade Workshops
Shetland fiddler and teacher Catriona Macdonald has launched a new project, based around a wonderful weekend of fiddle teaching and food...starts in January
http://bit.ly/bsrBHb

Distil Showcase 2010
It's the Distil Showcase this Friday 12th November featuring some great trad musicians writing music for Mr McFall's Chamber Quintet. If you're free please come along - it starts at 7.30pm in Stirling's Tolbooth. Either way here's a wee promo video taken at one of the rehearsals on Tuesday. http://bit.ly/biA7ZC

Aly Bain and Norman MacCaig
Norman MacCaig the Scots poet whose centenary is celebrated this week was great friends with Shetland fiddler Aly Bain. Check out the various articles and programmes about them here:
http://bit.ly/aJQGq6

Forever Amber!
The 2010 Amber Fiddle Award  in memory of Perthshire composer and fiddler Niel Gow was won by Gemma Donald (Falkirk/Shetland) who  took this year's title with her composition "Birlin' in Blair Atholl".
http://bit.ly/bC87wT

FREE Feis Rois workshops this weekend!
Feis Rois, in partnership with the Camanachd Association, is putting on a series of free music workshops for young people from P5 - 7 before the international shinty/hurling match in Inverness on Saturday 13th November. This is a great opportunity to learn from some fantastic Scottish musicians.
http://bit.ly/9KHENU

Great new band Rura
Just listening to this young band - Rura on myspace. Brilliant playing! Have a listen. http://mysp.ac/bQ2iU8

Have you voted yet?
The Scots Trad Music Awards 2010 - There are 16 categories you can vote in including Album, Instrumentalist, Scots Singer, Gaelic Singer.  to help you decide, there is information on each of the nominees in each category here: http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/voting2010-info.html   
You can vote in the Scots Trad Music Awards here: http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/voting2010.html

Chris Stout in the bath!
If you've ever wondered what  Shetland fiddler Chris Stout looks like in the bath (we haven't by the way!) well here is a picture of Chris modelling 'Crofters Bubble Bath’' for the Shetland Soap Company
http://bit.ly/9OaFph

RSAMD Junior Academy Open Day 20th November
The Junior Academy in Glasgow offer a Scottish Music Course where talented young musicians can study Traditional Scottish Music. At the moment they have children studying fiddle, wooden flute, piano and clarsach on the course but all instruments are welcome to apply. Why not go along and check it out? http://bit.ly/aZOaSy

Scots Fiddle Festival - this weekend!
That's at the Assembly Rooms George Street Edinburgh - it's fantastic! recitals, workshops, ceilidhs and of course, great concerts with fantastic guest fiddlers . You'll love it!
http://bit.ly/dxWOUL

Edinburgh's Hogmanay!
Traditional music line-up at the Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh this year - lineup includes Dougie MacLean, Dick Gaughan, Julie Fowlis, Lau, and BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Daniel Thorpe with his trio.
http://bit.ly/cMXVKp

5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
You can still listen to our November  2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. In this edition we featured the launch of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards including Uam by Julie Fowlis which is nominated in the Album of the Year category. John McCusker who is nominated in the Instrumentalist of the Year. Fred Morrison who is in Folk Band of the Year. Bel Canto by Eilidh MacKenzie who is nominated in Gaelic singer of the Year. Matheu Watson is in the Up and Coming Artist  and we finish off with Skerryvore who are nominated in the Live Act of the Year.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

Don't forget our daily Audioboo podcast. Simon produces a wee 1 minute podcast which looks at the issues of the day.
http://bit.ly/dvMhbm

6. Best Sellers

DVD: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 : The wonderful spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 is a spine-tingling extravaganza of military music. Take home the full 90 minutes of theTattoo's 60th 'Diamond Anniversary' show recorded live at Edinburgh Castle.
http://bit.ly/b9hss9

CD/DVD Runrig - 50 Great Songs (3CDs + DVD) : Fifty all-time favourite Runrig songs on three CDs, plus a bonus DVD of eleven songs performed live. What an outfit!
http://bit.ly/aIX71P

CD: Shadows Tall - Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller: An excellent duo. Great music - great songs. Such talent!
http://bit.ly/aed10F

Christmas Cards: Foot Stompin' again have their own uniquely designed Christmas Cards. Packs of 5 with a greeting in either Scots or Gaelic language. The cards are A6 size (148mm x 105mm) and come with matching white envelopes.
Christmas Card 2010 (Scots): http://bit.ly/aVCrxx
Christmas Cards 2010 (Gaelic): http://bit.ly/dyTZrn

Scottish Songs (book): A collection of more than 80 traditional compositions arranged for voice and piano. The songs and ballads in this book reflect the rich heritage of folk music in Scottish life. Includes An Eriskay Love Lilt, O Can Ye Sew Cushions, Willie's Gane Tae Melville Castle, Ae Fond Kiss and many more. There's also a handy glossary of the Scots words used in the songs.
http://bit.ly/7M3ouA

CD: Duan Nollaig - A Gaelic Christmas (double album): aAunique album of Gaelic Christmas Carols and Songs sung by Fiona Mackenzie, for the Mairi Mhor Fellowship.  This double album of 35 songs is a collection of traditional carols eg Silent Night, In the Bleak Midwinter, Away in a Manger etc, traditional Gaelic carols, eg Heire Bannag, Leanabh an Àigh etc new Gaelic Christmas songs, songs for children, young people  and Gaelic learners,  and a few surprises thrown in.
http://bit.ly/19s0qK

CD: Hello World - Lorne MacDougall: A great album from the piper and whistle player. Lorne’s band consists of some of the most respected musicians in Scotland who originally got together for the recording of this, his debut solo album.
http://bit.ly/9y8DZm

CD: Solas Clann Dhomhnaill (Joy of Clan Donald): - MacDonald Sisters: A unique collection, comprising for the first time ever on CD, the complete commercial recordings of The Macdonald Sisters, the Gaelic stars of the 60s and 70s, beautifully remastered by Nick Robbins. ""It is wonderful to finally hear so many of the songs from the MacDonald sisters on one collection.  They celebrated and shared songs from Gaelic Scotland around the world, and I am sure this album will bring back fond memories for many." Julie Fowlis, 2010
http://bit.ly/cbS7Iq

7. Reviews
CD: Skerryvore - Skerryvore:
No messing here as Skerryvore kick off with the riff based “Path To Home” featuring a mixture of Jimmy Shand meets the Tannahill Weavers. I’m pleased to say that this is folk-rock that proudly nails its Celtic banner to the mast and leaves the listener with an adrenalin rush that’s hard to shake off...... If this album is anything to go by then everyone is in for a treat with thrusting, foot-stomping arrangements that will raise the spirits and hopefully any aging folk enthusiasts that like to be ‘entertained’ will find little to carp about. ....The final ‘live’ track “Home To Donegal” with its rousing anthem style chorus should ensure arm waving aplenty and broad grins all round. Pete Fyfe...folking.com
http://bit.ly/dxpIwT

CD: Celtic Nyckelharpa – Gavin Pennycook. Customer Review 5 stars
Wonderful, exquisite playing. Very much, I think you will like it...John Jesiman 
http://bit.ly/ar9YSs

CD: Blackwood and Hickory - Mid Argyll Pipe Band
"...A band of long standing (founded 1927) but of considerable youth as well - encouraging young players is a particular aim - they offer an eclectic collection of trad and pioneering tracks. They are influenced by Brittany, Cornwall and of course Argyll - "recorded at Argyll and Bute Council Chambers, Lochgilphead" is a pretty rare accolade in itself. Most of the tunes will ring a bell with piping fans of any level, but it's what the Mid Argyll do with them that ensures the pizzazz, with quirky titles, slick and unexpected arrangements - the syncopated "Cheryl's Wedding", the protracted Mooo! that starts "Sweeney The Coo Killer", for example - and much more. Definite proof that piping is alive and well, indeed thriving, in Campbell country: and all the more so as this is actually a sell-out stage show translated on to CD....The Scots Magazine
http://bit.ly/cfxE3c

CD: Adoon Winding Nith - Emily Smith and Jamie McLennan
"...This is an album that proves, again, that Smith ranks alongside Julie Fowlis as one of Scotland’s great young traditional singers. She’s a great instrumentalist, too, playing accordion and piano alongside McClennan’s guitar, fiddle, whistle and mandolin. One suspects that Burns would have been impressed...." BBC Music
http://bit.ly/1hgPvO

CD: Stereocanto - Fraser Fifield
 "...It’s the interplay between intellectual construction, fleeting modal improvisations and sheer emotional sensuality of the music that makes this such a satisfying, and strikingly unified, piece of work...." Songlines
http://bit.ly/aw71KG

8. Discussion forum
Nyckelharpa in Scotland
Anyone play one of these superb sounding instruments ("sounds like a cello being played in a cathedral") and if so are there any "get togethers" of nyckelharpa players north of the border?
http://bit.ly/b6Jt3U

9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If want to watch some of our FS videos please visit our YouTube channel http://bit.ly/98ltPw
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

10. Testimonials
Thanks! Oor Wullie came yesterday - great service.  Wullie came at Christmas every other year when I was a wee girl, likewise to our son from Santa Claus!..Elizabeth

Our special CD offer today is Scots singer Aileen Carr's  'Green Yarrow'. Aileen's powerful voice is one of the best in traditional singing as this CD ably demonstrates. Aileen sings some of her favourite songs and is accompanied by Maureen Jelks (additional vocals), Brian Kellock (keyboards), Iain MacInnes (pipes & whistle), Tony McManus (guitar), and Stuart Morison (fiddle, guitar, cittern & mandolin) who also produced the album. £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/c5sjso

1. New at Foot Stompin': includes  Runrig, The MacDonald Sisters
2. The McCalmans - the end of an era
3. The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards - Open for Voting!
4. Classic Album: An Island Heritage - Iain McLachlan
5. Snippets - includes Glenfiddich Piping Championship results
6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
7. Best Sellers - Includes Tattoo 2010 DVD
8. Reviews - includes Tyro
9. Discussion forum - Audience Etiquette
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

THE MIGHTY RUNRIG!! Runrig - 50 Great Songs (3CD+1DVD set): This is a fabulous package and would make a superb gift for fans of the mighty Scottish band Runrig.  A compilation of fifty all-time favourite Runrig songs on three CDs, plus a bonus DVD of eleven songs performed live. Includes two recordings of Runrig songs by Cathy Ann McPhee and Dick Gaughan, and featuring The Craigie Choir and The Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir. The tracks are taken from the albums The Stamping Ground, Everything You See, In Search Of Angels, Proterra, Mara, Transmitting Live, Day Of Days DVD, Year Of The Flood DVD, The Big Wheel, The Greatest Flame, Amazing Things and The Cutter And The Clan. £18.00 (£19.99 for first time customers)

HIGHLAND MUSIC !! Urachadh - Various Artists: This lovely CD released October 2010 features the music from a project  which was put together for the Year of Culture 2007. There are fifteen tracks, performed by the same singers and instrumentalists from Caithness and Sutherland who brought the acclaimed show to Celtic Connections and numerous venues across the Highlands and Islands over the last three years The musicians, who are all from Sutherland and Caithness, are Catriona MacLeod (vocals, accordion and whistle), Carol-Anne Mackay (pipes, accordion and whistle), James Graham (vocals) Rhona Sutherland (guitar and fiddle) and James Ross (piano). It was a particularly successful and important project for Sutherland and the Highlands and Islands bringing to life the real story of the people of Dùthaich 'ic Aoidh (Mackay Country) and Assynt - an evocative expression of the Highland way of life that has long gone. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/d7SPyx

SISTER ACT!! Joy of Clan Donald (Solas Clann Dhomhnaill) - The MacDonald Sisters: In the 1960s and 70s there was a movement among young singers and musicians to expand the range of Gaelic singing and song, perhaps in the spirit and atmosphere of what younger players as disparate as Fairport Convention, and the Incredible String Band were doing elsewhere...the times sure were a changing, and the image of Gaelic folk in the media was transformed by the glamorous sisters who were not just the Gaelic 'Ronettes', but the embodiment of a living tradition...a sensation in Scotland, and indeed worldwide, on radio and tv as well as live and on record.  'Solas Clann Dhomhnaill - Joy of Clan Donald' is a unique collection, comprising for the first time ever on CD, the complete commercial recordings of The Macdonald Sisters, beautifully remastered by Nick Robbins.  £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cbS7Iq

HIGHLAND FLING!! Piping For Highland Dancing (book):  Includes Flings, Sword Dances, Seann Triubhas and much more, this book has been compiled, edited and written by Pipe Major Bruce Campbell. The most comprehensive book on the subject published to date containing not only manuscript of suitable tunes but full instructions including introductions, tempo, parts and description of dances as well as other invaluable background information gained from many years playing for competitive Highland dancing at the highest level both in Scotland and overseas.
Music, tempos, steps and instructions for 51 Highland dances. £15.30 (£16.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cYbX5K
Check out PM Campbell's double  audio CD 'The Complete Highland Dancing Archive' which  cover all the dances in the book: http://bit.ly/boPof2

BACK IN STOCK!! Butt to Barra - Isles FM: A great compilation album put together by the volunteer-run community radio station for the Scotland's Western Isles - a selection of the most popular tunes and songs as requested by their listeners. Artists: Teine, Norman MacKinnon, Rachel Walker, Skipinnish, Margaret Callan, Tonkan, Anne Martin, Donald MacDonald, Murdigan MacDonald, Geordie Jack & Caledonia, Angus Smith, Cauther Fair, Richie Kavanagh, Donna MacLean, Men of Worth, Sgoil Ciuil na  Gaidhealtachd, Vatersay Boys. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/aUJJ3T

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. The McCalmans - the end of an era

The The McCalmans are one of the best-loved Scottish folk groups ever - their live performances an absolute treat and their albums a must for lovers of close harmony singing. At the end of this year, with the retirement of Ian McCalman after a 46 year career, the group will disband.

The original line-up of Ian McCalman, Hamish Bayne and Derek Moffat first met during registration for entry into Edinburgh College of Art on 6th October, 1964. Discovering their mutual interest in folk music they went on to form the band which over forty years has become almost a Scottish institution. The McCalmans have travelled the world  enthusing their audiences with rousing three-part harmony singing laced with on-stage self-deprecating humour.  In 1982, Hamish retired to the quieter life, making concertinas and Nick Keir joined the group. Derek Moffat passed away on October 21, 2001, at the age of 54, and Stephen Quigg (who stood in for him during his illness) officially joined the line-up.

The group have recorded 26 albums, made lots of television series, and toured the world in every direction. The McCalmans headed the bill at London’s Albert Hall and the smallest of folk clubs, sung in deserts, jungles, arctic wastes and remote islands.  Scottish contemporary/traditional but always different. 'Best Live act', Traditional Music Awards.  'The Danish Folk Prize' and 'The Sandy Bells Cup' ..

The recent final McCalmans' tour of Denmark was a sell-out celebration of the group's love affair with that wonderful country. It has been rated by the band as an all-time favourite tour. A series of folk club and concert gigs both in Scotland and England are set to take place over the group's final two months, including "The Fruitmarket", Glasgow on November 3rd. In December there is the "Scots Trad Music Awards" in Perth, followed by the final concert in the Queens Hall, Edinburgh on the 10th of December (already sold out).
To mark the event there's a smashing limited edition full colour souvenir, end of an era, last gasp, brochure which features photos and articles celebrating an illustrious career in folk music. The brochure chartsThe McCalmans’ 24-year relationship with Greentrax and their 46-year, 6,000-gig career!

The McCalmans Souvenir Brochure: http://bit.ly/bVgBV5
Check out our selection of McCalmans CDs: http://bit.ly/6eBjbG

3. The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards - Open for Voting!

Now open for voting at handsupfortrad.co.uk. The 8th MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and Gala Concert is on 4th December 2010, Perth Concert Hall. The aim of these annual Awards is to highlight Scotland’s wonderful traditional music in all its forms and to create a high profile opportunity which will bring the music and music industry into the spotlight of media & public attention. There are 16 categories you can vote in including Album, Instrumentalist, Scots Singer, Gaelic Singer.     
Vote in the Scots Trad Music Awards here: http://bit.ly/dlDJPD
Looking for more information on each of the nominees? Visit this link http://bit.ly/d55IDo

4. Classic Album: An Island Heritage - Iain McLachlan

Iain never travelled much outside the Highlands, but he achieved worldwide fame as composer of the beautiful melody The Dark Island. Originally composed in 1958 as a pipe lament for a local doctor under the title Dr. Mackay's Farewell to Creagorry, the tune achieved widespread popularity after it was later used by the BBC as the theme music for the TV series 'The Dark Island' filmed on Uist in 1963. Words were added by the writer and producer David Silver and since then the tune has been recorded by more than a 100 different artistes and bands worldwide. No-one played the tune better than Iain himself. On his album, An Island Heritage. Iain McLachlan's music comes as fresh as the sea breezes wafting over the Uist machair - Highland and Gaelic as his island heritage. Iain, from Benbecula in the Western Isles, played the accordion but on this recording he also plays fiddle and melodeon, and is joined by Calum Iain MacCorquodale of Bayhead, North Uist on accordion and fiddle and by Calum Campbell of Balivanich on goose and jaws harp. The album opens with a trio set of march, strathspey and reel starting with  Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban. Other tracks include fiddle solo  Cameron's Got his Wife Again; a melodeon solo  Mrs MacLeod of Raasay; Iain's own tune The Dark Island; an accordion and jaw's harp duet  Feileadh Beag a B'fhearr Leam (I Prefer the Kilt) and a superb set of pipe reels on accordion and goose, The Piper of Drummond. .."'The tradition at its best: A gem' ..Box& Fiddle"
CD: An Island Heritage: http://bit.ly/bFngOx

5. Snippets

Glenfiddich - The Winners!
Congratulations to master piper Angus MacColl who won the Glenfiddich Piping Championship for the third time, beating last year's champion, Stuart Liddell, who was runner up. ...and congratulations to Nicola Auchnie who lifted th top fiddle prize beating Maggie Adamson and Graham MacKenzie.
http://bit.ly/9O5WPw
http://bit.ly/cmzQdi

Top of the World!
Scotland's Shetland Islands have been named by Lonely Planet as one of the ten must see places in the world for 2011 - alongside the Sinai desert, the Great Barrier reef and the Marquesas islands of French Polynesia.
http://bit.ly/bXlvWc

Come and sing!
The Ballad Workshop held in Laurie's Bar, Glasgow will be hosting another guest event on Sunday 28th November. Special guest will be the wonderful North-east traditional singer and fiddler Tom Spiers
http://bit.ly/aZvUgD

Audioboo
We've just started wee daily audio podcasts on Scottish music and culture. Each day we post a nuget of information which you can listen to and smile!! Check them out here.
http://bit.ly/dvMhbm

Foot Stompin' in Oregon!
From Foot Stompin's FaceBook page: "I learned of your podcasts from an article in the fall issue of Scottish Life. I've downloaded all of them and listen to them on my morning runs here in Portland, Oregon. What a treasure!"

Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller on tour
The talented girls whose new CD 'Shadows Tall' was released this week will be on tour for most of November . Here's where you can catch them:
http://bit.ly/bHRJAQ

Distil New Music Showcase
The Distil project (www.distil.org.uk ) produces its 5th Showcase of work by new Scottish composers, largely working in the field of traditional music. Stirling Tolbooth on 12th November is the venue. New pieces of music from Wendy Stewart, Rachel Newton, Hamish Napier, Sandy Stanage, David Milligan: Quartet, Angus Lyon, Calum MacCrimmon and Tom Oakes. This should be a great gig!!
http://bit.ly/9N795S

We're no goin' tae Sunny Spain!!
Those who clicked on the link to the ‘back in stock’ CD Da Thaobh Loch Seile ((Both Sides of Loch Shiel) highlighted in last week’s newsletter would have found themselves looking at the website for Cordoba Andalusia rather than Footstompin !  Needless to say we had the wrong link – Apologies! Here’s the correct one  http://bit.ly/amJqn3  

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Here's our November 3rd 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. In this edition we're featuring the launch of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. We're featuring Uam by Julie Fowlis which is nominated in the Album of the Year category. John McCusker who is nominated in the Instrumentalist of the Year. Fred Morrison who is in Folk Band of the Year. Bel Canto by Eilidh MacKenzie who is nominated in Gaelic singer of the Year. Matheu Watson is in the Up and Coming Artist  and we finish off with Skerryvore who are nominated in the Live Act of the Year.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

On Audioboo we've just started wee daily audio podcasts on Scottish music and culture. Each day we post a nuget of information which you can listen to and smile!! Check them out here.
http://bit.ly/dvMhbm

7. Best Sellers

DVD: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 : The wonderful spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 is a spine-tingling extravaganza of military music. Take home the full 90 minutes of theTattoo's 60th 'Diamond Anniversary' show recorded live at Edinburgh Castle.
http://bit.ly/b9hss9

CD: Music for the Kilted Generation - Red Hot Chilli Pipers: The brand new rockin' Chilli CD is already a Foot Stompin' best seller. We reckon this will hit the charts!
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf
More Red Hot Chilli Pipers: http://bit.ly/duv8Y5

Christmas Cards: Foot Stompin' again have their own uniquely designed Christmas Cards. Packs of 5 with a greeting in either Scots or Gaelic language. The cards are A6 size (148mm x 105mm) and come with matching white envelopes.
Christmas Card 2010 (Scots): http://bit.ly/aVCrxx
Christmas Cards 2010 (Gaelic): http://bit.ly/dyTZrn

CD: Hello World - Lorne MacDougall: A great album from the piper and whistle player. Lorne’s band consists of some of the most respected musicians in Scotland who originally got together for the recording of this, his debut solo album.
http://bit.ly/9y8DZm

CD: Last Orders - Liz Doherty: a fantastic fiddler with  a masterly technique. Here, with her all-star guests, she presents a collection of 34 beautifully chosen tunes. An ideal illustration of just how powerful the fiddle is in the hands of a maestro.
http://bit.ly/asiaNI

DVD: Scotland's Social Dances: Almost 2 hours of dancing on this excellent double DVD which will make you want to get up and twirl round the dance-floor or even the kitchen! With 56 dances demonstrated, there's something to please everyone whether it be Ceilidh dancing, Quicksteps, Foxtrots and Waltzes, Tangos and Rumbas or, Quadrilles and Scottish Country dance
http://bit.ly/cYXHGu

CD: A' Jock Tamson's Bairns -  Jock Tamson's Bairns: Comprises two acclaimed albums 1980 album 'Jock Tamson's Bairns' and all of the 1982 album 'The Lasses Fashion'.  A who's who of folk musicians including Tony Cuffe and Rod Paterson - vocals, guitars; John Croall - vocals;  Ian Hardie, Adam Jack and Derek Hoy - fiddles; Jack Evans  - guitar and mandolin; Norman Chalmers - concertina and whistles. "'The Lasses Fashion' is deservedly acknowledged as one of the greatest recordings of traditional Scots music." ...The Green Man Review
http://bit.ly/vN24K

Kilt Towel: An irresistable fun item! 100% cotton towel in a bright red tartan with a belt and sporran pictured on the front. Size 60inches x 30inches.
http://bit.ly/chBYIx

8. Reviews
CD: Michael Marra & Mr Mcfall's Chamber: Live On Tour 2010
".....Aficionados will know Marra's utterly idiosyncratic material – The Lonesome Death of Frances Clarke, Happed in Mist, Neil Gow's Apprentice … but the sympathetic McFall's settings bring a new, almost cinematic element, managing to complement the frequent quirkiness of these songs while emphasising the compassion which glows amid the surrealism....." Jim Gilchrist..The Scotsman
http://bit.ly/cwC5xl

CD: Tyro - Rua MacMillan
Tyro features fiddler and Nairn native Rua Macmillan in a recording made for Greentrax which was part of his prize for winning the “Up and Coming Artist of the Year” award 2009. This collection shows beyond a doubt that he is a worthy winner, and anything but a tyro – except, I suppose, in recording circles – as the tunes, many of which are his own compositions, demonstrate. Backed by Tia Files, Adam Brown, Alasdair MacLeod and Brian McNeill, Rua (short for Ruairidh, by the way) turns in a series of very assured performances which point to a rosy future....The Scots Magazine
http://bit.ly/aMTX46

CD: A Good Suit of Clothes (Deagh Dheis Aodaich) - Fiona J MacKenzie
"We sure like this voice. Beautiful. The songs are very, very melodious, very musical. Lovely. And, the girl has soul. She can sing. Very comfortable with different keys and ambiences. This is a lovely album. There are some terrific backing musicians. Wonderful additional singers round it all out….. contemporary take on some very, very traditional sounding tunes…. This is a beautiful album by a beautiful singer. A standout……."
Bill Margeson, Irish American News (August 2009)
http://bit.ly/9o1NAg

CD: Westringing - Ian Hardie
"There is a physical connection between the Blue Mountains of Scotland (Cairngorms) and the Blue Mountains of the New World (Blue Ridge), which were settled by so many Scots-Irish in the 18th century. Once they were part of the very same land mass. However, "Westringing" is music that is not from million years ago. Scottish fiddler Ian Hardie has been a member of bands such as Jock Tamson's Bairns  and The Occasionals.  In 2003 he became interested in the sound of old-time Appalachian fiddle music, some of which came from Ireland and Scotland before. Ian made some study trips to learn from native American players. He composed own tunes in the genre, the outcome being "Westringing - Scotland meets Appalachia - fiddle and viola solos in altered tunings from The Cairngorms to The Blue Ridge". This actually says it all, except that it really is a great and enjoyable album too. ..." FolkWorld
http://bit.ly/agkh8V

CD: Broken Sky - David Ferrard
Back in the 1960s this tousled-haired lad with the acoustic guitar would have been labelled a 'protest' singer, and though much of this first album by the Edinburgh-based Scots/American songwriter does rail at the current war(s) and the iniquities of power, he also gives us songs about affairs of the heart, personal and universal. So it's peace and love with a contemporary feel - and a strong band line-up that includes the likes of Karine Polwart. And there are lighthearted songs such as 'Take Me Out Waltzing Tonight', and a happy ending to the picaresque 'Dmitri's Pocket Radio'....Scotland on Sunday
http://bit.ly/dqdJU2

9. Discussion forum

Audience etiquette
Seemingly Boy George was so angry with an audience member for talking through his gig last week that he went up and poured a glass of water over her at the end.....I think in general we're lucky in the folk world..
http://bit.ly/dbMz8e

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
Thanks! Oor Wullie came yesterday - great service.  Wullie came at Christmas every other year when I was a wee girl, likewise to our son from Santa Claus!..Elizabeth

Our special CD offer today is 'Sole Music' - The Scottish Stepdance Company. An infectious combination of dancing feet with fiddle, bagpipes, whistles and Gaelic song makes for a vibrant and high-spirited 50 minutes.  £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/4FAD2q

1. New at Foot Stompin': includes Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 DVD, Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller
2. Classic Album: A' Jock Tamson's Bairns (Two classic albums for the price of one!)
3. The Carrying Stream
4. Snippets: includes The Wither Forecast
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Ringtone
6. Best Sellers - Includes Red Hot Chilli Pipers
8. Reviews - includes Glenfinnan Gathering
9. Discussion forum - Poor internet access in rural Scotland
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

QUICK MARCH!! Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 DVD: The wonderful spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 is a spine-tingling extravaganza of military music featuring bands from around the world, and, as always, it is set against the backdrop of the historic imposing fortress, Edinburgh Castle. A hush falls and darkness deepens, the great oak gates of the Castle sweep open and the swell of the pipes and drums cracks through the night sky. As the massed bands march out  across the drawbridge, flanked by effigies of William Wallace and Robert The Bruce, emotions run high: this matchless spectacle unfailingly enthrals, symbolising the Scotland that everyone holds dear in their heart. Take home the full 90 minutes of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo's 60th 'Diamond Anniversary' show recorded live at Edinburgh Castle. There are also several extra features including highlights from the Tattoo's 2010 show in Sydney, Australia . £16.19 (£17.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/b9hss9

GREETINGS!! Hello World - Lorne MacDougall: A fab debut album from this versatile musician who plays Highland bagpipes, smallpipes, Border pipes, whistles and more. Film and TV composer Murray Gold says "His pipes have joy and life breezing out of them and I can’t help feeling a swelling in the heart whenever I hear his ancient trilling and galloping and swirling coming out of the speakers."  Musical guests include guitar-wizard Martin Simpson, Brian McNeill (fiddle), Adam Brown (bodhran), Ross Kennedy (guitars), Duncan Lyall (bass), James MacKintosh (percussion), and more. " Lorne MacDougall forges his very own style of music and compositions but also seems to keep true to his Argyllshire roots in his music delivery, passion and originality of the music. ..." Pipe Major Robert Mathieson.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9y8DZm

TWICE AS GOOD!! Shadows Tall - Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller: This CD is lovely!  Siobhan Miller has a stunning voice and Jeana Leslie is a fine fiddler and singer. A reviewer described them as having "an uncanny sense of what will sound beautiful ."  The duo have already won several accolades including BBC Young Folk Award in 2008, the 'Best Up and Coming Artist' at the Scots Trad Music Awards the same year and 'The Hancock Horizon Music Award' in 2009. Shadows Tall is their second release and a fine follow-up to their debut album 'In A Bleeze'. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aed10F

A BIT OF FUN!! Scottish Sing A Long Favourites - Alex Sutherland Singers: They are all here! Donald Where's Yer Troosers? Bonnie Wee Jeanie McColl, Loch Lomond, The Northern Lights, The Muckin' o Geordie's Byre and many more. A selection of cheery singalong Scots songs and medleys to help your party go with a swing! Altogether now....'A fine wee lass, a bonny wee lass is bonny wee Jeannie McColl...I gave her ma mither's engagement ring, an' a bonny wee tartan shawl...I met her at a weddin' in the Co-operative Hall....I was the best man an' she was the belle o the ball'....£8.09 (£8.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/b7EDAp

BACK IN STOCK!!  Da Thaobh Loch Seile ((Both Sides of Loch Shiel) - The MacColl Family: This recording is a taste of the music of a Highland family which has preserved the cultural legacy of  bygone generations.  The MacColl family have lived as crofters, stalkers and shepherds around the Argyll-Inverness-shire boundary for hundreds of years.  They have long been renowned as bards, musicians and tradition-bearers. The five members between them play harp, pipes, accordion, piano and guitar, and sing in traditional style.  "Dà Thaobh Loch Seile is a recording totally devoid of pretence, beautifully presented and brilliantly played"...Fergie MacDonald: £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/amJq

FOLK MAGAZINE!! The Living Tradition Magazine - Issue 86: News, reviews and information from the world of traditional music. This issue features The Shee - six graduates of the Newcastle Degree course tell of their music and development since graduation. Wendy Stewart - harper and singer, Wendy Stewart talks about her music and influences and current and future work, The Pipeline - News from the world of piping. £2.93 (£3.25  for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aj1SAO

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Classic Album
A' Jock Tamson's Bairns - by Jock Tamson's Bairns (Two classic albums for the price of one!)
Jock Tamson's Bairns is one of our country's most respected bands, having carried the torch for true Scottish music since their inception at the end of the 1970s.  A' Jock Tamson's Bairns is a re-release of most of the 1980 album 'Jock Tamson's Bairns' and all of the 1982 album 'The Lasses Fashion'.  On this single CD lucky listeners are treated to some 75 minutes of fantastic Scottish traditional music from one of the all time best bands. 'The Lasses Fashion'. is still regarded as one of the finest expressions of the great revival of traditional music that helped shape and create the contemporary Scottish identity, and was  shortlisted for the Best Trad Album of all time in the Scots Traditional Music Awards and as one of the all-time top ten albums - and the only 'folk' recording - alongside Elvis Presley, the Platters and the Smiths, by Richard Thompson for "Q" magazine.  A who's who of folk musicians can be found  on this outstanding album including Tony Cuffe and Rod Paterson - vocals, guitars; John Croall - vocals;  Ian Hardie, Adam Jack and Derek Hoy - fiddles; Jack Evans  - guitar and mandolin; Norman Chalmers - concertina and whistles.
A Lasses Fashion is deservedly acknowledged as one of the greatest recordings of traditional Scots music." ...The Green Man Review
http://bit.ly/vN24K

3.The 9th Carrying Stream Festival: 3rd  - 13th November  2010
Hamish Henderson (1919-2002) is often referred to as the ‘father of the Scottish folk revival’. Since the year of his death, Edinburgh Folk Club has kept the memory of this remarkable man alive in an annual festival dedicated to his life and legacy. But the Carrying Stream Festival is not just a shrine to the great folklorist, song collector, poet and songwriter, political activist  -  it is a Festival in the spirit of  Hamish Henderson: celebrating traditional music, song, storytelling and poetry in all their historical and contemporary contexts, presenting established tradition bearers alongside international acts and up-and-coming talents. It is looking backward and forward, is part of the carrying stream of the folk tradition.
Here's this year's programme:
3 Nov: Bellevue Rendezvous
4 Nov: Aly Bain, Ale Möller & Bruce Molsky
5 Nov: Jim King, Emily Smith & Jamie McClennan. Alison McMorland & Geordie McIntyre
6 Nov: Cathal McConnell & Duncan Wood, Robbie O’Connell & Dan Milner
7 Nov: Robbie O'Connell, Illustrated Talk about Liam Clancy (1935-2009)
7 Nov: Margaret Bennett, Janet Russell, Whirlypit
10 Nov: Mick West Band
11 Nov: Scottish Storytelling Centre - 6 pm Book Launch ‘Borne on the Carrying Stream’ free
11 Nov: 7.30 pm Homage to Hamish - Music, Song, Storytelling and Poetry with Nancy Nicolson, Gareth Davies-Jones, Lucy Pringle & Chris Wright,, Tom Hubbard, and David Campbell.
13 Nov: Annual Hamish Henderson Lecture - Sheila Stewart: ‘Hamish Among the Travellers’
Further information, tickets etc: http://bit.ly/cP5Eaz
Read the article  "Hamish Scott Henderson: More than a Scholar and a Gentleman" By Dr. Margaret Bennett: http://bit.ly/d5iLYc

4. Snippets
Congratulations Catriona Mckay!
We hear the talented harp player has been nominated for a Spirit of Scotland Awards. Run in conjunction with The Scotsman newspaper, it is an opportunity to vote for the Scots who you think exceed all expectations in their chosen fields and are pioneering new developments across Scotland's rich cultural spectrum.
http://bit.ly/csHX6j

'Making Traditional Music Meaningful in modern life'
Scottish singer and musician Mairi Campbell will give a talk to the Gaelic Society of Inverness on this very topic! It's happening Friday 29th October at 7.30pm at the Netley Centre, Bishop's Road, Inverness. All welcome.
http://bit.ly/aOff4S

Charting!
Music for the Kilted Generation, the new CD release from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers is already at no 25 in the  Scottish Album Charts after only one week !
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf

Piping and Fiddling
Next weekend will see the prestigious Glenfiddich Piping and Fiddling Championships taking place at Blair Castle in Highland Perthshire. Check out whose taking part here:
Piping: http://bit.ly/9uzU93
Fiddling: http://bit.ly/bzRgxo

Scots Fiddle Festival video
This is a great video for the upcoming Scots Fiddle Festiva 2010 which takes place in Edinburgh 12-14th November
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNGxYnQT66g
Scots Fiddle Festival: http://bit.ly/dxWOUL

The 7th Annual Denholm Folk Festival 
..It's happening  Friday 5th to Sunday 7th November .Guest include Billy Mitchell (Lindisfarne) and Shooglenifty. There are workshops, sessions in the Fox & Hounds and a festival club in the Village Hall. Denholm Village is situated in the picturesque Scottish Borders.
http://bit.ly/ahHN72

The Bothy Ballad Bus
Here's a nice piece that was written in "The Herald' newspaper about Scots singer Shona Donaldson's 'Bothy Ballad Bus'......"It is a truly dreich morning in the Aberdeenshire town of Huntly as the Bothy Ballad Bus pulls up in the town’s neat central square. Its arrival prompts clusters of cagouled music fans to spill out from the nearby shop doorways where they have been taking shelter. The bus windows turn opaque with mist as the high-spirited audience takes its seats inside. For the ballad bus is not simply a mode of transport, but the venue for a live performance by traditional singer Shona Donaldson......" You can read the full article here: http://bit.ly/9SxToK
Shona Donaldson & Katie MacKenzie CD 'The Lasses Reply' : http://bit.ly/3vofw7

The Wither Forecast!
We've had some dreich weather in Scotland during the past week -  here's  brief description of the weather in north east Scotland in the form of a poem by Douglas Kynoch spoken in Doric and set to some appropriate pictures of the local areas!! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxAdpQ5-pXA

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Ringtone
Charm your friends with this great ringtone. It's from Gary Innes and Ewan Robertson's CD Shouts and rock's out! http://bit.ly/6H7zj6

Don't forget our recent Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. We start off with the new album Decadence from The Shee then we have Music for the Kilted Generation by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Then we hear from Music of Arran by Gillian Frame and friends and then something slightly different from Gavin Pennycook and his Celtic Nycelharpa CD. To finish off the podcast we have Michael Marra and Mr McFalls Chamber and then St Laurence O'Toole from the World Pipe Band Championships 2010 CD.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

7. Best Sellers

DVD: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 DVD: Released only this week but an immediate best seller  - Featuring the Massed Pipes and Drums, the Lone Piper, and a host of acts from around the world including The Grenadier and Coldstream Guards Bands, The New Zealand Army Band, Motorcycle display,The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes from the USA, The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
http://bit.ly/b9hss9

CD: Music for the Kilted Generation - Red Hot Chilli Pipers: The brand new rockin' Chilli CD is already a Foot Stompin' best seller. We reckon this will hit the charts!
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf
More Red Hot Chilli Pipers: http://bit.ly/duv8Y5

CD: Michael Marra with Mr McFall's Chamber - Live on Tour: Michael Marra is one of Scotland's most prolific Songwriters, and a much loved & respected figure in the entertainment business.With his live performances he rivals Tom Waits in capturing quirkiness. .Just like being at one of his live concerts.
http://bit.ly/cwC5xl

CD: Canan Nan Gaidheal - Catherine-Ann MacPhie: One of Scotland's finest Gaelic singers Cathie Ann first recorded this album in 1987. It was re-issued on CD in 1993 is still regarded as a classic Gaelic release.
http://bit.ly/dfFd6S

Christmas Cards: Foot Stompin' again have their own uniquely designed Christmas Cards. Packs of 5 with a greeting in either Scots or Gaelic language. The cards are A6 size (148mm x 105mm) and come with matching white envelopes.
Christmas Card 2010 (Scots): http://bit.ly/aVCrxx
Christmas Cards 2010 (Gaelic): http://bit.ly/dyTZrn

DVD: Scotland Revealed: A glorious celebration of the stunning landscapes of Scotland. Comprises "The Cities and the Lowlands", The Western Highlands and Islands" and Cairngorms and the East". Each offers a fresh and spectacular look at the country's most dramatic landscapes and cityscapes. Fascinating!
http://bit.ly/94K7w2

8. Reviews
CD: Glenfinnan Gathering - Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band
Raised at the historic head of Loch Shiel - but eschewing musket, targe and claymore for fiddle, banjo, box and joanna - this gathering of front-line instrumentalists is well able to cool the heels of any ardent terpsichore from any side of the Tweed, but especially the West Highland side. Blazin' Fiddles' Iain MacFarlane, Daimh's Colm O'Rua, Cliar's Ingrid Henderson and Lochaber accordion maestro Dougie Hunter have pedigrees that guarantee quality....Norman Chalmers Scotland on Sunday.
http://bit.ly/cyZSQQ

CD: Shores of Loch Ness - Niall Matheson
Niall Matheson is a multi-award-winning piper originally from Newtonmore; taught by John MacDougall and Dr Kenneth MacKay, he took his talents to The Queen's Own Highlanders for over a decade, and now shares his virtuosity with the listeners in The Shores of Loch Ness, offering every piping genre from hornpipes, jigs and 3/4s (mostly self-penned: 20 of his tunes are featured) to a haunting rendition of Patrick Og MacCrimmon's "The Lament for Mary MacLeod". This is piping for every fan, whether the armchair variety or the kind that follow the fingering on a handy pencil......The Scots Magazine
http://bit.ly/c5jqmM

CD: Scottish Piano Fusion - Sandy Meldrum
The piano is a perfectly alluring instrument for Sandy Meldrum’s musical interpretations. There are lively numbers that put spirit in your feet, and there are breezily romantic compositions with hypnotic voicings. Meldrum also has a precocious soulfulness as he carves out his own niche..Joe Ross...folkandroots
http://bit.ly/9OiG8w

CD: Bagpipes for the Kilted Genertation - Red Hot Chilli Pipers: Customer review 5 Stars
Once again the Chillis produce an amazing album!! Stuart & the boys show how the tradiitonal pipes can have that 'modern' touch & can only inspire young folk to take up the pipes!!!...Sgioba
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf

9. Discussion forum
Poor internet access in rural Scotland
A report from The Royal Society of Edinburgh said Scotland is falling behind its UK and foreign rivals in broadband provision. The authors said Scotland now has the lowest percentage of households with high-speed internet in the UK....
http://bit.ly/aJ1Usg

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
I will be looking forward to the next podcast with Simon! Have already given my spouse and kids things I WANT them to order for me for Christmas...David P.

Our special CD offer today is 'Last Orders'. Liz Doherty is a fantastic fiddler with  a masterly technique and this is a great CD.  Here, with her all-star guests, she presents a collection of 34 beautifully chosen tunes. An ideal illustration of just how powerful the fiddle is in the hands of a maestro.  £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/asiaNI

1. New at Foot Stompin': includes  Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Colin Dewar
2. Classic Album: Catherine Ann MacPhee - Canan nan Gaideal
3. The Auld Meal Mill
4. Snippets: includes Darren by Lamplight
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast - includes Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Michael Marra, The Shee
6. Best Sellers - Includes Michael Marra
8. Reviews - includes Lochbroom - Alasdair Gillies
9. Discussion forum - Misheard Folk Lyrics
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

THAT'S SHOWBIZ!! Music for the Kilted Generation - The Red Hot Chilli Pipers: The fab 'bagrockers' return with their blistering new album. This is the Red Hot Chilli Pipers’ third studio album and features the band’s ‘chillified’ versions of tracks such as Queen’s ‘Radio Ga Ga’, The Who’s ‘Baba O’Reilly’, Robbie Williams’ ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and AC/DC’S ‘Long Way To The Top’. Their version of Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars’ has been going down a storm in America where the band has been on tour over the past couple of months. The album also sees The Chillis incorporating gospel and dance into their melting pot of sound through the likes of ‘Everybody Dance Now’ and a version of ‘Amazing Grace’, featuring members of Glasgow’s Gospel Truth Choir. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf

BY REQUEST!! Collin Dewar - Special Requests Volume 8: Colin Dewar and his band are in great demand for ceilidhs and dances. Here they are again with a toe tappin'  CD featuring more special requests and great dancing sets  for the Scottish Country Dance scene. The band are: Colin Dewar - Lead Accordion; Jack Delaney - 2nd accordion; Judi Nicolson - fiddle; Gus Millar - drums; Stephan Provan - keyboard. An excellent dance band.  £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/adPKVh

BORDER LANDS!! Reivers of the Heart - Matt Seattle Band: The band from the Scottish Borders area came together in 2008 for a cameo performance at Denholm Folk Festival and enjoyed it so much that  did some more gigs and recorded this CD. This is music with a Border heart. The blend of pipes, accordion, guitar and middle eastern percussion has been likened to a meal of Border lamb with Moroccan spice! The Matt Seattle Band  are: Donald Knox - guitar, mandolin, Lewis Powell-Reid - accordion, mandolin, bouzouki, Matt Seattle - Border pipes, mandolin,Frazer Watson - darabuka, frame drums, tapan. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aXKJrb

POLITICAL SONG!! The Eskimo Republic - Scots Political Song  In Action 1951 - 1999 (book and CD Rom) - Ewan McVicar's latest book is a fascinating read and a well of information. He investigates the historical roots of Scots political song, and considers the role of key activists and songmakers, and how new and old Scottish songs fuelled and reported on political actions and campaigns, from the 1950 reiving of the Stane of Destiny through the growth of the SNP to the 1999 reopening of the Scottish Parliament, and on peace campaigns and protests from the 1960s to the 1990s. The book has a data CD (playable on a computer) with 29 mp3 song files, various images, lyrics, covers of song booklets, etc The work of Hamish Henderson, Matt McGinn, Thurso Berwick, Hamish Imlach, Ewan MacColl and Dick Gaughan is considered. Interviewees include Jim McLean, Ian Davison, Alistair Hulett, Ian McCalman, Eric Bogle, Marion Blythman, Billy Wolfe, Jim Kelman, Fiona Hyslop MSP, Archie Fisher, Geordie MacIntyre, Ann Neilson, John Greig, Peggy Seeger, Ian Walker, John Powles, Stuart McHardy, Nancy Nicolson, Sheila Douglas, Rab Noakes, Cathie Peattie MSP, Hugh MacDonald, Rob Gibson MSP, Danny Couper, Donald Smith, Dolina MacLennan, Eileen Penman, Ronnie Clark and John Barrow.  £12.60 (£13.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cdjEN2

BACK IN STOCK!! The Songs of Amelia & Jane Harris: Songs & Ballads from the Perthshire Tradition - Katherine Campbell: Unrequited love, illegitimate children, rape, murder, stolen kisses and a young man drowned in front of his own true love, oh, and a lass dressed as a man.  Not a soap opera but traditional Scottish ballads. This CD presented for the first time the unique ballad repertoire of two sisters, Jane and Amelia Harris written down over 150 years ago. Katherine Campbell sings these fascinating  songs accompanied by Mairi Campbell: fiddle, Tony McManus: guitar, Peter Shepherd: melodeon, Gary West: smallpipes. £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/dpvkOn

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Classic Album: Canan Nan Gaidheal (The Language of the Gael) -  Catherine-Ann MacPhee

Cathy-Ann MacPhee from the Island of Barra is one of Scotland's finest Gaelic singers and this album first recorded in 1987 and re-issued on CD in 1993 is still regarded as a classic Gaelic release. Cànan Nan Gáidheal is a fabulous collection of mostly traditional Gaelic songs, sung in MacPhee's unquestionably traditional style. There are also songs by Runrig's MacDonald brothers and Murdo MacFarlane's wonderful title track Canan Nan Gaidheal, a "rallying song" which urges the Scots to speak and uphold the Gaelic language. The Scottish traditional repertoire is filled with songs that reflect the rhythm of daily tasks such as spinning, rowing and waulking (finishing tweed cloth)  MacPhee includes a number of work songs with infectious, often hypnotic rhythms. "Iomair Thusa, Choinnich Chridhe" is a 16th century rowing song from the Isle of Lewis. "'S Fliuch an Oidhche/Wet the Night" is a waulking song that praises the seamanship of the men of Clan MacNeill. Many of the songs are sung a capella, as would be traditional for waulking songs and mouth music. Others are beautifully accompanied by Billy Jackson (clarsach, whistles, double bass), Tony Cuffe (guitar), Iain MacDonald (Highland bagpipe, flute), John Martin (fiddles, viola) and Jim Sutherland (bodhran, double bass, percussion).
http://bit.ly/dfFd6S

3. The Auld Meal Mill  (Vols 1-4) DVDs:
"Saturday Night at the Auld Meal Mill" is an annual show in Aberdeen featuring an evening of Traditional Scottish Music, Song and Dance which has remained a firm favourite with North East folk since it's inception away back in 1982.These DVD  - a series of four - features some of the many singers & musicians who have taken part. Each show is presented by Robbie Shepherd (popular host of Take the Floor and The Reel Blend). Volume one features various locations in and around Turriff (Aberdeenshire) including Smiddy Cottage in the Howe of Muiresk, Mill of Laithers, Barnyards of Delgaty as well as Montgarrie Meal Mill and approximately an hour of great music, song, poems, humour and more with George Duffus, Graham Geddes and his Band, Pipe Major Bill Hepburn, Robert Lovie, Ian Middleton, Gordon Pattullo, Ian Powrie and Jim Reid. Very entertaining! Each DVD costs:   £12.60 (£13.99 for first time customers)
The Auld Meal Mill Vol 1: http://bit.ly/bApeag
The Auld Meal Mill Vol 2: http://bit.ly/ckkyh1
The Auld Meal Mill Vol 3 (20th anniversary): http://bit.ly/9N4EW7
The Auld Meal Mill Vol 4: http://bit.ly/8Zr8gL

4. Snippets
Darren by lamplight!
Gaelic singer Darren Maclean singing a special version of 'Filoro' at the Young Trad Awards semi-finals party.
http://bit.ly/c3B3hB

Ambassador Fowlis!
Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis will take up the role of Feis Rois ambassador for next year and will be involved in a number of events throughout the year.  Feis Rois is an amazing Highalnd arts organisation  which encourages people of all ages to celebrate their Gaelic heritage.
http://bit.ly/cQuInr

A St Andrew’s Party with Aly and Phil
Join Phil Cunningham , Aly Bain, the RSNO and special guests (including the internationally famous, fifteen-times world champion, House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band) for their annual party with the Orchestra – a great night of spontaneity, witty banter and wonderful Scottish music
http://bit.ly/aANklX

Podcasting Workshop opportunity!
Would you like to share your creative works with others? Learn how to make a podcast that you and others can listen to on the internett. It will be good fun and a good skill to learn for sharing information. An opportunity to explore the world of podcasting with the leaders in the field..
http://bit.ly/cxPI9Z

Scots Trad Music Awards 2010
Still time to nominate who, or what you think should be considered for a 2010 Scots Trad Music Award.  Nominations close 22nd October.
ttp://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/index.htm#process
If you need to jog your memory re CDs released in in past year - check out our list  - there's more than you might  think! http://bit.ly/cJEsOK

" Gaelic-medium education: striving for sustainability "
A conference in Edinburgh on 17th November to raise awareness of the value of Gaelic and determine how Gaelic-medium education could help to reverse the decline of the language....one of the keynote speakers is Arthur Cormack. More details:
http://bit.ly/bkCrSC

Great fundraising Swim on Skye
Duncan MacInnes of the Sleat Community Trust is the local events promoter. He has spent the summer with a mad scheme to raise funds for the local community - he has swum in 59 lochs in Sleat in south Skye, (and walked 60 kms across the moorland). He plans to swim the final 60th loch on Sunday 31 October.
http://bit.ly/a8QM47

Julie Fowlis with Salsa Celtica
Gaelic singer Julie and Scots Latin band Salsa Celtica get together in these two great clips from last year's Celtic Connections Festival
http://bit.ly/a0J18S

Opportunity to learn with one of best fiddlers ever
Martin Hayes is teaching for the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin at the Scots Fiddle Festival, 14th November 11.30am - 1pm. Get yourself along!
http://bit.ly/cS48FI

New music from KAN
Have you heard the new demo tracks for KAN (feat Brian Finnegan, Aidan O'Rourke)? They're great! http://bit.ly/cQKYDF

Congrats to Joy Dunlop
...who won the Gold Medal in this year's Mod in the Gaelic solo singing comp! http://bit.ly/a47V4h

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Here's our October 20th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. We start off with the new album Decadence from The Shee then we have Music for the Kilted Generation by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Then we hear from Music of Arran by Gillian Frame and friends and then something slightly different from Gavin Pennycook and his Celtic Nycelharpa CD. To finish off the podcast we have Michael Marra and Mr McFalls Chamber and then St Laurence O'Toole from the World Pipe Band Championships 2010 CD.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

7. Best Sellers

Christmas Cards: Foot Stompin' again have their own uniquely designed Christmas Cards. Packs of 5 with a greeting in either Scots or Gaelic language. The cards are A6 size (148mm x 105mm) and come with matching white envelopes.
Christmas Card 2010 (Scots): http://bit.ly/aVCrxx
Christmas Cards 2010 (Gaelic): http://bit.ly/dyTZrn

CD: Music for the Kilted Generation - Red Hot Chilli Pipers: The brand new rockin' Chilli CD is already a Foot Stompin' best seller. We reckon this will hit the charts!
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf
More Red Hot Chilli Pipers: http://bit.ly/duv8Y5

CD: Michael Marra with Mr McFall's Chamber - Live on Tour: Michael Marra is one of Scotland's most prolific Songwriters, and a much loved & respected figure in the entertainment business.With his live performances he rivals Tom Waits in capturing quirkiness. .Just like being at one of his live concerts.
http://bit.ly/cwC5xl

CD: Decadence - The Shee: The second album from this six piece all girl band. The Shee boasts three powerful vocalists and an astonishing level of instrumental prowess.
http://bit.ly/9YkxpH

DVD: Tam Reid's Ceilidh: A great selection of traditional songs recorded live in Tam's barn at Nether Woodside, Cullerlie,
http://bit.ly/9N7DR7

CD: Gordon Pattullo's Ceilidh Dance Party: Get on your dancing shoes for this one! Seventeen great dances, and over 50 tunes to dance to! This is accordionist Gordon's first dedicated dance album, and an excellent job he has made of it too. A full band sound, with two accordions, piano, bass & drum augmented by guitar and flute for atmosphere.
http://bit.ly/brpxTc

8. Reviews
CD: Orosay – Mairi MacInnes
"This mostly Gaelic album from South Uist's Mairi MacInnes is a gentle gem... MacInnes has a pure, clean voice and wisely chooses arrangements to highlight it... Orra Bhonna Bhonnagan and Puirt a Beul give this album bounce as well as grace..." R Weir, Sing Out.
http://bit.ly/9yEwTr

CD: Partners in Crime - Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson
"...Partners in Crime is an unlikely collaboration between Uileann and Border pipes. Something which on paper appears unwieldy and awkward, uncommercial and old fashioned yet in reality is vibrant and exciting, funky and ground breaking. ....From the hauntingly beautiful 'Jenna Drever of Kirkwall' a slow air which takes you on a trip through the scenery of the Scottish Highlands, with its mists and mountains, like a sound track to a film, with pipes and whistle in exquisite harmony; to the fast furious get-on-yer-feet-and -dance 'No More Cages'. Then 'Breton Tune' with its overlapping rhythm and pipes heading in an almost Eastern way, and the best tune of the album- the Henderson penned 'The Crackin Fiddle'. I'd love to see this tune live with a full big band sound. Partners In Crime is an astonishing debut album that grabs your ears and holds them captive, takes your feet and makes them dance and is on constant repeat on your mp3 player..."  Folk and Roots
http://bit.ly/btOVRd

CD: Transatlantic Session Series 4 - Volume  3: Customer Review  5 Stars
 A gift most appreciated. Played in the car continually. My husband loves it !
http://bit.ly/bPuAKQ

CD: Lochbroom - Alasdair Gillies
Lochbroom features Alasdair Gillies, but for Gaelic song fans this is not "the singing dentist" of the same name - this is Alasdair Gillies, now American resident, last Pipe Major of The Queen's Own Highlanders, son of the late and much-admired P/M Norman Gillies, and a sensation in the piping world, equally able to triumph on the boards with piobaireachd, charm a ceilidh audience with ceòl beg, and altogether inspire beginners and lesser lights with a standard to strive after. The entire repertoire of piping is here, from the classic "The Earl of Seaforth's Salute", to 3/4s like the "Heroes of St Valery" and jigs like "Mrs MacPherson of Inveran". A feast for piping fans.  ...The Scots Magazine
http://bit.ly/b6PKXy

CD: Experience Scotland - Various Artists: Customer Review 5 stars
2 CDs with 2 hours of great music and a 40 page travel-guide to Scotland with lots of really useful tips. I've never been this pleased with a birthday present for years:)....Andrew Duff
http://bit.ly/98XTS9

9. Discussion forum
Misheard Folk Lyrics
This daft thread has risen to the top again!
"The Laird o Cockpen he's spewed in his grate"
http://bit.ly/ceFEOB

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
Thanks for your courteous, friendly & helpful service. JimmyW

Our special CD offer today is 'Father and Son of Scotland'. Jimmy Shand Junior is an excellent accordionist and a well-known band leader in his own right. 16 tracks of lilting Scottish dance music with the great Jimmy Senior joining his son for a couple of medleys. £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/9wbUpl

1. New at Foot Stompin': includes  Michael Marra, Memories Of Jim Johnstone
2. Scotland's Bright Young Stars:  Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller
3. Tam Reid - King of the Bothy Ballad Singers
4. Snippets: Young Trad Finalists
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Don't Sing Love Songs
8. Reviews
9. Discussion forum - Don't mention the Mod
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

SHOW STOPPER!! Michael Marra with Mr McFall's Chamber - Recorded Live On Tour: 23 tracks (60 minutes) Michael Marra is one of Scotland's most prolific songwriters, and a much loved & respected figure in the entertainment business. This excellent CD features live recordings from shows performed around Scotland, with ten tracks of Michael's spoken introductions to the songs and full lyrics included in the CD booklet. Totally brilliant - just like being at a great concert! rom the Scotsman live show review " There's The Lonesome Ballad of Francis Clark for an uncle buried in the Yukon, and a back-handed football tribute based on the incongruous visit of film star Grace Kelly to Dundee United, all interspersed with show-stopping settings of Burns's Slave Lament and one for a Lewis Grassic Gibbon story called Monkey Hair that brought out the goose bumps.....". £13.50 (£14.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cwC5xl

A LOVELY TRIBUTE!! Memories Of Jim Johnstone - Ian Hutson Scottish Dance Band: Accordionist, composer and band leader Jim Johnstone was highly regarded in the world of Scottish Dance music. Ian Hutson pays tribute to the great man (who died in 2008) in this 23 track album of excellent dance music. The recording captures the spirit of Jim Johnstone's genius both as a musician and composer, and with the help of his own band and previous 'Johnstone' band members Ian has created an album that offers pleasure and entertainment of lasting appeal. Jim Johnstone was a perfectionist in performance and throughout his playing career, continually set standards which most others would be happy to attain. His motto was "always play for your audience".  £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cprVkc

WALKING SONGS?!! Dusty Boots on a Gravel Road - Bill Adair: Bill's second album contains both new self-penned songs and some fresh interpretations of works by Robert Burns, Ewan MacColl, Billy Edd Wheeler and Robin Laing. This is a very personal album which varies in mood and arrangement.  Full of melody and thought-provoking lyrics, there is much on which to reflect.  Most of the songs are recorded simply with voice and guitar, although several have been given added depth with rich harmonies and some fine cello playing from Peter Jennett.  £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bf24xQ
Bills acclaimed first CD "Along The Miners’ Rows " (written and released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Auchengeich Mining Disaster) is now back in stock: http://bit.ly/diobrr

KYLE'S TUNES!! Tunez (Book) - Kyle Warren: Kyle is a talented young piper and this is his first book of tunes - it is great to see a young playercoming up with some excellent new music! This is definitely piping for a modern generation! Kyle currently performs with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and has been Pipe Major of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, a member of Lomond And Clyde Pipe Band, Bagad Cap Caval (at the Lorient Festival) and the Grade 1 Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. The book whichc is A4 paperback, with 42 pages, has a foreword by Roddy MacLeod MBE, Principal, National Piping Centre.  £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/ds2z8q

YOU DANCER!! The Fisherman's Reel - Marian Anderson's Scottish Dance Band: Another superb recording from Marian and the band. Lively sets for a variety of dance styles make this album great for listening as well as for dancing. Marian Anderson's band is well known in both the Scottish Country and Old Time dance circles. Marian Anderson (accordion) with Graham Bell (accordion), Isobelle Hodgson (piano) and Max Ketchin (drums). £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9STCjk

BACK IN STOCK!! Orosay - Mairi MacInnes: This CD from 2001 features the lovely voice of Mod gold medallist, Mairi MacInnes. 'Orosay' is a beautiful CD which clearly reflects Mairi’s South Uist background. Mairi's beautiful singing is augmented by some stellar guests in the shape of Catherine-Ann MacPhee (backing vocals), Penny MacInnes (backing vocals), James MacKintosh (drums and percussion),Tony McManus (guitars), Iain MacInnes (Scottish small pipes), Billy Jackson (harps and whistles), Mairi Campbell (fiddle and viola), Mats Melin (Scottish step dance) and Calum Malcolm (piano and keyboards). "Orosay would be enjoyable merely for Mairi MacInness's gorgeous voice, but its dramatic instrumentation and production render it nigh irresistible..."(Rootsworld)  £11.70 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9yEwTr

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Scotland's Bright Young Stars:  Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller
The duo Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller are recognised as shining new stars on the Scottish Music scene. Jeana, from the Orkney Islands, sings and plays fiddle, Hardanger fiddle and piano while Siobhan, from Penicuik, just to the south of Edinburgh, sings and plays piano. They have already toured to great acclaim throughout the UK and Europe, and critics and audiences alike have responded warmly to the duo’s fresh approach to vocal arrangements and  their open, communicative personalities onstage.

The girls met whilst studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama where they began exploring and developing their shared love for song. Their combined talents were recognised almost immediately when they won the BBC Young Folk Award in 2008, the ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards the same year and ‘The Hancock Horizon Music Award’ in 2009. Their first CD 'In A Bleeze' , a mix of traditional song classics, contemporary songs and instrumental sets was described in The Living Tradition Magazine "“Saying that Leslie and Miller are wonderful singers with an amazing talent for arranging and harmonies, is a complete understatement. They seem to have an uncanny sense of what will sound beautiful …”

At the start of November Jeana and Siobhan's much-anticipated second album "Shadow's Tall' will be released on the Greentrax label and will be available from Foot Stompin'. The girls will be on tour in Scotland and Germany during November.
In A Bleese: http://bit.ly/bznbDM
Jeana Leslie and Siobhan MillerTour dates: http://bit.ly/aT2W2H
.
3. Bothy Singers : Tam Reid - King of the Bothy Ballad Singers
Tam Reid (born 1929) from Echt in Aberdeenshire was a legendary singer  of 'Bothy Ballads.'  Bothy Ballads are songs sung by farm labourers, specifically in the northeast region of Scotland. Bothies are outbuildings on a big farm, where unmarried farm labourers used to sleep often in harsh conditions. In the evening, to entertain themselves they sang old songs and often composed their own songs.

Tam Reid moved to the Cullerlie Estate with his parents when just a toddler in 1935, and worked with his father in the traditional way of farming. Tam and his wife Anne from nearby Peterculter set up the Cullerlie Farm Park and Heritage Centre in 1993. He kept the traditions alive by turning the old original steading into a farm museum with one of the largest privately owned collections of farming and domestic memorabilia in Scotland. Anne Reid was also a fine singer and  promoted the traditions of the North-East through singing and speaking workshops with schoolchildren and adults at local schools and at the museum, as well as hosting regular Saturday-night ceilidhs.

Tam Reid was crowned "The Bothy Ballad King" in The Haughs of Turriff, a title which remained with him from that day in 1977 until his untimely death early in 2003. A crowd of more than ten thousand watched as Tam received his crown, which must be a world record for a Bothy Ballad Contest. There were around thirty competitors, each singing two songs and Tam's choice was "The Muckle Gauket Gype", one of his favourites, and another that he had recently started singing "The Buchan Vet". Apart from the great honour of winning the contest and taking home the crown there was also the added bonus of receiving the first prize money of £500 and a recording contract.

Each year in July, there is a festival at Cullerlie Farm Park to celebrate the singing traditions of Scotland, England, and Ireland in memory of Tom and Anne Reid.
You can watch Tam on the DVD: 'Tam Reid - King of the Bothy Ballad Singers' which was filmed at Cullerlie Farm Park, Tam sings fifteen of his favourite songs, six of them with fiddle and accordion backing:
http://bit.ly/d4pNo3
or listen to Tam Reid and other great singers recorded live in Tam's barn at Nether Woodside, Cullerlie on the CD "Tam Reid's Ceilidh"
http://bit.ly/9N7DR7

 4. Snippets
Your Bard Needs You!
The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway is looking for your original video recording of Auld Lang Syne for a special interactive in the museum, a game where visitors can choose and play recordings of the famous tune from all around the globe.
http://bit.ly/9y5Di1

Scots Trad Music Awards 2010
Still time to nominate who, or what you think should be considered for a 2010 Scots Trad Music Award.  Nominations close 22nd October.
ttp://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/index.htm#process
If you need to jog your memory re CDs released in in past year - check out our list  - there's more than you might  think! http://bit.ly/cJEsOK

What's in a name?
The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow plans to adopt the new title of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland...The College Principal John Wallace says, “I am a bit of a traditionalist, I have always loved our name. But as our international standing grows and what we do has expanded, our name was getting too long."
http://bit.ly/cWXFPb

World Porridge Making Champion 2010!
..the title was won by by Neal Robertson from the Tannochbrae Tearoom, Auchtermuchty. He says he secret of his perfect porridge is the water from the hills above Auchtermuchty and the use of a Spon (rather than the traditional spurtle) to stir it.  The Spon is a wooden, double backed spoon that gives twice the power to mixing and beating. The world title is awarded to the porridge-maker deemed to have made the best traditional porridge using oatmeal, salt and water.
http://bit.ly/bgxvVD

Young Trad Finalists!
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2011 Finalists are: Mairi Chaimbeul - Gaelic song, clarsach (Skye); Kristan Harvey - fiddle (Orkney); Lorne MacDougall - bagpipes, whistle (Carradale, Argyll); Alistair Ogilvy - Scots song (Strathblane); Tina Rees - piano (Glasgow); Andrew Waite - accordion (Duns).  They will compete for the title in a concert which is part of  Celtic Connections Festival in January 2011. http://bit.ly/cgDEJi

Latest Karine Polwart news. http://bit.ly/cao04m

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Don't forget to listen to our September 30th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. It starts off with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in  anticipation of their new release Music for the Kilted Generation due out October 17th. We follow this up with an old but true classic CD Beneath the Beret by Blair Douglas. We then have two new releases Transatlantic Sessions Series 4 Vol 3 and Home by Ciaran Dorris. We finish up with  Fire On! by Blazin' Fiddles and Gathering Pace by Relativity.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

You can also still download our great ringtone from Fiddlers' Bid Naked and Bare CD. Bound to get your friends dancing!
http://bit.ly/6H7zj6

7. Best Sellers

DVDs: World Pipe Band Championships 2010 DVDs (Parts 1 & 2) : The much - anticipated DVDs of the 2010 event which saw over 8,000 pipers and drummers from more than 200 bands head for Glasgow last August for one of the biggest and best-loved events in the pipe band calendar....
2010 World Pipe Band Championships Part 1 (DVD): http://bit.ly/bcYtUk 
2010 World Pipe Band Championships Part 2 (DVD): http://bit.ly/8XKe40

CD: Don't Sing Love Songs - Maeve Mackinnon: Maeve interweaves Gaelic songs with folksongs from Scotland, Ireland and North America, maintaining a distinctive and exciting groove throughout.  This is a gorgeous album!
http://bit.ly/9z84M9

CD: Decadence - The Shee: The second album from this six piece all girl band. The Shee boasts three powerful vocalists and an astonishing level of instrumental prowess.
http://bit.ly/9YkxpH

CD: Transatlantic Sessions Series 4 Vol Three (audio CD) Another brilliant CD gleaned from the fourth series of  BBC Television's ever-popular Transatlantic Sessions series. An all-star cast  from both sides of the Atlantic.
http://bit.ly/bPuAKQ

CD: Redpoint - Duncan Chisholm: Duncan Chisholm writes in the sleevenotes that Redpoint is dedicated to the memory of Donald Riddell who we know was his fiddle teacher. And he did a magnificent job: because this  man is a very fine musician indeed.
http://bit.ly/cnc8uW

DVD: Just Daft - The Comic Genius of Chic Murray:  Chic Murray was one of Scotland's greatest comedians. This DVD includes rare footage of Chic 's classic routines recorded whilst he was at the peak of his career 
http://bit.ly/1DRoA7

8. Reviews
Live Concert Review: The Poozies at Strathpeffer Pavilion
“...Their performance at Strathpeffer is a delight and it is evident that time has added lustre, taking nothing away. Their repertoire ranges widely, from Gaelic song to contemporary compositions, but each set showcases the sparkle of their musicianship. The voices, from Barker's honeyed strength to the Macmaster's heart-tugging sweetness, are a perfect blend, especially on the a cappella quintet of ‘Black-Eyed Susan’ and the finale, an arrangement of John Tams' ‘Will I See Thee More’ which creates that stunned hush of an audience not moving or breathing for fear of missing a note. Altogether a tour de force...” Jennie MacFie..Hi~Arts
http://bit.ly/azgX4c

CD: Heart of America - Across the Great Divide: Donnie Munro
....."Heart of America" is a significant achievement for Skyeman Donnie Munro. It's a splendid thematic set full of diversity, imagination and encouragement. With respect for both traditional and contemporary idioms, Donnie Munro builds a musical bridge from Gaelic culture, across the waves to opportunistic shorelines...Joe Ross.. folkandroots http://bit.ly/bnJDVK

CD: The Lucky Smile - Rachel Hair
: "....Rachel Hair has that uncanny knack of picking just the right tunes to take her audience on a spectacular acoustic musical tour. ...Joy Dunlop adds haunting Gaelic vocals on a couple of tracks with “A Fhleasgaich Oig As Cednaltg” reminiscent of the soundtrack to the film ‘The Wicker Man’. This is a very enjoyable recording that will capture the hearts of listeners with splashes of tasteful jazz colourings and is a must purchase for those who like their ‘folk’ with a bit of attitude...Pete Fyfe http://bit.ly/bXYbEh

9. Discussion forum
Don’t Mention The Mod
http://bit.ly/aJdgv1

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
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11. Testimonials
Thank you so much for the quick response, and the discount; MM

Our special CD offer today is Carmichael's Ceilidh. Jam-packed with music perfect for that ceilidh dance party in the house, or just sit back and enjoy the great music of the accordionist with the Highland lilt. Great stuff!. £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/aLW1SV

1. New at Foot Stompin': includes Transatlantic Sessions Series 4 Vol Three (CD)
2. Classic Albums:  Blair Douglas 'Beneath the Beret'
3. Scottish Music Heroes - William M MacDonald
4. Snippets: Includes Jenna Reid joins the Blazers!
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Calum Kennedy 'Songs in Gaelic
7. Reviews - includes Crossing Warness
8. Discussion forum - The German Gaels
9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
10. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

ANOTHER SESSION!! Transatlantic Sessions Series 4 Vol Three (audio CD) - Various Artists: Another brilliant CD gleaned from the fourth series of  BBC Television's ever-popular Transatlantic Sessions series. An all-star cast  from both sides of the Atlantic. Folk musicians come together in what have been called 'the greatest backporch shows ever', as Shetland fiddle virtuoso Aly Bain and dobro ace Jerry Douglas host a Highland gathering of the cream of Nashville, Irish and Scottish talent. One of the highlights on this CD is  the wonderful 'Carrickfergus' as sung by Alison Moorer.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/bPuAKQ More Transatlantic Sessions CDs & DVDs: http://bit.ly/9CS1pc

NO PLACE LIKE IT!! Home  - Ciaran Dorris: Singer songwriter  and popular Celtic Music Radio presenter Ciaran Dorris moved to Glasgow from his native Belfast in 1988, after several years carving out a name for himself on the Ulster folk scene. Ciaran's album is an intensely personal collection of songs written at a time of great change and introspection, and explores the concept of 'home' on many different levels.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/apPrkB

HANDS EXTENDED!! You Held Out Your Hand - Anna MacDonald: Anna is a singer/guitarist and songwriter with a repertoire of  folk songs that show her celtic roots. This five track EP is an excellent introduction to Anna's music which illustrates her love of both English and Gaelic songs. Anna is joined by Jamie Smith - viola & fiddle; Oscar Cainer - banjo & double bass; Steve Byrnes - guitar & cahon. £8.10 (£8.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/d107zM

GLORIOUS SCOTLAND!! Moladh Da Bheinn - In Praise Of Two Mountains (DVD): Gaelic poet Donald William Stewart in the beautiful north-west Highlands. Glorious scenery, music, song, poetry.... plus the voice and music of piper Allan MacDonald. Donald William climbs A' Mhaighdean, a remote and beautiful Munro in the north-west Highlands, and Ben Doran near Tyndrum. He explores the life of the mountainside and the relationship between land, folk and poetry..Glorious scenery, music, song and poetry. In Gaelic with English subtitles.  £9.90 (£10.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/9vo3jB

COME DANCING!! Scotland ñ Dancing Again (DVD): The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has been teaching Scottish country dancing since 1923 and is acknowledged as the leading body for this expression of Scotlandís rich cultural heritage. With this interesting DVD you get an informative presentation of the story of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society through 27 of its dances.  Narrated by Dr. Alastair MacFadyen and featuring 27 dances performed by senior and junior members of the Society. If you are fond of country dancing you will enjoy this lovely DVD. £18.00 (£19.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/bHh7Wq

BACK IN STOCK!!  A Gaelic Gem - George  Clavey:  We are glad to get a few more of this one back into stock!  A well-loved Gaelic singer from the 1950s and 60s.  George Clavey recorded only one vinyl LP titled Gaelic Gems. It is the tracks from this LP which have been re-mastered to make this lovely CD and given us who were not fortunate enough to hear George Clavey when he was alive, the chance to enjoy his beautiful mellow voice in all its glory. A lovely selection of songs with instrumental accompaniment. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers) http://bit.ly/baXopG

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Classic Albums:  Blair Douglas 'Beneath the Beret'

Accordionist and award-winning composer Blair Douglas from Skye was a founder member of the bands  Runrig, Mactalla and Cliar, and has created a series of  highly-regarded recordings under his own name. His CD 'Beneath the Beret'  released in 1990 is the first of his recordings to feature largely his own compositions. It includes Kate Martin's Waltz which became an instant hit with traditional musicians and remains a classic of the genre. Another of Blair's compositions Solus m'Aigh (Light of Hope) gloriously sung on the album by Arthur Cormack, is a haunting and stunningly beautiful song which Blair dedicated to his friend Fr. Colin MacInnes.  With 'Beneath the Beret' Blair Douglas brings together traditional and contemporary music and song featuring artists who perform across the spectrum of Scottish music. Blair has retained his creative roots whilst travelling extensively throughout the world performing and absorbing music from many cultures. The compositions in both ancient and contemporary idioms from Gaelic cultures are represented, as are ones which echo some of the world's other traditions. Among those performing on the album are singers Michael Marra, Kim Beacon, Jim Wilkie and Arthur Cormack. The players include Chaz Stewart, Colin Tully and Eddy McGlone.
http://bit.ly/dilSD0

3. Scottish Music Heroes - William M MacDonald

Piobaireachd is the classical music of the piping world - haunting, plangent, complex and unforgettable. William M MacDonald was one of the masters of this traditional Scottish art. He was also a piping judge, teacher and composer.
Born in Kingussie, Inverness-shire in 1918 he was first taught by Captain WH MacDonald and by ëJocaní MacPherson. A Cameron Highlander in the 4th (Territorial) Regiment he was a prisoner of war between 1940 and 1945 with no access to pipe or chanter. He escaped  three times and was always recaptured and punished after each bid for freedom eventually being sent to the salt mines in Silesia. He would later make light of this saying merely that the work strengthened his fingers wonderfully for his future piping. With his demob money of £76 he bought a button accordion but his health was so poor from his wartime experiences it took time for him to be fit enough to enjoy playing it and until his strength returned enough for him to blow his pipes again.

In 1947 he was accepted as a pupil  of the man widely considered to be the greatest piobaireachd teacher of all time, John MacDonald of Inverness.  John Macdonald had studied with a variety of great pipers who could all trace their roots back to some of the father figures of piping, including the great MacCrimmons. He was known to be a fierce teacher, insisting on exacting standards of his pupils.
In 1955 Willie achieved the rare distinction of winning both the Gold Medals in the same year, the following year he won the Gold Clasp for former winners at The Northern Meeting, the highest accolade of the piping world. He published two volumes of pipe music, The Glencoe Collection. of which Vol 2 is still in print and there are four recordings on CD of  his wonderful Piobaireachd playing.  As Robert Wallace of the College of Piping wrote of his playing in the Piping Times " Here again we have some beautifully expressive playing. Yet more evidence that to improve ourselves we must listen to the traditionally taught piper who can trace his playing pedigree through a conduit such as 'Jockan' MacPherson and John MacDonald of Inverness. There really is no substitute."
William M MacDonald died in Inverness on 1st November 2002.

The Glencoe Collection of Bagpipe Music (Book 2):  http://bit.ly/a5ASCq William M MacDonald: Piobaireachd Volume 1 (CD): http://bit.ly/aiAew1 William M MacDonald: Piobaireachd Volume 2:(CD): http://bit.ly/bsMp1V William M MacDonald: Piobaireachd Volume 3:(CD): http://bit.ly/cQKZCb William M MacDonald: Piobaireachd Volume 4:(CD): http://bit.ly/ds1oI0

3. Snippets

Jenna joins the 'Blazers'!
After 12 years and being one of the founder members of Blaziní Fiddles, Catriona Macdonald will be bowing out of the popular band . Her replacement will be Shetland fiddler Jenna Reid..
http://bit.ly/c1OaUh

Well done Rachel Walker!
Gaelic singer Rachel  has reached the final of the Liet International Song Contest with one of her own Gaelic Song compositions. She will perform the song "Fada Bhuam" live with her band at the final of the competition to be held in Lorient France on 27th November this year.

Great bit of news!
Creative Scotland awards Traditional Arts additional 250k
http://bit.ly/b6LvkZ

Piper Lorne
..that's Lorne MacDougall, one of Scotland's leading young pipers and a fine tune writer - his debut CD will be released at the start of November. It's called 'Hello World'.  When not playing music he is the presenter and producer of the highly popular internet radio show PlanetPipe.

Great opportunity!
Youth Music Initiative - call for funding applications! Why not have a go?
http://bit.ly/c3zMwN

A new venue in Shetland
...In Lerwick, next to the new Shetland Museum and Archives, Mareel will be the UK's most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre which is due to open in early 2011.
http://bit.ly/axCqJQ

Fèis success
It's official. The Fèis Movement worth £2m to the economy: News release http://bit.ly/9GQ6BI

You're all invited!
Singer songwriter Ciaran Dorris will launch his new album 'Home' on 1st October at St Andrews in the Square Glasgow. Performing with full band including Shona Mooney (fiddle), Calum Stewart (flute/whistle), Wilf Taylor (percussion), Paul Baird (guitars), Craig Dunsmore (keyboards), and singer Toni Wood. Featuring special guests Tori Mason (Nashville) and Jean Livingstone, in her first Hometown gig in over 30 years!  FREE!
http://bit.ly/9Qfqyb

No Session in Rhu!
...Don't head for a 'session in the Rhu Inn, Rhu in Dunbartonshire on 11th October' as highlighted in our news from last week. Apparently we were a year too late with this snippet! Red faces all round and apologies for the misleading info.
http://bit.ly/dfimPA

Ever wanted to play for Scottish Country Dancing?
See what it takes on 9th October 2010 with a Musician's Workshop led by Gordon Shand and Iain Fraser. The workshop, at George Heriot's School, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh will focus on topics from how to play for a class to playing in a dance situation.
http://bit.ly/cDGC75

Bags of Rock!
After four years as the red haired mohican extrovert front man of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Gregor 'G-Man' Mcphie has moved on to form a band of his own. "Bags of Rock" is an exciting mix of bagpipes and rock guitar incorporating a unique dusting of circus along the way. Catch up with the G-Man's new journey on Facebook

Session A9 Live!
We hear the supergroup's new 'live' album is mixed and mastered and about to be pressed.  Looking forward to that one.
http://bit.ly/cps4k2

Accordion Dog!
We thought we would share this Youtube clip  with you.It features the song '"I can't give you anything but love".  It gave all of us in the Foot Stompin' office a good laugh!
http://bit.ly/axNJWq

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast Here's our September 30th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. We've got a varied podcast this edition. We're starting of with the Red Hot Chillie Pipers in an anticipation of their new release Music for the Kilted Generation due out October 17th. We follow this up with an old but true classic CD Beneath the Beret by Blair Douglas. We then have two new releases Transatlantic Sessions Series 4 Vol 3 and Home by Ciaran Dorris. We finish up with  Fire On!by Blazin' Fiddles and Gathering Pace by Relativity.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

7. Best Sellers

CD: Calum Kennedy - Songs in Gaelic: This CD features Calum Kennedy's Gaelic song repertoire. When he sings such beauties as Fagail Lios Mor and Eilean Fraoich, his voice can stop listeners in their tracks. Here's a chance to sit down for an hour and listen again to the beautiful gentle tone and wonderful range of Calum Kennedy's voice. One of Gaeldom's finest. Sublime!
http://bit.ly/9RV6SA

CD: Music Of The Fiddle Volume 5 (CD) - Ron Gonnella: An album of great historical, as well as musical, interest, as the fiddle tunes of Niel Gow, William Marshall and James Scott Skinner are played on their own fiddles, by Ron Gonnella, a highly esteemed player with  a warmth and breadth of tone that few could match.
http://bit.ly/bUrmWl

DVD: Edinburgh Military Tattoo: 1998-2002 (5 DVD Box Set):  A veritable feast of 'tattoos' with 6 hours of action available as a five DVD box set. Includes the record-breaking Millenium year show and Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee with the largest Massed Pipes and Drums ever assembled  on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
http://bit.ly/alN0RL

DVD: Scotland The What - The Final Fling: The last goodbye from the hilarious threesome filmed on their final tour of Scotland.  A memorable occasion!Scotland The What? were a trio of Aberdonians, Stephen Robertson, William "Buff" Hardie and George Donald, who entertained Aberdeen and Scotland with their range of comedy sketches and funny songs.
http://bit.ly/d0YY94

CD: Under the Counter - Bodega: A highly talented and versatile young band.  Their music has a kind of fierce energy, imagination, and joie de vivre, that  you just donít hear  very often. They  do  songs  brilliantly. They do tunes Superbly.  They sing in Gaelic and English. Theyíre funky, yet respectful of traditions http://bit.ly/9hSKi7. 

8. Reviews

CD: Coming Home - Fiona Kennedy: Customer Review 5 stars A lovely Hghland/Island voice,with her Dads influence,....the one and only Calum Kennedy ,... Perfic!..Angus MacLeod http://bit.ly/c22S3v

CD: Crossing Warness - Douglas Montgomery & Stewart Shearer "This is the sort of music that gave the fiddle a bad name in religious circles. Listening to Douglas Montgomery drive into The Trip to Windsor or chassay languidly through The Blue Reel, it's easy to believe that the devil is playing along. And maybe there is something supernatural about a man who can bend his bow to Scott Skinner or Swamp Fever with equal ease, as well as writing his own tunes in several styles. Orkney man Douglas Montgomery has his fingers in many musical pies. He's half of Saltfishforty, one of the Silver Penguins, and here he's teamed up with Orcadian guitarist Stewart Shearer. Between them they've composed about half the material on this CD, and they play nine instruments, leaving hardly any need for guest musicians. ...." Alex Monaghan, The Living Tradition http://bit.ly/aQBTcj

CD: Synergy - Deaf Shepherd
"...Seven of the 12 selections are instrumentals and the dance tunes among them are characteristically fiery and energetic without sacrificing clarity or sparkle. Morran is an appealing vocalist. The lyrics of the songs are in the Scots brogue and Morran sings them that way with sincerity and authenticity and without any hint of trivialisation. High marks all round for Deaf Shepherd and Synergy."....Al Reiss , Dirty Linen http://bit.ly/aBTE6c

CD: The Road of Tears - The Battlefield Band "...an album which is emotionally as well as musically compelling"...Calum Macleod, Inverness Courier.
http://bit.ly/9CadNh

CD: Best of the Tannahill Weavers 1979 ñ 1989 "Öa luminous and winning collection of fiery jigs and reels and original and traditional ballads and lullabies." ...... The Arizona Daily Star http://bit.ly/ck472X

CD: Jimmy Shand - At His Best
The personification of Scottish music in the 20th century ñ he was 92 when he died in 2000 ñ the former miner took his accordion to the concert stage, then radio and TV , becoming a household name at home and abroad. He has always been admired by musicians for his professionalism and skill, and here's why in 21 tracks. The album kicks off with his hit the Bluebell Polka, trips through twosteps, reels and jigs, and ends with the enthusiastic group singing of Will Fyfe and Harry Lauder songs...
http://bit.ly/bxTBkr

CD: Borders Young Fiddles
".... five young fiddlers from the Scottish borders, whose musical abilities are well ahead of their years. Most of the album is ensemble pieces, with a tight and full sound, similar to Fiddlers Bid or the Bowhouse Quintet - and equally polished. Young doesn't mean unprofessional or inexperienced here: these fiddlers would give most older musicians a run for their money.......This CD also contains a multimedia presentation of the music and musicians, with history, notes, and written music for all the tunes here. It will be fabulous if their efforts contribute to a revival of borders fiddling, but in any case Lori and Innes Watson, Rachel Cross, Allan Hyslop and Shona Mooney are names to watch out for. BYF is long on quality and quantity, and speaks of great things to come....The Living Tradition http://bit.ly/asDIkF

9. Discussion forum
Our forum is a lively place. Why not pay us a visit!

The German Gaels
Germans seem to have an affinity with the Gaelic language. .....
http://bit.ly/b57Ebb

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
"CDs arrived last week. Great service" Carol, UK

CD arrived this morning I’m impressed. Thank you. Calum

Wow!!!! what great service Annabel S. UK

Our special CD offer today is Billy Ross's 'Shore Street' .  Billy was a founder member of the widely travelled folk band Ossian, a fine traditional singer and guitar, dulcimer and whistle player. Here he is joined by some of the best musicians on the Scottish scene -  Billy Jackson (backing vocals, harp), Tony McManus (guitars), Iain MacInnes (small pipes), Stuart Morison (fiddle), James MacKintosh (percussion), Kevin MacRae (cello), John Martin (fiddle) and Robin Williams (oboe).  £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/cIga2W

1. Focus on 'The Fiddle'
2. First Albums:  Patsy Reid - With Complements
3. BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2011 semi-finalists announced
4. Snippets: Includes Python star joins the session!
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Old Blind Dogs
7. Reviews - includes Lassies That Baffle Us
8. Discussion forum - What makes a good Session?
9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

Our Newsletter this week focuses on 'the fiddle'. We know many of our readers enjoy Scottish fiddle music so have chosen some of our special favourites for you.

FIDDLER'S CHOICE!! Bowstroke - Gregor Borland: A lovely fiddle CD featuring Gregor who learned  his craft from master musicians Donald Riddell and Hector MacAndrew. On this, his debut CD, he has put together an excellent and imaginative programme which includes pipe marches, reels and jigs plus such gems as  'Neil Gow's Lamentation on the death of his brother Donald ' and a gorgeous slow air from the Knockie Collection written by Neil Kennedy titled  - in translation - 'I can't conceal that I prefer you'.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cHTmu4

THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY!!  An Clàr Geal (The White Album) - Alasdair White: Alasdair comes from the Island of Lewis, one of the Gaelic speaking Outer Hebrides.  Alasdair is Battlefield Band's virtuoso fiddle player where his musicianship and tune making have had a great influence on the bands repertoire and continuing success. From the first moment you put it on it hits you straight in the face with great playing and excellent recording quality. Alasdair has to be one of the top fiddlers playing today and this recording shows off his many qualities from reel to slow air playing.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bdJer8

WIR TALKIN' FIDDLE!!  Shetland Dialect - Language of the Fiddle. This 1996 recording is a celebration of some of the best young fiddlers and fiddle-based bands in the  Shetland Islands. It marks an important and exciting time for fiddle playing in Shetland as we see the rich old tradition being cared for and respected, and importantly young players feel the freedom to experiment. The duos and bands play with drive and imagination and the standard of fiddle playing is exceptional, partly due to the dedicated teaching of the legendary late Willie Hunter and Dr Tom Anderson whose influences are evident and whose pupils are a credit to their memory.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/acFMFe

ONE OF THE GREATS!! Music Of The Fiddle Volume 5 - Ron Gonnella: An album of great historical, as well as musical, interest, as the fiddle tunes of Niel Gow, William Marshall and James Scott Skinner are played on their own fiddles, by one of the great players. Ron Gonnella was a fiddler renowned for his immaculate playing and beautiful tone. His playing epitomised the very essence of Scottish music as created by early composers. Traditional Scottish music from the heart of the tradition. Recorded in 1982 (with an introduction by His Grace the Duke of Atholl). Ron Gonnella - fiddle; Iain MacPhail - piano; John Gibson - double bass.  £10.79 (£11.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9aln9q

RINGING STRINGS!! Westringing - Ian Hardie: Scotland meets Appalachia on this CD!  Ian, a founder member of the much loved Scots traditional band Jock Tamson’s Bairns, travelled extensively to The Blue Ridge Mountains in 2005 & 2006 to immerse himself in the music and culture of the old-time community. Westringing resounds with that influence, on many newly composed melodies as well as tunes from Shetland, the Highland bagpipe repertoire and his own fiddle pibroch. All the tunes are in non-standard tunings and are recorded live with no double tracks or overdubs.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/agkh8V

TOP-NOTCH PLAYING!! Last Orders - Liz Doherty: This was one of the first CDs ever recorded on the Foot Stompin' label and it garnered many brilliant reviews!  With a mix of Scots, Donegal and Cape Breton styles in her repertoire, Liz Doherty is a fantastic fiddler with a masterly technique. Here, with her all-star guests, she presents a collection of 34 beautifully chosen tunes. An ideal illustration of just how powerful the fiddle is in the hands of a maestro.  '..a mighty display of fiddling'...John O’Regan RTE. £10.79 (£11.99 for first time customers)http://bit.ly/asiaNI 

FIDDLE PARTY!! The Garioch Fiddlers Celebrate 25 Years: The Garioch Fiddlers are an Inverurie-based Strathspey and Reel society which boasts a membership of over 100.  This is their 7th recording with a bumper 22 tracks showcasing the compositions of such composers as Jimmy Shand,  Andrew Rankine and the 'ceilidh king' Fergie MacDonald. If you like your fiddles en masse and full of verve and enthusiasm then this is just the thing for you. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/agelW2

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2.First Album: Patsy Reid - With Complements
Patsy Reid is from Knapp in Perthshire has a great amount of experience in performing and teaching both traditional and classical music. She remains the youngest ever winner of the prestigious Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship  and is a member of the popular band Breabach. With Complements, Patsy's debut, is a CD of the finest fiddle music played with elegance and a deftness of touch second to none. A review in the Living Tradition magazine described it thus:  "From delicate and intricate slow airs to lively reels, jigs, strathspeys and marches. Patsy places great importance on appropriate accompaniment to emphasise the different fiddle styles. She is of course correct in this and could not have chosen better musicians for the task. On different tracks she is joined by Declan Hegarty - Irish Harp, Harvey Beaton -Piano (and one track step - dancing), Gill Simpson - Piano, Keith Morrison -Piano and Alasdair White - Bouzouki and Mandolin. With Complements is Patsy Reid's debut album I hope there will be many more. Wonderful stuff and highly recommended. ....
 Patsy Reid - With Complements:
http://bit.ly/bjkqa2

3. BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2011 semi-finalists announced

The BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award is 11 years old this year and again we have a great lineup of young musicians for the semi-finals. From pipes and song to fiddle, accordion and harp we’ve got an excellent night of music ahead on Saturday 9th October in South Lanarkshire. Also this year we have a 2/3 ratio of women to men musicians which is the first time this has happened.

The musicians are:
Mairi Chaimbeul - Gaelic song, clarsach (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul - Gaelic song, clarsach (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Katie Foster - fiddle (Edinburgh)
Paul Garner - whistles (Coventry)
Kristan Harvey - fiddle (Orkney)
Lorne MacDougall - bagpipes, whistle (Carradale, Argyll)
Hannah McNeill – fiddle, song (Glasgow)
Liondsaidh Mitchell - Gaelic song (Isle of Lewis)
Alistair Ogilvy - Scots song (Strathblane)
Tina Rees - piano (Glasgow)
Eilidh Steel - fiddle (Helensburgh)
Andrew Waite - accordion (Duns)

Read more>>> http://bit.ly/abP5lE

4. Snippets

Congratulations to John McCusker & Heidi Talbot!
They got married last weekend!
http://bit.ly/cLaUU4

Session in Rhu..
...that's  the  Rhu Inn, Rhu in Dunbartonshire.  In a bid more traditional music in and around Helensburgh, there will be a wee meeting and session on at the Rhu Inn, on Sunday 11th October from 6pm. If you play/sing or just enjoy trad music please come along!
http://bit.ly/dfimPA

Musical Mastermind?
The idea would be to get asked musical questions by a host and have to be answered by playing or singing the tune  -some musicians thought it would be an idea for an event at Celtic Connections Festival.
http://bit.ly/dCNB88

Python star joins the session!
Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, dropped into Sandy Bell's traditional music pub in Edinburgh on Sunday night while promoting his new show and ended up joining the session and singing some songs. He had a wonderful evening which lasted until closing time!

Fiddlers Bid on tour
You can catch this great Shetland band in Norwich, Nottingham  and Lancashire plus various dates in Scotland over the next 10 days.
http://bit.ly/9g1ROk

Jura Music Festival
The Jura fest is just around the corner now (this weekend). It promises to be a great weekend with a cracking line up of Session A9, Fred Morrison, Darren Maclean and Innis Watson, Mary Ann Kennedy and more.
http://bit.ly/aDZFEn

Bodega are in Strachur
This brilliant band (combination of border pipes, whistle, guitar, accordion, djembe, clarsach and vocals) will be in concert on 25th September as part of Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop's partnership with Cowal Open Studios weekend Tickets for Strachur concert can be reserved 01301 703559 or email mark@morvenlodge.co.uk
http://bit.ly/awFLRq

Aly Bain & Friends 1987-90
The 10 episodes from the musical series hosted by Aly Bain are now up on YouTube!  A real hidden gem!
http://bit.ly/cvyoMV

Hamish Moore
Musician and pipemaker has recently completed a project to make 8 sets of highland pipes, all reproduced from the 1785 Black Set of Kintail, presently housed in The Inverness Museum. Hamish is giving a talk  on Tuesday 28 September at the Elphinstone Institute (University of Aberdeen)  where he will present some of his controversial ideas and thoughts on how radically different things were, before piping competitions were introduced, and before the Highland Regiments were raised.
http://bit.ly/940qce

Falkirk Folk Cub on the move!
The club has a new home in the historic setting of The Tolbooth Tavern in the very heart of town next to the Steeple landmark .The first event there is on 30 September with Colum Sands. The Club meets on Thursdays 8pm.
http://bit.ly/bqarwH

Spanish duo!
Have a look at this wee clip of Simon Thoumire (concertina) and Ian Carr (guitar) when they were playing at a Spanish festival during the summer
http://bit.ly/bs6Vse

5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Have a listen to our September 15th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast featuring the Old Blind Dogs, George Duff and Adam Jack from the Ceilidh House Sessions, Ah'm Askin' by Glencraig Scottish Dance Band, The Seedboat  by Maggie MacInnes & Colum Sands, Escape - The Story Of Jan Baalsrud And The Shetland Bus  by Jenna and Bethany Reid and finishing with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo CD 2010.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

6. Best Sellers

CD: Wherever Yet May Be - Old Blind Dogs: One of Scotland's favourite trad bands and the first Dogs recording to feature piper Ali Hutton who joined in autumn 2008. The album includes six new songs, a mixture of traditional and contemporary and penned by the likes of Davy Steele and Andy M. Stewart.
http://bit.ly/9yJ86O

CD: Glenfinnan Gathering - Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band: Formed for the sheer fun of playing good music together this all -star band of stalwarts from the traditional music world should get your toes tapping.
http://bit.ly/cyZSQQ

CD: First Album Aly Bain: The recording was made in November 1984 in Shetland at Viking Vision - long since defunct. Margaret's Waltz was for a while the most requested piece of music on Radio Scotland, and the Barrowburn Reel can be heard wherever traditional musicians meet.
http://bit.ly/awDSEk

CD: Outlands - Fred Morrison: Bagpipes and bluegrass might seem unlikely musical bedfellows, but for the brilliant Scottish piper Fred Morrison, one of Celtic music’s most profoundly skilled and audaciously inventive exponents, they form a wholly natural alliance!
http://bit.ly/bJEi1v

DVD: Scotland The What - The Final Fling: The last goodbye from the hilarious threesome filmed on their final tour of Scotland.  A memorable occasion!Scotland The What? were a trio of Aberdonians, Stephen Robertson, William "Buff" Hardie and George Donald, who entertained Aberdeen and Scotland with their range of comedy sketches and funny songs.
http://bit.ly/d0YY94

Book: College of Piping Highland Bagpipe Tutor Book (with CD Rom): famous green tutor written by Seumas MacNeill and Thomas Pearston. The only way to start a piping career. Join the thousands of other pipers worldwide who have learned the College way. New tutors come and go but for fifty years the College Tutor has stood the test of time.
http://bit.ly/9bHGO9

The Scottish Harp Anthology (books): The three books in the series  are a wonderful resource.  A collection of arrangements and original compositions by a selection of the finest performers, arrangers and teachers currently working in Scotland compiled and edited by Ailie Robertson
Vol 1 - Elementary: http://bit.ly/bwwZG0
Vol 2 - Intermediate: http://bit.ly/9iWvIa
Vol 3 - Advanced: http://bit.ly/9O0mc6

7. Reviews

CD: Lasses That Baffle Us - Angus Nicolson Trio
Nicolson is a great young piper from south Skye, steeped in the Gaelic melodic and rhythmic tradition, and free from the current common urge to rock the bagpipes.With his accomplished pals on bodhran, percussion and acoustic guitar he makes beautifully paced, expressive music that imaginatively stretches the recording's sonic possibilities - from what sounds like an emergency mass abseil from the Cuillin ridge to the beautiful, moving, noble Mackintosh's Lament. Norman Chalmers...Scotland on Sunday.
http://bit.ly/crziyx

CD: Adoon Winding Nith – Emily Smith.
Proof again that Smith is one of Scotland’s great young traditional singers. Last year was the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s best-loved poet, Robert Burns, and this fresh and upbeat album is a welcome contribution to the continuing celebrations. It’s impressive both because Emily Smith’s powerfully straightforward, no-nonsense but emotional approach very much echoes the style of the great man himself, and because her instrumental work, and that of the versatile Jamie McClennan, provides an entertainingly contemporary setting for Burns’ memorable lyrics.........This is an album that proves, again, that Smith ranks alongside Julie Fowlis as one of Scotland’s great young traditional singers. She’s a great instrumentalist, too, playing accordion and piano alongside McClennan’s guitar, fiddle, whistle and mandolin. One suspects that Burns would have been impressed... Robin Denselow BBC Review 
http://bit.ly/1hgPvO

CD: Escape-The Story Of Jan Baalsrud And The Shetland Bus: Jenna & Bethany Reid.  Customer Review 5 stars
A beautiful set bringing tears and happiness all in one album. With narrative telling the story the music written by the girls is unbelievable in its variety, it had the audience in the Garrison theatre in Lerwick give a standing ovation till they played Escape again.It must be played several times to take it all in!
http://bit.ly/b7JJ4w

CD: Yellow Like Sunshine - The Poozies
'Opening with a standard ‘blues’ riff, you feel as if you’re into conventional music pigeon-holeing until that is the introduction of Camac harp that adds such a deep, resonant texture it makes you think “wow”… this is really different! It’s that unusual texture and presentation layered by the evocative, almost eerie singing of the band on the Gaelic “Ho Mhorag” (imagine Harpies luring Jason and his Argonauts to their deaths) that the song gently adheres to the hypnotic beat so characteristic of indigenous waulking songs. Topped by an absolutely gorgeous tune “John Stephen Of Chance Inn” with its seductively simple arrangement this is what the girls do best. .....'  Pete Fyfe Folking.com
http://bit.ly/azgX4c

8. Discussion forum
Our forum is a lively place. Why not pay us a visit!

What makes a good Session?
..the people present, an encouraging atmosphere, respect and ensuring everyone can feel involved, friendly. I'd place these points foremost above the music content.
http://bit.ly/bbBEDE

9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

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Our special CD offer today is 'Accordions of Scotland'.  12 tracks from well known names from the box & fiddle club scene. It adds to the enjoyment to get such a good, often contrasting, mix. Many of the best accordion players and bandleaders from yesteryear are gathered together on this great selection. Includes contributions from Jim MacLeod, Bert Shorthouse, Gordon Patullo, Angus Fitchet, Ian Holmes, John Carmichael, Gordon Young. Great music for only £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/cvRjjH

1. New Arrivals- includes Old Blind Dogs, Oor Wullie annual, Jenna and Bethany Reid
2. Classic Albums:  Jean Redpath - Will Ye No Come Back Again (The Songs of Lady Nairne)
3. Scots Fiddle Festival 2010
4. First Albums: Shooglenifty - Venus in Tweeds
5. Snippets: Includes Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller news
6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
7. Best Sellers - Includes The Scottish Harp Anthology
8. Reviews - includes Ray Fisher Ballad workshop
9. Discussion forum - Penny Whistle
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

NEW DOGS!! Wherever Yet May Be - Old Blind Dogs:  The eleventh album from one of Scotland's favourite trad bands and the first Dogs recording to feature piper Ali Hutton who joined in autumn 2008. The album includes six new songs, a mixture of traditional and contemporary and penned by the likes of Davy Steele and Andy M. Stewart. The six new tune sets also include new compositions from Ali as well as traditional tunes and contemporary melodies from the repertoires of Gordon Duncan, Fred Morrison and Jamie Smith amongst others. £12.60 (£13.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9yJ86O

LOCHABER GATHERING!!  Glenfinnan Gathering - Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band: Formed for the sheer fun of playing good music together this all -star band of stalwarts from the traditional music world should get your toes tapping. A great blend of West Coast dance music featuring  on fiddle, Iain MacFarlane (Blazin’ Fiddles), Colm O’Rua (Daimh) on banjo, Dougie Hunter (Hoogie) on accordion and Ingrid Henderson (Cliar) on piano.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cyZSQQ

THE WAR AT SEA!! Escape - The Story Of Jan Baalsrud And The Shetland Bus - Jenna and Bethany Reid (CD): 'The Shetland Bus' is the nickname given to the fishing boat service which sailed the heavy seas between the Shetland Islands and Norway during the Second World War, ferrying supplies and reinforcements to the Resistance in Nazi-occupied Norway, and spiriting refugees back to Shetland. With no lights and at constant risk of discovery by German aircraft and patrol boats, crossings were made over the dangerous waters during winter, under the cover of darkness. Shetland musicians Jenna and Bethany have combined their amazing fiddle playing skills and compositional talents with this suite of music, inspired by the stories of the extraordinary World War 2 escape missions. The music, a wonderful soundscape, brings to life the astonishing account of Jan Baalsrud, a 26-year old Norwegian instrument maker who found himself alone and on the run for more than two months in the hazardous Arctic wastelands. "Inventice, sympathetic sound-scaping by all the musicians..this suite deserves to tour widely"..Hi~Arts.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/b7JJ4w
You might also like to read the fascinating book "The Shetland Bus"  - the story of those secret wartime missions:  £9.00 (£9.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cyFvLp

YOUNG AND TALENTED!! Stepping Stones - Culloden Ceilidh Band: A lovely CD featuring the very talented traditional musicians, past and present from Culloden Academy in Inverness together with a toe-tapping programme of smashing tunes. The CD features a selection of band tracks as well as tracks featuring individual musicians. Two of those, Graham Mackenzie, fiddle, and Roya MacLean, accordion are already establishing themselves on the traditional music scene - Graham was the youngest winner of a Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections Festival and Roya is has already recorded two CDs. Phil Cunningham writes "..individually and collectively they have created an album which is both exciting and sensitive..." £10.80 (£11.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cWDtyQ

HE'S A'BODY'S WULLIE!!  Oor Wullie 2011 Annual (book): A favourite Christmas 'stocking filler', the biennial comic strip annual featuring the lovable wee rogue who is famous among Scots far and wide.The 'Oor Wullie' strip features in the Sunday Post newspaper every week. Every other year (alternating with 'The Broons') DC Thomson  publish a much-anticipated annual featuring 100 pages of Oor Wullie adventures. For 2011 it's Wullie's turn so sit back, relax and enjoy the company of the wee laddie frae Auchenshoogle and his pals Soapy, Boab an Eck. £6.30 (£6.99 for first time customers) £6.30 (£6.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9QDiKv

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. Classic Album: Jean Redpath - Will Ye No Come Back Again (The Songs of Lady Nairne)

Jean Redpath MBE has carved a remarkable musical career for herself and has become one of the most accomplished and respected Scottish singers, as well as being a household name both in the UK and in the USA where she has spent a lot of her time.  'Will Ye No Come Back Again - The Songs of Lady Nairne" was originally recorded for Rounder Records in 1986 but was never readily available in the UK. It was re-released in  the UK by Greentrax in 2009. Jean Redpath's clear pure mezzo-soprano voice is gorgeous and the album an absolute delight from start to finish.  Jean plays guitar and is accompanied by Abby Newton (cello) and David Gusakov (fiddle).
Lady Nairne (Carolina Oliphant), was born in 1766 in Perthshire.  As she grew and blossomed in beauty, she was called ‘The Flower of Strathearn’ or ‘The White Rose of Gask’. The family had strong Jacobite connections and some 45 years after Culloden, Lady Nairne wrote a number of Jacobite songs, including “The Laird o’ Cockpen” and “Will Ye No Come Back Again?” both of which caught the popular imagination. She wrote many other fine songs of which “The Auld Hoose” “The Lammie”, “The Rowan Tree”, “Caller Herrin’” and “Land o’ The Leal” are especially well known and included on this lovely album. Lady Nairne's songs continue to be sung to this day by a variety of singers.
 Jean Redpath - Will Ye No Come Back Again (The Songs of Lady Nairne): http://bit.ly/dt07bf

3. Scots Fiddle Festival 2010
Fantastic guest list for this year's Scots Fiddle Festival which is held at The Assembly Rooms George Street Edinburgh 12th - 14th November.
The festival has an amazing programme of concerts, recitals, workshops, sessions, ceilidhs, fiddle talks and 'a fiddle walk with Pete Clark through the streets of Edinburgh' . The guests include: Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, , Shooglenifty, Harald Haugaard, Gabe McVarish and friends, Twelfth Day, Gerry and Donal O'Connor, Eilidh Steel and Mark Neal, Jamie Laval, The Jimmy Shandrix Experience .
Ticket Sales for Fiddle 2010 open on Friday 24th September 2010.
http://bit.ly/dxWOUL

4. First Album:  Shooglenifty - Venus in Tweeds
 
The brilliantly different first album from the number one exponents of groovin' dance fusion...this is where it all started. With this 1994 recording Shooglenifty pulled off the notoriously difficult feat of reproducing the tremendous buzz of their live shows in the recording studio. A reviewer for the magazine Folk Roots said of this recording that he had  "Seldom come across an album with such immediate impact." This album also won the BBC Radio Scotland /Living Tradition award "Album of the Year - 1994"
Formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, Shooglenifty began life with a residency at the La Belle Angele pub and quickly drew a strong fanbase for their energised, contemporary roots material which soon became one of Scotland's most unique musical exports.  A supremely dexterous and witty live band, their energetic live performances have kept them in constant demand around the world.
Venus in Tweeds featured Angus Grant on fiddle & vocals, Iain MacLeod on mandolin & vocals, Garry Finlayson on banjax, banjo & vocals, Malcolm Crosbie on guitar, vocals & whistling, Conrad Ivitsky on bass & vocals and James Mackintosh on drums, percussion & vocals. The album was produced by Jim Sutherland. Terrific musicianship and an amazing ability to build up a set till the whole room can't help swaying!!
http://bit.ly/aWuZQ3

5. Snippets

Nick Keir & Stephen Quigg - A 'New' Duo
With the imminent retirement of Ian McCalman, the remaining two members of The McCalmans - Nick Keir & Stephen Quigg - would like all festival, club and concert organisers to know they are forming a new duo.
http://bit.ly/b6rSUl

Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller news
We hear the talented duo's new album "Shadow's Tall" is mixed and mastered and due for release on 1st November. The girls had great reviews for their debut CD 'In A Bleeze'  and their winning voice and instrumental combination has already seen them pick up a  BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and a  ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards
http://bit.ly/90FIqd

Traditional Music Forum looking for members
Do you think that traditional music has a lot to offer Scottish life and that traditional music should have a place at its heart?  The TM Forum is now open to membership from organisations national and local in the wide field of Scottish traditional music – teaching groups, clubs, businesses, venues, promoters, festivals, arts and community organisations with an interest in the music. Read more and find out how to join here:
http://bit.ly/93VhwU

Emily Smith heads to Russia
Popular singer Emily has been invited to perform two shows in Russia at the end of October. Read more here including news about her new album:
http://bit.ly/cpTnkh

Peerie Willie Guitar Festival
The Shetland Guitar Festival is a celebration of guitar with concerts and educational events held in venues and schools throughout Shetland in September each year. Known locally as the “Peerie Willie” Guitar Festival, the event is dedicated to the memory of the late William Johnson, the highly regarded guitarist who pioneered the jazz influenced accompaniment style now prevalent in traditional Shetland music. It's happening 17th - 20th September.
http://bit.ly/dlBK7J

Billy Thom - The King Of Percussion – RIP
Billy Thom died suddenly last week. He was an influential drummer in Scottish circles of the last several decades, playing with almost every top Scottish dance band.
http://bit.ly/cVflhY

Julie Fowlis news
Here is the latest Julie Fowlis news and tour dates September to November. http://bit.ly/cT6BqL

Fiddlers' Bid news
...and here's the latest Bid news! http://bit.ly/9g1ROk

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast

Here's our September 15th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. This week we're featuring the Old Blind Dogs, George Duff and Adam Jack from the Ceilidh House Sessions, Ah'm Askin' by Glencraig Scottish Dance Band, The Seedboat  by Maggie MacInnes & Colum Sands, Escape - The Story Of Jan Baalsrud And The Shetland Bus  by Jenna and Bethany Reid and finishing with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo CD 2010.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

7. Best Sellers

The Scottish Harp Anthology (books): The three books in the series  are a wonderful resource.  A collection of arrangements and original compositions by a selection of the finest performers, arrangers and teachers currently working in Scotland compiled and edited by Ailie Robertson
Vol 1 - Elementary: http://bit.ly/bwwZG0
Vol 2 - Intermediate: http://bit.ly/9iWvIa
Vol 3 - Advanced: http://bit.ly/9O0mc6

CD: The Battle of Prestonpans 1745  - Various Artists: This fine album of songs and tunes featuring many of Scotland's finest musicians was created by Greentrax Recordings as a ‘Companion to The Prestonpans Tapestry’.
http://bit.ly/973kK7

CD: Outlands - Fred Morrison: Bagpipes and bluegrass might seem unlikely musical bedfellows, but for the brilliant Scottish piper Fred Morrison, one of Celtic music’s most profoundly skilled and audaciously inventive exponents, they form a wholly natural alliance!
http://bit.ly/bJEi1v

CD: Footnotes - The Occasionals:  All the popular dances are here including The Virginia Reel, Strip the Willow, The Dashing White Sergeant and The Gay Gordons. One of the great dance bands.
http://bit.ly/alYlam
The Footnotes instruction booklet giving you details of how to do all 17 dances is also very popular with our customers!
http://bit.ly/amZPr1

CD: Bears, Crows and Centipedes - Alastair McDonald: A collection of fun songs for children but which will appeal to all ages with such favourites as the Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede, Coulter's Candy and of course, Sam the Skull
http://bit.ly/8IB37W

DVD: The Original Transatlantic Sessions (Series One): The totally brilliant original seven- programme Transatlantic Sessions Series which first appeared on TV in 1994.  So many stars! So much great music!
http://bit.ly/5v4opi

8. Reviews

Live Event: Ray Fisher Ballad Workshop - Lauries Glasgow  12th September.
Great afternoon, with everyone on top form. We had a plethora of Fishers, with sisters singing in the empathetic way that only siblings can; Archie gauging the mood to a nicety; Colin providing some lovely tunes with quiet, sweet singing from all of those of a certain age; and the lady herself presenting a masterful reading of Child ballad no.6 'Willie's Lady'. And then there was the singing from the floor! And all of this to an audience drawn frae a' the airts (from Ullapool to the Borders, from Ayrshire to Inverness, from Dundee to Edinburgh via Fife, and from Glasgow) and in ages ranging from the 20's to the 70's.
Thanks to everyone for their support and their input -- but mainly a huge thank-you to Ray, for reminding us of the community of song!...EKanne..FSCM Forum.
http://bit.ly/aPcXVm

CD: In Transit - Jamie McLennan
From a folk music family background in New Zealand, McClennan now plays guitar here with the Emily Smith Band. This debut solo album showcases his own instrumental prowess, especially on the fiddle, and moves easily between contemporary styles of electro acoustica, rootsy Americana, bluegrass, Irish and even Scots traditional. Demon Ducks Of Doom' is a rich reel that swings funkily over jazzy guitar/bass/drums while in the sweet, sedate Peggy's Waltz he doubles on fiddle and guitar over demure bass - and there's much more in this eclectic selection....Norman Chalmers..Scotland on Sunday
http://bit.ly/91aXXA

CD: The Seedboat - Maggie MacInnes & Colum Sands
"..Maggie and Colum are superb performers individually: together they achieve a sweet harmony that transports you gently and effortlessly to another time and place.With such capable hands on the tiller, The Seedboat is a journey for the soul. Jan Nary.." Celtic Music Radio
http://bit.ly/dgUJGT

CD: Four Seasons In One Day - Alistair McCulloch
"...showcases Ayr-based champion fiddler Alistair McCulloch in a collection of largely traditional tunes arranged by himself, ranging from a tribute to John Mason of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra to a tune celebrating the memory of George Mackay Brown. All the tracks amply display Alistair's virtuosity – not for nothing is he a fiddle instructor at Strathclyde University and an instructor and examiner at RSAMD. But unless you are a perspiring undergrad at either of these places, sit back and enjoy the sheer uplift and confidence of the playing. Or, if you actually are a trad fiddle student, maybe better learn off these" The Scots Magazine
http://bit.ly/LDT88

CD: Mairearad & Anna - Mairearad Green & Anna Massie
This CD by the award-winning duo is an all-instrumental showcase, Green on piano accordion and border pipes, Massie on guitar, fiddle and banjo. Stylistically varied, incorporating many of their own compositions alongside contemporary pieces by friends and a scattering of traditional tunes, the album funks and lilts from sub-country to bold, jazzy Celtic, hitting sustained energy in the pungent timbre of reeling banjo and pipes...Scotland on Sunday
http://bit.ly/7ssxPC

CD: Diversions - Daimh
Starting with the Gaelic song “Donald’s Sporran” immediately puts me in mind of when I first heard the arrangement of “Brose & Butter” by Ossian in the late 70’s. There’s nothing wrong with that, in fact, more power to Daimh’s collective elbow for allowing the creative juices to flow from guest producer Donald Shaw on an album that is studded with gems....Not unlike the afore mentioned Ossian and the Tannahill Weavers before them Daimh show commendable restraint in some of the driving fiddle/pipes set pieces such as “White Houses” and “Lock And Load” and it is apparent that here is an ensemble totally at ease with their choice of artistic endeavours.  Pete Fyfe..Folking.com
http://bit.ly/arNBBN

9. Discussion forum
Our forum is a lively place. Why not pay us a visit!
'Penny' Whistles
I'm in need of a new whistle. What are the forum's recommendations for a D whistle that costs under or around 75 quid?
http://bit.ly/bR04kz

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
I ordered the new Dougie Maclean DVD & the wonderful new CD by Saltfishforty late on Thursday night and they came through my door an hour ago. (Saturday 12.30pm) Just wanted to say what a brilliant service you provide. Anything I buy online fom you is always, without fail, delivered within 48 hours. Thank You so much!!... Saltfishforty rock!!!!! Mikk Skinner

Our special CD offer today is 'The Ceilidh House Sessions'.  Recorded in 1994 when The Tron Tavern in the heart of Edinburgh's old town was a magnet for folk musicians from all over. 15 tracks of fine music and song and a selection of the talented musicians and singers from that special time. £4.99 for one week only. Brilliant music for under a fiver! http://bit.ly/95BT7R

1. New Arrivals- includes Maggie MacInnes & Colum Sands, Ah'm Askin'
2. First Albums:  Alasdair Fraser
3. Blazin' in Beauly - 10 Years Matured!
4. Cromarty 'Harp Village'
5. Snippets
6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
7. Best Sellers - Includes Outlands
8. Reviews
9. Discussion forum - Toooooooo Fast!
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

ALL ABOARD!! The Seedboat (Bàta an t-Sìl) - Maggie MacInnes & Colum Sands:  A totally captivating experience of tunes, songs stories and rememberings crafted together seamlessly by two master musicians  - together they transport you to  another time and place.  “The Seedboat sails from Barra shore, young Donald’s gone to Newry, And though he swears a swift return, till then she’ll miss him dearly...”These lines are from a beautiful bitter-sweet love song that has inspired two musicians from either end of The Seedboat’s voyage to embark on an exciting new journey of music and song. The song is one of the great treasures of the Scottish Gaelic tradition and now, some two centuries after it first saw light of day, it sails again as Maggie MacInnes and Colum Sands invite you to find a seat amidst the cargo of clàrsach, guitar and a bi-lingual blend of songs old and new celebrating the musical bridges between Ireland and Scotland. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/dgUJGT

DANCE TIME!!  Ah'm Askin'. Scottish Country Dances - Glencraig Scottish Dance Band: The  Glencraig Band is one of the few bands that specialises in playing for all types of Scottish social dancing and leader Nicol MacLaren is passionate about set construction and arrangement to match the dance and maximise the enjoyment of dancer and listener alike. This CD, the third in a series of four recordings, again captures the mood, feeling and tempo of the Scottish Country Dance. Excellent sleevenotes with full dance instructions. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bbfF85

POETIC MUSIC!! The Poet and the Maiden - Rick Taylor: A beautiful debut CD by Isle of Skye based musician Rick Taylor, renowned for his work with The Peatbog Faeries, Blazing Fiddles, Unusual Suspects and many more.  An 'Album of the Week' on the BBC's Iain Anderson Show, it features poetic translations of rare Gaelic songs, as well as Rick’s own evocative compositions and haunting voice. "Rick Taylor is a compositional master of the uplifting, inspiring musical phrase that tugs insistently at your heart.”... Jennie MacFee.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bxiJor

ADMIRABLE WORK !! The Scottish Harp Anthology - In three volumes (Elementary, Intermediate & Advanced). Recently, the clarsach has enjoyed a positive renaissance with musicians and many of the finest musicians in Scotland have the harp as their main instrument. These books are a collection of arrangements and compositions by 19 of Scotland's finest harpists, compiled and edited by Ailie Robertson. Any or all of these tune books will provide a delightful addition to any harpist's repertoire. Ailie writes:  ".....I wanted these books to represent the wealth of talent that we are so lucky to have, and to give a taster of different peoples' arranging styles and new compositions." .. Volume 1 (Elementary) : £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers). Volumes 2 and 3: £14.40 (£15.99 for first time customers)
Vol 1 - Elementary: http://bit.ly/bwwZG0
Vol 2 - Intermediate: http://bit.ly/9iWvIa
Vol 3 - Advanced: http://bit.ly/9O0mc6

BACK IN STOCK!!  Music In Trust (double CD) - Battlefield Band / Alison Kinnaird: We are delighted to get this lovely music back into stock. Early in 1985 the Battlefield Band, Alison Kinnaird and Robin Morton were asked to prepare and record music for a television series about the work of the National Trust for Scotland (the organisation who own and protect a wide range of the natural and man-made heritage of Scotland). This first album of soundtrack music  proved so popular that it was followed with a second volume The Band of 1985, that's Brian McNeill, Dougie Pincock and Alan Reid, joined forces with clarsach player Alison Kinnaird to produce the music  -  traditional tunes and specially composed ones evoke the magic of these castles, gardens, battlefields and hills. Both albums now an excellent double CD set.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers).
http://bit.ly/bnhx4i

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. First Albums:  Alasdair Fraser - Portrair of a Scottish Fiddler

Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser is a consummate performer. His dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created a constant and international demand for his solo appearances and concerts with a variety of ensembles. Alasdair has been a major force behind the resurgence of traditional Scottish fiddling in his homeland and the U.S., inspiring legions of listeners and learners through his recordings, annual fiddle camps, and concerts. 'Portrait of a Scottish Fiddler' is a CD re-issue of his first recording dating from 1984 and which demonstrates the flair and considerable musicianship which have characterised his later work. He is supported here by a group of fine Cape Breton players with arrangements written by the pianist and accordion player Bobby Brown. The repertoire is firmly within the Scottish tradition, and features a significant number of  traditional fiddle and pipe tunes, Scott Skinner tunes, including the hornpipe "The Mathematician'.  "What a player! Sweet, sweet music".....Erin MacRae
Alasdair Fraser - Portrair of a Scottish Fiddler: http://bit.ly/aOew19

3. Blazin' in Beauly - 10 Years Matured!
If you play the fiddle, cello, keyboard or guitar come join the Blazin' Fiddles and friends for a musical extravaganza in a week of classes, sessions, concerts and craic in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Blazin' in Beauly was started by the band Blazin' Fiddles in the historic village of Beauly, 15 miles west of Inverness. With the aim of being "much more than a fiddle school" the intention of the week in Beauly is to immerse people in the music of the Highlands and Islands. You get the chance to work with world class performers; but the instruction is only a part of the week - the sessions, the talks, the concerts and the craic all add up to make Blazin' in Beauly THE fiddle event in the UK. The tutors for this year are :The Blazin Fiddles - Allan Henderson, Bruce MacGregor, Catriona Macdonald, Iain MacFarlane (all fiddle) with Andy Thorburn on Keyboard and Anna Massie (fiddle/guitar). The guest tutors include: Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle), Duncan Chisholm (fiddle), Brian Cromarty (guitar and mandolin), Christine Hanson (cello).
Core classes will be:
Fiddle (gentle paced, lower intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate and Advanced)
Keyboard, Guitar and Cello
In addition there will be a variety of afternoon workshops including gaelic singing, masterclasses, group work and sessions.
Further information including booking: http://bit.ly/cwef1t

4. Cromarty 'Harp Village'
It is often thought that the national instrument of Scotland is the Highland Bagpipe but in fact, even older than the bagpipe tradition, the clarsach (small Scottish harp) is the oldest and arguably the most beautiful of all the instruments. Carvings of harpers can be found on Pictish stones all through the Highlands.
On September 11th and 12th 2010, the picturesque fishing village of Cromarty becomes The Harp Village. There will be a mass invasion by aspiring harpers from all over Scotland to learn more about Scotland’s most beautiful traditional instrument under the guidance of some of Europe’s finest players. From Scotland, Corrina Hewat, Mary Macmaster and Heather Yule, from Ireland the effervescent Laoise Kelly and from Brittany, the enchanter, Tristan le Govic will be helping their students to develop their skills and enhance their playing. Workshops will be held all round the village, in the recently restored East Church (seen on the BBC programme Restoration), in the West Church, East Hall, Victoria Hall and the Stables throughout the weekend.
Breton Dancing will also feature on the streets of Cromarty on Saturday afternoon at 4.30pm and absolutely everyone is invited to join in.
A Harp Warming Concert on Saturday night (Sept 11) will be held at the Stables with all the harp tutors performing solo and together for a unique concert starting at 8.30pm. We will be serving a lovely mug of hot chocolate with all the trimmings or a glass of wine free to each member of the audience to add to the enjoyment of the evening.
Further information: http://bit.ly/dgpQch
 
5. Snippets
Music for the Kilted Generation
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers - the originators of Bagrock return with their blistering new album, ‘Music for the Kilted Generation’.Due for release mid October, you can pre-order it NOW!
http://bit.ly/d3JTOf

Battlefield Band's Music Tryst - Newbattle Abbey 17th-19th Sept 2010
This promises to be a great weekend of traditional music from Battlefield Band & friends in the beautiful Newbattle Abbey building in Midlothian, around 7 miles South of Edinburgh This looks like an excellent event! Top bands all in one venue. Check it out.
http://bit.ly/dc1PRA

Linlithgow Folk Festival this week!
Apart from all the sessions, concerts, indoor and outdoor stages lined up at Linlithgow Folk Festival (8-12 Sept), there is also a great workshop programme. Check it out here:
http://bit.ly/9846Yc

News from 'The Shee'
New album and tour coming up in October from fab all-girl band  'The Shee' - that's Lillias Kinsman-Blake, Shona Mooney, Rachel Newton, Amy Thatcher, Olivia Ross and Laura-Beth Salter. It's called 'Decadence'
http://bit.ly/cMYOBy

A new free resource for harp players!
Learn a tune a month - improve your ability to learn by ear, and expand your repertoire at the same time!
http://bit.ly/9JBYuN

Job opportunities at the National Piping Centre
The National Piping Centre in Glasgow are lookin for a part time accountant and a shop manager..
http://bit.ly/aAm1zi

Demo Fund opportunity
The Youth Music Initiative Demo Fund (part of their Independent Music Making programme) will help emerging young bands record their first demo, allowing them to take the next step in their music careers by presenting themselves professionally to the music industry. Applications are welcome from professional studios, or organisations willing to partner with a studio, for up to £6000 to help young musicians record a high quality demo.
http://bit.ly/a1uhWv

Barbara Dickson,
We hear Barbara DIckson's new album for Greentrax will be released on 1st February, 2011, just before her U.K. tour.

Annual Rosehall music weekend
A fantastic music session the last weekend of October  in beautiful Sutherland. Lots of musical guests and a Saturday night ceilidh.
http://bit.ly/9oDvzR

Lionel McClelland RIP
Sad to report the sudden death of Lional McClelland, a founder member of the band Black Eyed Biddy and a stalwart of the folk music scene in the South West of Scotland.
http://bit.ly/a2QEE3

Murdo Kennedy RIP
The traditional singer, composer of many Gaelic songs and village bard from the Marvig, Isle of Lewis passed away on Tuesday.
http://bit.ly/cJdNPB

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Don't forget to listen to our latest 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. The 6 tracks featured are the Angus Nicolson Trio and his new CD Lasses That Baffle Us. We follow this with another new release Slide Show by The Burns Unit. And then yet another new release Ewan McLennan - Rags & Robes. Finlay MacDonald Band then plays us a track from his Re-Echo CD, Lizzie Higgins sings us Three Gypsies and we finish off with Sandy Meldrum's  Scottish Piano Fusion CD.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

7. Best Sellers
CD: Aly Bain - First Album. : Aly Bain's first album was recorded in Shetland in 1984. Now available on CD many of these tunes have since become standards in sessions all over the world.
http://bit.ly/awDSEk

CD: The Battle of Prestonpans 1745  - Various Artists: This fine album of songs and tunes featuring many of Scotland's finest musicians was created by Greentrax Recordings as a ‘Companion to The Prestonpans Tapestry’.
http://bit.ly/973kK7

DVD:Instrument of War -  The Complete Collection (3 DVD Set): 'Ladies From Hell', 'Call to the Blood' and 'When the Pipers Play' now combined in one set to bring you the powerful story of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
http://bit.ly/cWnZIE

Book: Fiddle Frenzy Coll Volume 5: 50 Years of The Shetland Fiddlers' Society: The main object of the Society is to preserve and develop all aspects of the traditional art of Shetland fiddle playing, which means it simply concentrates on the traditional tunes and styles. The book starts of with the 'Hamefarin' Set'  - that's Da Peerie Hoose Ahint Da Burn, Merry Boys O' Greenland and McDonald's Reel
http://bit.ly/cdnwzL

CD: Outlands - Fred Morrison: Bagpipes and bluegrass might seem unlikely musical bedfellows, but for the brilliant Scottish piper Fred Morrison, one of Celtic music’s most profoundly skilled and audaciously inventive exponents, they form a wholly natural alliance!
http://bit.ly/bJEi1v

CD: Portrait  Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham: For more than 20 years this popular and entertaining duo have kept Scotland's music to the fore as they tour the country filling not only small village halls, but all of our major performance venues.  Enjoy a flavour of the duo with these 11 beautifully played tracks starting off with Ronnie Cooper's composition St Ninian's Isle
http://bit.ly/aOJTdy

8. Reviews

CD:  Pressed for Time - Finlay MacDonald Band
"...No wonder the Finlay MacDonald Band is in such demand at festivals, clubs etc. Breton Set is a joyful set of reels, and the whistles on My Mighty Friend exude a playful lyricism (I think future albums should be weighted in favour of more whistle tunes, on the strength of this one!) Bulgarian Red gathers momentum nicely; the excellent guitar work and laid-back grooves are soon firmed up by MacDonald's lightning-quick border pipes. He cranks up the pace yet again on the album's closing number Pressed For Time, this time on Highland pipes - what a heady and satisfying close to this fine album. You won't stay in your seat for long when you see this band live!" DK...The Living Tradition
http://bit.ly/7ayjnN

CD: Croftwork - The Peatbog Faeries
“...Welcome to Dunvegas was their calling card left politely, this one hammers the message through the front door and down the hallway. Here Adam Sutherland and Peter Morrison - in particular - piper and fiddler respectively, have hit stride and stir the same demons as Moving Hearts did with the genius of The Storm; that is, put simply, a compelling, haunting, danceable spree that makes no apologies for roots, indeed, would not and could not exist without them so shouts it loudly from the rooftops...."fRoots
http://bit.ly/9f9oG0

CD: Flower & Iron - Malinky:
The opening sung dialogue, to a charming original tune, contrasts Steve Byrne and Fiona Hunter (two of the band's five singers) in the old northeast favourite 'Pad The Road' and sets the varied tone of the latest incarnation of one of the most imaginative of Scots-language bands. They are fine instrumentalists all, and eschew vocals in the lilting 'Cows And Cottongrass' and the cello-driven waltz 'Ruaraidh Mor'. Mark Dunlop mixes metaphor and Irish myth in contemporary (well, 1960s) song, adding another dimension to a lovely album...Norman Chalmers Scotland on Sunday
http://bit.ly/92jkWX

CD: Bold - Catriona MacDonald
...she's long established a strong reputation as a distinctively stylish young fiddler...an album of many moods and styles...despite the freshly modern feel and complex arrangements, this is an album where the roots shine brightest...Media Review
http://bit.ly/bu7J6u

9. Discussion forum
Our forum is a lively place. Why not pay us a visit!

Toooooooooo fast
STOP!!!!  I'm listening to Fred Morrison on BBC Alba's Piping Live programme and everyone's singing his praises. But I just heard his High Drive set (without the High Drive) and it's far too fast.
http://bit.ly/96zHMV

Tooooooooooo loud!
..The Tooooooooooo fast thread brought to mind another recently encountered problem. A well known ceilidh band booked for a wedding insisted on playing so loudly that nobody could talk, the sound was distorted, people were sitting with their fingers in their ears, many guests left the ballroom and went into the adjoining bar. It was great pity because the band were very good musically ....
http://bit.ly/c6vbri

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
I ordered the new Dougie Maclean DVD & the wonderful new CD by Saltfishforty late on Thursday night and they came through my door an hour ago. (Saturday 12.30pm) Just wanted to say what a brilliant service you provide. Anything I buy online fom you is always, without fail, delivered within 48 hours. Thank You so much!!... Saltfishforty rock!!!!! Mikk Skinner

To unsubscribe from this newsletter by reply with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Our special CD offer today is 'The Legendary Angus Fitchet'.  It is very hard to find recordings of this wonderful musician but here he is with his band and a lovely selection of lilting dance sets . £4.99 for one week only. http://bit.ly/cDMRdQ

1. New Arrivals- includes 'The Battle of Prestonpans 1745, remastered Jimmy Shand
2. First Albums: Aly Bain
3. 2010 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards
4. Jura Music Festival
5. Snippets
6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
7. Best Sellers - Includes
8. Reviews includes
9. Discussion forum - Who are the 'new' big bands?
10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

CAMPAIGN HONOURS!! The Battle of Prestonpans 1745 - Music and Song of the Campaign: Various Artists: There were several bold attempts most particularly in 1689 and 1715 to restore the male Stuart line to the throne, but none came so near to success as the campaign waged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in1745. This fine album of songs and tunes featuring many of Scotland's finest musicians was created by Greentrax Recordings as a ‘Companion to The Prestonpans Tapestry’. Much of the music and song on the album is depicted in the panels of the Tapestry. The music and song welcomes Bonnie Prince Charlie, heralds his landing in Scotland, followed by the calls for support, the march to the lowlands calling more supporters along the way and culminating in the Battle of Prestonpans. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/973kK7

SIR JIMMY!! Step We Gaily - Jimmy Shand and his Band: The ever-graceful lilting sound of Jimmy Shand and his band and a selection of grand dance music including Mairi's Wedding, the Duke of Perth and The Braes O Tullymet. This recording was first issued in1960 on the Parlaphone label and has been digitally enhanced and reproduced on CD.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/chJpCQ

DUAL CULTURE!! High Beyond - India Alba: A follow up to their debut CD Reels and Ragas, this band have a sound of their own which is not an imitation of any other band or genre. Two Scottish traditional musicians and two Indian classical musicians combine their influences to play music which shows that there are no boundaries between them. Many raga gats (themes), particularly those from the borders of the Himalayas, have close relatives in the melodies of the Scottish highlands and islands, and for both of them the drone sounds of the bagpipes or the tampura play an important part in the music. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bbrTP1

DON'T THEY ALWAYS?!!! Lasses That Baffle Us - Angus Nicolson Trio: A great debut from 3 of the Highlands most talented young musicians. Containing a thoughtfully arranged yet vibrant mix of traditional tunes coupled with influences from further afield. "Angus has a great Highland style but isn't shy to experiment with his music. A bold and confident debut album from one of the Highland's most talented young pipers.”....Julie Fowlis. Featuring Angus Nicolson - Highland Pipes, Border Pipes & Whistles, Andrew Macpherson - Percussion & Whistles, Murdo Cameron - Guitars & Accordions. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/dexjwZ

TRAD MAG!! The Living Tradition Magazine: Issue 85 has the usual mix of great folk interest items, reviews and pictures. This edition includes features on piper John McSherry, The Ideal Band and a special feature on fiddle player extraordinaire Dave Swarbrick who, a few years back had a double lung transplant operation. £2.93 (£3.25 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/9e9L9W

OUT WITH A BANG!! Edinburgh Fireworks Concert (DVD): As the 2010 Edinburgh Festival comes to an end this week we thought you might like this. A visually spectacular presentation of the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert held in Princes Street Gardens at the foot of the castle to mark the end of the world-renowned Edinburgh International Festival. The dazzling fireworks display, an annual event, from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle is choreographed to music performed  by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu leads the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in an exhuberant programme of classical music appropriate to the occasion. You couldn't get a finer setting for a fireworks concert and it is a truly wonderful spectacle. £10.00 (£11.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cjWJvN

BACK IN STOCK!! The Capercaillie Collection (DVD): 1990 - 1996 Always popular with Foot Stompin' customers, this DVD features the best of the Scottish supergroup performing live. Includes scenes from the film Rob Roy as well as a re-release of the classic in-concert special Two Nights Of Delirium. This captures the band in full flight, performing live in locations that range from a packed theatre to an outdoor marquee show, and also featuring a special acoustic session.  £14.40 (£15.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/8Y4hES

Remember unlike many other websites you can speak to Foot Stompin' on the telephone! Get us on +44 (0)131 441 3135 and we'll help you anyway we can. We take all credit cards

2. First Albums: Aly Bain

Shetland fiddler Aly Bain is a world famous musician not least for his amazing solo performances, his high-profile as host of several Transatlantic Sessions television series, his long term working and touring partnership with Phil Cunningham, and the band Boys of the Lough. He has recorded many albums and garnered awards galore along the way.

His first album was recorded in November 1984. When it was re-released on CD, Aly Bain wrote; "I have long wanted to bring this original album out on CD. The recording was made in November 1984 in Shetland at Viking Vision - long since defunct. Margaret's Waltz was for a while the most requested piece of music on Radio Scotland, and the Barrowburn Reel can be heard wherever traditional musicians meet. Some recordings seem to date quickly, but this one for me stays fresh as ever. My thanks again to Violet Tulloch (piano), Willie Johnson (guitar), and Mary Gair (bass) for their contribution. The recording is respectfully dedicated to my parents who have both died since the original album was made and to my late friends Ronald Cooper, Arthur Argo, Tich Richardson an Tom Anderson."

"...Here you have forty-two minutes of the finest fiddle-playing money can buy: that very rare combination of tradition, technical brilliance and true feeling for the music. This would definitely be one of my desert-island discs!" Alex Monagan The Living Tradition.

Aly Bain - First Album: http://bit.ly/cJ3sek

3. Buy Tickets Now for the 2010 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards

Hands up for Trad, in association with BBC ALBA will be hosting the eighth ‘Scots Trad Music Awards’  on 4th December 2010 at Perth Concert Hall. The aim of these Awards is to highlight Scotland's wonderful traditional music in all its forms and to create a high profile opportunity which will bring the music and music industry into the spotlight of media & public attention. Tickets for the 2010 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards Gala Concert are on sale now. We've kept them at £15 again - the same for the last few years.

The lineup is:
The Chair
Phil Cunningham Band
The McCalmans
Shona Donaldson / Katie MacKenzie
Tom Orr Scottish Dance Band
Darren MacLean Band
Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair
Daniel Thorpe Trio
The Gordon Duncan Experience
Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag

Late night club featuring The Chair will run from midnight to 3am.
There are also tables for sale. They seat 10. If interested contact Hands Up for Trad for more information at info@handsupfortrad.co.uk
More information here: http://bit.ly/cdZYFG

4. Jura Music Festival: 24-26th September 2010
Celebrating its 17th year, The Isle of Jura Musical Festival, held the last weekend in September, is now a well established favourite for lovers of the traditional music scene. The Isle of Jura is part of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, located off the west coast of the Kintyre Peninsula, the island has a population of 200 people and 6000 deer with a beautiful coastline stretching 115 miles. At the Friday night concert locals and visitors from the nearby island of Islay set the scene for a weekend filled with toe-tapping, foot-stomping, elbow-fiddling musical pleasure when they step up to the stage and show off their talents. This year they will be led by fantastic step dance outfit Dannsa. On Saturday there's childrens entertainment and workshops. The Saturday night concert looks fabulous! There's Session A9, Fred Morrison, Darren Maclean Duo, Mary Ann Kennedy, The Pneumatic Drills.

Jura can be reached in a number of ways by public transport and as far as where to stay - there's a variety of accommodation. Everything from camping to self-catering cottages, friendly B&B’s and the comfortable Jura Hotel - however supply is limited and always in demand, so the sooner you can get booked the better.
http://bit.ly/c8rE8t 

5. Snippets

Piping Hot TV!
Enjoyed this BBC Alba programme on Glasgow's Piping Live Festival. Check it out on BBC iPlayer - only for UK viewers - sorry :(
http://bbc.in/a7BvA9

Oban Gold Medal - Historic 1st
Congratulations 18-year-old piper Faye Henderson of Kirriemuir who won the Gold Medal on her first attempt - the first female winner of the gold medal at
either Oban or Inverness. Faye's father is Murray Henderson, a past winner. A big day for Faye, her family, and all of piping.
http://bit.ly/bto77F

A 'Herald Angel' for Michael Marra
Michael has won a Herald Angel Award for his recent performances at the Edinburgh Fringe. "Michael Marra is a songsmith from Dundee, whose craft has been revered for years...On Tuesday, Marra returned to play a solo concert and showed how he has achieved complete mastery of his material and his relationship with the audience. A Bank of Scotland Herald Angel goes to a national treasure"
http://bit.ly/99H9TL

Ray Fisher ballad workshops
Here's a real opportunity to sing and learn from the great Ray Fisher.
http://bit.ly/bDoUs2

Fèis Rois fiddlers to perform on Saturday's National Lottery Awards live on BBC1
Fèis Rois fiddlers are off to London for three days of dress rehearsals before our live performance on the National Lottery Awards live on BBC1 on Saturday night - be sure to tune in!
http://bit.ly/b55SfL

Blas Festival programme
Blas Festival in the Highlands is looking great. Here's the details. http://bit.ly/bPJw2z

Northern Meeting
One of Scotland’s very top piping competitions the Northern Meeting starts tomorrow in Inverness. http://bit.ly/b7SJME

Smallpipes and Harmonica duet on YouTube
Great video from Temple Records of smallpipes and harmonica featuring Mike Katz and Mike Whellans.
http://bit.ly/aDTt1F

The Halton Quartet
Here's a funny video talking about the introduction of The Halton Quartet (Wingin' It, Angus Lyon & Ruaridh Campbell). Well made and very funny.
http://bit.ly/cthUGL

6. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Here's our September 1st 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast. The 6 tracks we're featuring this week are the Angus Nicolson Trio and his new CD Lasses That Baffle Us. We follow this with another new release Slide Show by The Burns Unit. And then yet another new release Ewan McLennan - Rags & Robes. Finlay MacDonald Band then plays us a track from his Re-Echo CD, Lizzie Higgins sings us Three Gypsies and we finish off with Sandy Meldrum's  Scottish Piano Fusion CD.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

7. Best Sellers
CD: The Burns Unit - Side Show: "This is an impressive, entertaining album, not just because of the unlikely array of musicians involved, but because of the quality of the songs.
http://bit.ly/bdl53f

Book: Fiddle Frenzy Coll Volume 5: 50 Years of The Shetland Fiddlers' Society: The main object of the Society is to preserve and develop all aspects of the traditional art of Shetland fiddle playing, which means it simply concentrates on the traditional tunes and styles. The book starts of with the 'Hamefarin' Set'  - that's Da Peerie Hoose Ahint Da Burn, Merry Boys O' Greenland and McDonald's Reel
http://bit.ly/cdnwzL

CD:Single Track Road Trip - Carol Anderson & Martin Macdonald:  A lovely album of traditional Scottish music. Carol is an excellent fiddler and a particularly fine exponent of "pipe tunes" on the instrument.
http://bit.ly/a2D4CH

DVD: The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to mark the diamond jubilee of the world-famous event in 2010.  This special DVD acknowledges the military traditions of piping and drumming. It captures many of the unforgettable Tattoo moments
http://bit.ly/a0SAUa

CD: Portrait  Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham: For more than 20 years this popular and entertaining duo have kept Scotland's music to the fore as they tour the country filling not only small village halls, but all of our major performance venues.  Enjoy a flavour of the duo with these 11 beautifully played tracks starting off with Ronnie Cooper's composition St Ninian's Isle
http://bit.ly/aOJTdy

8. Reviews

CD:  Sealbh - Iain MacInnes
“....Steeped in Highland piping but also with a strong interest in the revival in Scottish bellows-blown pipes, MacInnes plays Highland, Border and small pipes here, with seasoned accompanists including fiddlers John Martin and Mairi Campbell, Ross Kennedy on bouzouki and guitar, and Simon Thoumire on concertina. Characterful repertoire ranges from some exuberant, Highland pipe-led jigs to a small pipes rendition of The Terror Time with David McGuinness providing brooding harpsichord backing. Other material, such as a set of old-fashioned quicksteps, is approached in an unhurried but considered manner, while a vivacious string of Lowland hornpipes culminates in a little number from one George Frideric Handel....The Scotsman:
http://bit.ly/7dAZdU

CD: Twenty – Boys of the Lough:
“These gentlemen are the perennial tourers of the transatlantic folk scene....Their music, like their line-ups, does not so much evolve as flow from one incarnation/genre to the next seamlessly. The contributions are self-contained, as usual (no guests invited, or indeed required). Cathal’s flutes and whistles are as true as ever, and his voice conveys more emotion than is respectable at times..The Living Tradition Magazine:
http://bit.ly/cyE8Gr

CD: Outlands – Fred Morrison:
First impressions are of a rich and complex album full of great tunes. The traditional/bluegrass crossover works really well - a fusion of styles rather than simply the two in parallel. The playing is mindblowingly good - you not only have the world's best piper, but also other major stars like Ron Block (banjo player with Alison Krauss). The production is also fantastic - a big, wide, spacious sound. FSCM Forum
http://www.footstompin.com/products/cds/outlands

Book: Dash o’ Doric – The Hale Lot (book):  Customer Review 5 stars
It is easy when you have left your home town to think that that it is just your city , friends and family you are leaving.This book has literally brought home to me the uniqueness of character and humour of the fundamental nature of the people of the north-east of Scotland.I have never laughed so much and so heartily at any book in my life.The dry subtle humour of the region contained within the anecdotes is a priceless jewel of what I am even more proud now to call my Aberdonian heritage....Kincorthloon
http://bit.ly/9fiRdw

9. Discussion forum
Our forum is a lively place. Why not pay us a visit!

'Who are the 'new' big bands?
I was having a look at the fringe programme the other day and noticed that it is still the same 'folkie' old names that are playing and selling out the big venues. Are there are any newish bands coming up that will be able to sell out the concert halls in future fringes and if not why not?
http://bit.ly/cI3gi5

Who's writing great tunes?
http://bit.ly/bAupmS

10. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you would like your newsletter sent directly to your RSS program (Google Reader, Yahoo etc) you can subscribe using this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/FootStompinScottishMusicNews.

11. Testimonials
I ordered the new Dougie Maclean DVD & the wonderful new CD by Saltfishforty late on Thursday night and they came through my door an hour ago. (Saturday 12.30pm) Just wanted to say what a brilliant service you provide. Anything I buy online fom you is always, without fail, delivered within 48 hours. Thank You so much!!... Saltfishforty rock!!!!! Mikk Skinner

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1. New Arrivals- includes Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 audio CD
2. Scotland's Tradition Bearers: Lizzie Higgins
3. The Lonach Gathering
4. Snippets - includes Bruce MacGregor for Travelling Folk
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Phil & Aly 'Portrait'
7. Reviews includes 'Tyro'
8. Discussion forum - 'Scott-land - a sham country?'
9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter
10. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

BY THE CENTRE!! Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 (audio CD): Celebrating the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, this CD is a recording of the music from the 2010 show live from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Featuring music by the Massed Pipes and Drums, The Lone Piper, The New Zealand Army Band, The Bands of The Grenadier and Coldstream Guards, The Representative Band of the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland, The Royal Jordanian Armed Forces Contingent, the Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes USA, and more. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cWJdLb
Please note: The Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 DVD will be available in late October:  http://bit.ly/bDmK8F

LIGHTS OUT!! The First Lone Piper Plays Again - Pipe Major George Stoddart: A fine selection of pipe tunes - marches, jigs, strathspeys, reels and more. At 'Lights Out' during the very first Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1950, P.M. Stoddart piped the lament 'Sleep Dearie Sleep' from high on the Edinburgh Castle battlements- the playing of Lights Out being part of the end of the day ritual of the  British Army back to the first Highland Regiments of the 18th century.  George Stoddart, a fine piper and a soldier for much of his life, went on to play in every performance of the tattoo for the next 11 years. His son, Major Gavin Stoddart, followed his father as lone piper at the Tattoo and became Director of Army Bagpipe Music for 12 years.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bPDhmu

BAND-AID!! Follow Me...I'm Right Behind You (DVD) An Andy Glen film: In 2009, with an emphasis on participation rather than winning, piping tutor Barry Donaldson formed the College of Piping Training and Development Pipe Band to enter the World Championships...No auditions, little rehearsal, this amusing film follows the fledgling band through two days of mayhem and mutiny as they battle the elements and themselves in a quest to make the starting line at the most prestigious event of the pipe band world. There are some great special features on this DVD particularly "The College, The Bagpipe and Life as a Piper" featuring college Principal Robert Wallace, himself an acclaimed award-winning piper who performs and chats about his piping world. So interesting! £15.29 (£16.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/clzPPP
Have you seen the DVD  'On The Day"? This is the story of the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band - 40 of the world's elite pipers and drummers from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia and the USA who, in one week, came together as a band with the object of  competing in the World Pipe Band Championships.
http://bit.ly/7trCg5

BACK IN STOCK!! Skyedance - Alasdair Fraser and Paul Machlis : Very glad to have tis ever-popular CD back in stock. Alasdair (fiddle) and Paul (piano) with their guests explore the breathtaking harmonic resonances of ancient Gaelic airs, with contemporary settings of tunes from the Reverend Patrick MacDonald's 1784 Collection of Highland Vocal Airs and Captain Simon Fraser's 1816 edition of Airs and Melodies Peculiar to the Highlands of Scotland and the Isles. "This will make your heartstrings thrumb with pleasure! ..Media Review". £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/buXdRC

A SCOTTISH TALE!! Beatrix Potter’s Scotland (book)  - by Lynne McGeachie: You’d never guess it to look at her, but beneath Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s petticoats, cap and prickly exterior, lies a Scotswoman. And while Peter Rabbit may appear the epitome of a middle-English bunny, he too comes from a Scottish home, while the garden for whose radishes he has a near fatal attraction is as Caledonian as Balmoral. This, and much more is revealed in Lynne McGeachie's fascinating new book. Concise, elegant and intriguing, this sliver of literary history shows, perhaps for the first time, the full extent of the place Scotland played in shaping the imagination of Beatrix Potter.  £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aIwPSX

2. Scotland's Tradition Bearers: Lizzie Higgins
The story of this gentle woman and superb singer is simply told.  Born into a Traveller family in Aberdeen, she lived a largely settled life, working as a fish-filleter and marrying before coming to public attention at the age of 38.
Lizzie was born in the Guest [ghaist = ghost] Row of Aberdeen, an ancient side street which was to vanish under desperately needed slum clearance in the 1950s, leaving behind only the house previously known as the Duke of Cumberland's Lodging. Her parents were settled Travellers: Donald ('Donty') Higgins, a piper of great repute, and Jeannie Robertson. In the house also was her uncle Isaac ('Seely') another fine piper.
In 1953, Hamish Henderson came to record her mother, Jeannie Robertson for the School of Scottish Studies, introducing himself by standing on the doorstep and singing The Battle of Harlaw.  Jeannie was thus launched on a singing career which brought her international fame, but although Lizzie was also recorded singing with her mother, she refused all invitations to perform in public, being not just shy but unwilling to be seen as competing with Jeannie.
Lizzie held out until 1967, when the late Peter Hall persuaded her to sing at the Aberdeen Folk Song Festival.  With a sad irony Lizzie's debut was also to be her mother's last public performance.  She made an immediate impact on the audience, for singer and performance were both remarkably composed, to the delight of her highly supportive parents from whom she had learned most of her repertoire.  From such a beginning she became greatly in demand throughout Scotland, England and Wales. Travelling, however, stressed her greatly (not that this ever affected her actual performances), as did the deaths of her mother and father in the early seventies, but although this was greatly alleviated by her marriage to the kindly and supportive Brian Youlden, she had many periods of ill health, from which she would recover to impress the world as a superb exponent of Scots traditional song, making two more solo recordings and appearing on a School of Scottish Studies release. Lizzie Higgins died from cancer in 1993.
Check out "In Memory of Lizzie Higgins (double CD) " is a memorial album of this great Aberdeenshire singer, containing 34 recordings of the best of her songs many of which have never been published before. The 36-page booklet contains a brief biography and an appraisal of Lizzie's singing style by Dr Ian Olson, full song notes and transcriptions. http://bit.ly/b3D5d1

3. Lonach Highland Gathering and Games: 28th August 2010
The Lonach Highland & Friendly Society was founded in 1823 by Sir Charles Forbes, 1st Baronet of Newe & Edinglassie (1773-1849). In 1823 Scotland was on the cusp of monumental change, finally emerging from the bleak post Culloden years to resume her rightful place in the World. With so much change in the air our ancestors saw the need to preserve their heritage whilst still embracing the new. The Lonach March represents an unbroken link from our forefathers to the 21st Century: encountering the Lonach Highlanders for the first time takes you back to pre-1745 Scotland, but this is no historical re-enactment. Membership is drawn from the inhabitants of Strathdon, who continue to fulfil the society's original mission of preserving the Highland dress and the Gaelic tongue, as well as the "support of loyal, peaceable and manly conduct; and the promotion of social and benevolent feelings among the inhabitants of the district".
The Men of Lonach, in full Highland dress and armed with pikes and Lochaber battleaxes, march around the arena, having already accomplished a long march early in the morning round the homes of the patrons of the Gathering. There's piping and highland dancing competitions,field sports, hill races and much more.
The Lonach Gathering & Games is held in the village of Bellabeg, Strathdon which is situated on the A944, approximately 42 miles from Aberdeen.
http://bit.ly/cpp36B

4. Snippets
New series of Ballad Workshops
.....a series of 5 events (3 workshops and 2 guests) in Glasgow, starting on Sunday 29th August . The workshops are run by Anne Neilson and Gordeanna McCulloch who  between them, have over 100 years singing experience, Gordeanna and Anne believe in the power of these marvellous old songs to communicate meaningfully to a contemporary audience, and are keen to share that thrill with others.
http://bit.ly/afeLth

‘The Red Earth’ - The Cast
The Cast  (Dave Francis & Mairi Campbell) are doing a wee run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next week in a show  they've devised, combining words and new songs specially written for the occasion. It’s called ‘The Red Earth’ and is about the story of some of Mairi’s forebears and their lives in China and Scotland in the early part of the last century. August 23rd - 27th, Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides.
http://bit.ly/8Y77w5

Old Blind Dogs Headline at Linlithgow
One of Scotland’s most highly rated traditional Folk bands – Old Blind Dogs – will be the headline act at this year’s Linlithgow Folk Festival in September. The band has recently returned from a highly acclaimed tour of the United States.
http://bit.ly/948EXn

Fantastic Russian musicians visit Scotland!
Don'r miss this chance to see world renowned, thrilling and colourful Russian traditional music, song and dance from the famous "Don Cossack Balalaika" from Rostov on Don. They are in concert with the Ideal Band, one of Glasgow's most exciting recent line-ups. You can catch them in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Giffnock.
http://bit.ly/b8fr4e

Roy Williamson - the man behind The Corries
"As half of The Corries Roy Williamson was adored, especially after he wrote Flower Of Scotland. But beneath the fiery folk music lay a character shaped by emotional upheaval and family divisions... read more
http://bit.ly/c6H45P

Bruce MacGregor for Travelling Folk!
BBC Radio Scotland's Travelling Folk returns to the airwaves every Thursday evening, from September 2nd.  The programme will be broadcasting live from BBC Aberdeen between 8pm and 10pm, with new presenter Bruce MacGregor....
http://bit.ly/cTI4KB

World Pipe Band Champs - the winners!
Congratulations St Laurence O'Tool Pipe Band from Dublin who won the title in a close run battle with Field Marshal Montgomery PB and Simon Fraser University PB. A record turnout of 53,000 watched the event!. Well done RSPBA and Glasgow Council. Next years event is the 13th August 2011.
http://bit.ly/dowdCd

Trad Music at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The festival  is well under way - Check out what you can see by way of folk music in our Foot Stompin' Fringe Guide. There's loads to pick from..
http://bit.ly/bzP9PR

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2011
Only a couple of days left to enter the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2011. It's a great opportunity for any young musician. Closing date Friday 20th August.
http://bit.ly/amH1Z5

Highland Conference
A conference,  under the title "Old Maps and New - Highlands and Islands Culture and the Economy" celebrating the last and the next 20 years of communities and culture in the Highlands and Islands is to be held in Inverness in November 2010. Booking for the conference will open on 30th Aug
http://bit.ly/aM2OcP

5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast

Here's our August 18th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast.  We got a load of new Scottish music releases for you this week. We start of with the new CD Portrait from Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and follow it with some beautiful singing from Davie Robertson on his Lowland Souch CD. Next up is Dawning of the Day  by St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band who won the World Pipe Band Championships at the weekend. Our next selection is a golden oldie from The Lochies and their Tir Aluinn LP/CD which is followed by the Willie Hunter Sessions. We finish up this podcast with Under the Counter from Bodega. http://bit.ly/oWIhn

6. Best Sellers

CD: Portrait - Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham: For more than 20 years this popular and entertaining duo have kept Scotland's music to the fore as they tour the country filling not only small village halls, but all of our major performance venues.  Enjoy a flavour of the duo with these 11 beautifully played tracks starting off with Ronnie Cooper's composition St Ninian's Isle.
http://bit.ly/aOJTdy

DVD: The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to mark the diamond jubilee of the world-famous event in 2010.  This special DVD acknowledges the military traditions of piping and drumming. It captures many of the unforgettable Tattoo moments
http://bit.ly/a0SAUa

CD: Netherbow  - Saltfishforty: This is the third CD from popular Orkney duo of Douglas Montgomery (fiddle, viola) and Brian Cromarty (guitar, mandola, vocals). Great tunes and fab playing.
http://bit.ly/9Sn1gv

DVD: Dougie MacLean - Songmaker: Singer songwriter Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland's most successful, respected and popular musicians. His song 'Caledonia' and melody 'The Gael' (used in the filmThe Last of the Mohicans) have been recorded by hundreds of artists and enjoyed by millions worldwide.
http://bit.ly/97esIz

CD: Fortune's Road - Back of the Moon: Excellent traditional music and all four in the band are also good singers.
http://bit.ly/cAU1EL

CD: All Set - Scottish Country Dancing - the easy way!: This is absolutely great! A complete learning package in a CDROM  for Ceilidh and Scottish Country Dancing. (It is also a full length music CD for use in your usual CD player.) Used as a CD-ROM, you can read all about the 10 popular dances in detail (there are animated diagrams, steps and formation)  then watch a team of dancers on video while they demonstrate how to do each of them.
http://bit.ly/cDMmJp

7. Reviews
CD: Tyro - Rua MacMillan:
Tyro features fiddler and Nairn native Rua Macmillan in a recording made for Greentrax which was part of his prize for winning the “Up and Coming Artist of the Year” award 2009. This collection shows beyond a doubt that he is a worthy winner, and anything but a tyro – except, I suppose, in recording circles – as the tunes, many of which are his own compositions, demonstrate. Backed by Tia Files, Adam Brown, Alasdair MacLeod and Brian McNeill, Rua (short for Ruairidh, by the way) turns in a series of very assured performances which point to a rosy future.

CD: From A Garden Of Songs – Various Artists
Brought into being by Lanarkshire songwriter Tom Clelland – who, with Robin Laing, contributes the bulk of the music and songs – this is a magical evocation of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry for the child in all of us. Peter Nardini's luminous paintings shine through the 28-page cover notes, and contributions from fiddler Pete Clark, cellist Wendy Weatherby and singers Christine Kydd, Davie Scott and Duncan McCrone are other glowing facets of this wee gem....Norman Chalmers, Scotland on Sunday
http://bit.ly/d3Zjwp

CD: Elevate - Fiona Mackenzie
..."Elevate" is a tremendously impressive debut; well-written, beautifully sung and exquisitely produced. I can't recommend this album highly enough, nor run out of enthusiasm for singing its praises..Mike Wilson..Folking.com
http://bit.ly/bq8dQ2

CD/DVD: Passing Places:  Mairearad Green.  One from the heart, as Wester Ross piper and accordionist Mairearad Green does more than any tourist board to celebrate her native Coigach peninsula in her Celtic Connections New Voices commission, recorded at its premiere in January and exhibiting all the freshness and verve of live performance. Green is making a name for herself as a composer of well-received tunes, as well as a player in outfits such as Box Club and the Poozies. Joined here by such sterling associates as guitarist Anna Massie, drummer Donald Hay and fiddlers Adam Sutherland and Peter Tickell, the ensemble generates such highly melodic and exuberant sets as The New Band and The Pipe Set, as well as the beautifully wistful Homecoming. On the DVD, Magnus Graham's film, made as a backdrop for the premiere, sets the music against a cyclist's-eye panorama of glowing scenery. The Scotsman
http://bit.ly/4AqsCI

CD: Flower and Iron - Malinky:
....once again showcases their undoubted command of vocal and instrumental arts, regardless of any changes in the line-up. The current team comprises Fiona Hunter on vocals and cello, Steve Byrne (vocals, bouzouki, cittern and guitar); Mark Dunlop (vocals, whistles and bodhran); Mike Vass (fiddle); and Dave Wood (guitar and bouzouki). A glance at the list suggests that the vocal team has been strengthened, and such is the case, as will be evident to the listener. Tracks range from a salute to the Drunken Duck (a pub in Ambleside) to tragedy, love, and musings on the futility of war. Once again Malinky score a bull's-eye in musicality. The Scots Magazine
http://bit.ly/9MyK3N

8. Foot Stompin' Discussion Forum - Feel free to join in!

Scott-land - a sham country?
I am currently enjoying reading Sir Walter Scott's 'Waverley' so was interested to see this review of Stuart Kelly's book 'Scott-land: The Man who Invented a Nation' .
http://bit.ly/bvWhKZ

9. Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin' on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates
Foot Stompin' has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg
If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS
If you're looking for the perfect music streaming option why not try Napster? You get 5 MP3s and 10 million songs to play including a great selection of folk music.

10. Testimonials

I look forward to building my music collection, with your companies assistance ! N.E.
WoW! what a postal service!! The parcel has just arrived, many thanks  M Low

To unsubscribe from this newsletter by reply with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

1. New Arrivals- includes Chris Stout & Catriona Mckay; Concerto Caledonia
2. Classic Album: Donald MacPherson – A Living Legend
3. Scotland's Great Dance Bands - Da Fustra
4. Snippets - Run Mama Run!
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Bairn’s Kist
7. Foot Stompin’ Scotch Whisky
8. Reviews includes Saltfishforty at Oran Mor
9. Discussion forum - mouth Music
10. Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter
11. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

GREAT PLAYING!! White Nights – Chris Stout & Catriona Mckay: Sparkling new album from harp and fiddle sound-sensation duo. "A more connected world is all well and good, but sometimes a degree of isolation can play a beneficial role in the life of local accents and music. The Shetlands are a case in point, with their strong historical ties to Norway and a rich tradition of fiddle music that bridges the Celtic and Viking spheres of influence. It's a tradition brilliantly harnessed by fiddler Chris Stout and harper Catriona McKay, whose atmospheric duo playing has evolved out of a decade long partnership in the much admired Shetland group Fiddlers Bid. White Nights, the second of what should be many recordings together, bristles with the special energy of two contrasting musical personalities, with Stout's uninhibited fiddle style tempered by the graceful precision of McKay's clarsach, or traditional Scottish harp."...IMC. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bEC5aJ

IT'S EARLY !! Concerto Caledonia - Late Night Sessions : Concerto Caledonia have built a notable reputation for bringing historically important early music back into circulation, and doing it with as much a sense of danger as of style. In 2009, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, Concerto Caledonia performed four genre-busting concerts at The Hub with guests Martin Carthy, Michael Marra, Alasdair Roberts & Katharine Fuge. This CD is those concerts distilled into an exhilarating 62 minutes. £13.49 (£14.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cfU8xf

FLYING SOLO!! Muriel Johnstone - Facets: This CD features Muriel playing solo piano. A well-known pianist, composer and dance band-leader she shows off her skills on a selection of music for listening to, rather than dancing to. Some beautiful slow airs, some jazzy numbers and some jigs, reels and marches, all played solo. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cVwgen

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE!!  An Eosag  - Captain  D J MacKinnon: This CD is a precious archive of Gaelic songs from Captain Donald Joseph MacKinnon who came from Bruernish in Barra and later lived in South Uist. His children Chrissie, Margaret, Roddy and Donalda are pleased to share their father's love of song with us all. Most of the recordings are very old and recorded in many different places. Captain  MacKinnon was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his  bravery at Dunkirk whilst aboard the RMS King George V. His career in the Merchant Navy saw him become  Captain of MacBrayne's ship, The Loch Mor. £12.59 (£13.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aF3FUn

2. Classic Album: Donald MacPherson – A Living Legend
Between 1948 and 1990, whenever Donald MacPherson stepped onto the platform a hush fell. His mastery has set the benchmark of excellence in Highland bagpiping for generations. Despite his infrequent attendance, Donald made history at the premier piping competitions by winning first prize on most of his visits. A precision engineer by profession, he was never a keen performer nor self-promoter and recordings of him are rare. it is 50 years since Donald MacPherson made history, winning both the Gold Medal and the former winners' events on the same day at the prestigious Northern Meeting. His extraordinary success at Scotland's premier competitions lasted from 1948 until his retirement in 1990, and is never likely to be equalled.
On this CD (it is actually a 168-page illustrated hardback book + 76-minute audio CD.) he champions piobaireachd, one of Europe’s great instrumental traditions. Composed for highland chieftains between 1537 and 1747, these works display a piper’s genius. Sophisticated and soulful, these compositions have been transmitted aurally since the seventeenth century and are considered the test of a bagpiper’s genius. No-one plays them more magnificently than Donald MacPherson.
"Recordings are rare, the tradition's demystification rarer still. Donald MacPherson - A Living Legend is the perfect introduction. It fills the gap between early classical and traditional Gaelic music, offering an entertaining and informative insight into piobaireachd history and culture, past and present. It merits an appearance in every serious music collection.".........Hi-Arts Journal, September 2004.
http://bit.ly/c6JSUY

3. Scotland's Great Dance Bands - Da Fustra
Da Fustra (the name means "the rock in the foaming sea") began when Douglas and Cecil, then studying in Edinburgh, got together to play their native Shetland music. Forty years later the impetus is stronger than ever, and Da Fustra maintains the momentum and style that is the Shetland Ceilidh. Ceilidh dances in Shetland idiom are usually danced three times through, and the Boston Two-step always features at least three times in an evening! The dancers catch their breath with the slow waltzes, including one from neighbouring Scandinavia, before hurtling themselves back into the mealstrom of the Two-step and the Quadrilles! Da Fustra's blend of traditional tunes and dances, and swing-along, sing-along sets, turns any evening's dance into a real swell party!
The band have five albums and a live DVD available so if you can't get along to one of their famous dances (they are stalwarts at Shetland's annual Accordion and Fiddle Festival) then taking home some of their recordings is the next best thing.
http://bit.ly/d2VdYJ

4. Snippets
Run Mama Run!
.... a back-to-basics, word-of-mouth, tartan-clad, kilt-swinging endurance challenge around the Pentland Hills Regional Park for friends, fans and family connected to the Martyn Bennett Trust. Each team entering can raise as much sponsorship as possible to fund the Mama Ù Cultural Centre in Columbia to help young people seek refuge from conflict and rediscover their musical culture. Teams are not just competing for the fastest time around the route of their choice, but also for the most sponsorship raised and craziest tartan fancy dress....8am: 28th August . More details....
http://bit.ly/9BeXxf

Alasdair & Sean on video
..that’s White and O’Donnell  of the Battlefield Band playing fab fiddle and guitar. Check it out!
http://bit.ly/drsDJD

Skipinnish Job Opportunity!
Skipinnish are seeking a qualified Marketing & Sales Graduate to work in their busy office in Fort William. Skipinnish are a band, a record label, a ceilidh house and much more!
http://bit.ly/cGkxLt

The Seedboat
Gaelic singer Maggie MacInnes has a new album coming in August. It's called 'The Seedboat (Bàta an t-Sìl)'. It will be launched at Edinburgh Festival Fringe to coincide with her shows of the same title with Ireland's Colum Sands.
http://bit.ly/bltDAB

Two great concerts in Glasgow!
..at St Andrew's in the Square as part of Piping Live! Festival. The 11th August features the Music of the West Coast with Julie Fowlis, Griogair Labhruidh and the James Graham Trio. The 12th August will be a special ceilidh with the legendary Fergie MacDonald Band.
http://bit.ly/dxKrI7

Blas Festival - Ticket Offer!
A huge array of trad music stars at this festival. Buy your tickets before 31st July and get BIG savings. Blas celebrates the music of the Highlands and runs 3rd - 12th September.
http://bit.ly/9CrYXZ

5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
Here's our July 23rd 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast.  We're featuring all new releases this edition - Skerryvore, Duncan Chisholm, Captain DJ Mackinnon, Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, Muriel Johnstone and Kevin Murray.  http://bit.ly/oWIhn

Don’t forget this great and arresting ringtone from Stuart Cassells’ (Red Hot Chilli Pipers) album Blown Away. Download it here. http://bit.ly/6H7zj6

6. Best Sellers
CD: Bairn's Kist - Christina Stewart: The aim of the project is to encourage mothers, fathers, grannies and other carers of young children to sing  to their children.  25 songs - dandling songs, singing games, action songs, and yes! lullabies. A perpetual favourite at Foot Stompin'.
http://bit.ly/8wpHER
Check out Christina's other CD Kist O' Dreams- lullabies from the Scottish tradition sung at a gentle rocking pace: http://bit.ly/aDjQTr

CD: Affirmation - Simon Fraser University Pipe Band: This is the recording made on August 12th 2009 three days before the band captured its 6th World Pipe Band Championship, and 4th World Drum Corps Championship! Can they do it all over again in 2010?
http://bit.ly/9VKQEm
More World Champion piping: http://bit.ly/b4GXpi

CD: A Celebration of Clyde Valley Jazz: This album is a tribute to the Scottish jazzers who kept the Clyde Valley ringing & a-jumping.
http://bit.ly/cLMW6D

CD: Glorious Scotland: The artists who feature here are amongst the finest to be found anywhere in the celtic music world and all ably represent a rich heritage and thriving culture.
http://bit.ly/cpnKiM

DVD: Instrument of War - 2 DVD Set: 'Ladies From Hell' and 'Call to the Blood' now combined in one set to bring you the powerful story of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
http://bit.ly/bZL1Lv

Book +CD: Essential Tunes For Pipers: Dugald MacNeil's comprehensive guide to the tunes every piper should know. They also constitute the basic pipers' repertoire, so that when you meet up with other pipers, these are the tunes you will have in common.
http://bit.ly/aBle9z

7. Foot Stompin’ Scotch Whisky
Here’s a couple of different whiskies couresy of our partners Master of Malt

Amrut Fusion
East meets West with Amrut Fusion, made with Scottish and Indian barley, making this a true fusion of countries. This was the 3rd Finest Whisky of the Year... £33.95
http://bit.ly/9Elzxf

Longmorn 16 Year Old
Mouthwatering, and effortlessly elegant, the new 16 year old from Longmorn looks and tastes stunning... £42.95
http://bit.ly/csbZ6I

8. Reviews
CD: Secret Orders - Claire Mann and Aaron Jones
The stunning debut release from Claire and Aaron is a culmination of several years of touring as a duo and as well as established guests such as bassist Kevin McGuire (The Felsons, Karine Polwart Band) driving bódhran player Martin O'Neill (Dóchas, Flook, Michael McGoldrick Band) accordionist Leo McCann (Malinky) and resonator guitar ace Nathon Jones, the CD includes guest appearances by friends and family to create a warm and relaxed feel. The album truly reflects and captures the energy and passion that Claire and Aaron have developed during years of touring together. From the energy of their jigs and reels through jaunting waltzes, beautifully interpreted songs to haunting laments, the CD takes you on a journey through their development as a duo....Pete Fyfe, Folking.com
http://bit.ly/9i2mTN

Live concert - Oran Mor Glasgow: Saltfishforty/Spiers & Boden:
Orkney duo Saltfishforty, comprising Douglas Montgomery on fiddle and singer/guitarist Brian Cromarty, are a naturally comical pairing and effortlessly lyrical players, whose varied repertoire encompassed farmhand murder ballads, sweet lullabies and a jaunty country/skiffle-influenced paean to tea and toast, with a Stéphane Grappelli-style fiddle breakdown. Both partnerships are also vital cogs in larger ensembles – Spiers & Boden are the driving force behind the folk/world big band Bellowhead, while Montgomery and Cromarty also play in crossover eight-piece The Chair – so it was no great surprise that their collaborative finale produced some of the most invigorating moments of the night, fuelled by the extra impact of a twin fiddle attack... Fiona Shepherd, The Scotsman
http://bit.ly/9CspUz

DVD: Instrument of War: Customer Review: 5 Stars
For anyone interested in Scottish military history, this is a worthwhile addition top your library. Great narration, great pipes and wonderful stories. I ordered another copy because after viewing, I gave the first one away to a soldier from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.  Jon Scott
http://bit.ly/bZL1Lv

9. Foot Stompin' Discussion Forum - Feel free to join in!
Mouth Music
I am trying to get some advice about mouth music sometimes known as singing in tongues.I am looking for any resources to guide me, cds books articles etc if anyone performs this is it easy to learn or would a tutor be the best way to go
http://bit.ly/9YOa31

10. Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates

Foot Stompin’ has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg

If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS

If you're looking for the perfect music streaming option why not try Napster? You get 5 MP3s and 10 million songs to play including a great selection of folk music.

11. Testimonials
WoW! what a postal service!! The parcel has just arrived, many thanks  M Low

To unsubscribe from this newsletter by reply with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

1. New Arrivals- includes Bill Hill, One Singer One Song
2. Feature: The Kerr’s Collections (arguably one of the best Scottish tunes collections ever)
3. Scotland’s Bright Stars: Bodega
4. Snippets - BBC Scotland Young Trad Award
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Ringtone
6. Best Sellers - Includes Edinburgh Tattoo 2009
7. Reviews includes The Birnam Quartet, Fiona MacKenzie
8. Discussion forum
9. Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter
10. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

CAUGHT LIVE!! Bill Hill's Police Record - Bill Hill: First recorded 'live in concert' in 1978 at The Police Club in Edinburgh, a genuine classic makes a welcome return. Bill is the master of parody songwriting in the Scots folk tradition and this album neatly brings together his best work. Many of Bill's songs became standard items in the repertoire of The Corries and other songs found their way into the acts of many artistes performing on the folk scene. But, there's nobody does a Bill Hill song quite like the man himself! He has a great delivery, and, if the audience laughter on the CD is anything to go by,his live show was very entertaining! £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cKKsBE

GIE’S A SANG!! One Singer One Song (book) - Ewan McVicar:  'One Singer One Song' is the cry raised in a Glasgow party or pub to resolve which of two or more competing singers has the floor. The book contains words and music for some sixty old and new songs of Glasgow from the thousands that have been written. Included are folksongs, music hall songs such as 'Nancy Whisky' and 'Ye Canny Shove Yer Granny'. Not just the songs, but the stories behind them and the singers and songwriters - Matt McGinn, Roddy McMillan, Billy Connolly, Jimmie Macgregor, Norman Buchan, Adam McNaughtan, Thurso Berwick, Hamish Imlach, Archie Fisher, Hamish Henderson. Ewan McVicar's excellent book charts the origins and course of the Folk Revival in Glasgow. £6.29 (£6.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aCGmuF

BACK IN STOCK!! Colin Campbell: The Collected Songs From The Scottish Farmer (Double DVD): Colin Campbell is the popular entertainer in the North East of Scotland famous for his portrayal of the various humorous aspects of farming and crofting in Scotland. His is clever, observant humour about Scottish rural life which has his audiences spitting their sides with laughter. You will laugh at his Road Rage Cowboy ambling along on his tractor with a look of  wicked glee on his face, knowing that no-one can pass him!  Some of the songs are shot with live action to illustrate the story. Fun and games galore in this double edition featuring over 2 hours of song going back over the years ..£17.99 (£19.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/bgoR4Z

2. The Kerr’s Collections
James S Kerr (1841-1893) established his music publishing company in 1863. He was the most prolific publisher of his day. He published the popular dance repertoire of his time (in Kerr's Collections) and the output of his company continued for a century. Kerr's Collections embraced all the succeeding stars of the music world including Jimmy Shand, Andy Stewart, Robert Wilson, Jimmy Blair, Ian Powrie and more. Among his publications was a collection of strathspeys and reels for the 'pianoforte' with the music  arranged in sets for dancing, and 'Kerrs Cornkisters', all the favourite bothy ballads (cornkisters) as sung by the 'King of the Cornkisters' Willie Kemp.  Among James Kerr's most enduring music books and those known to generations of aspiring fiddlers are the collections of 'Merry Melodies For The Violin'. There are four  books, each consisting of around 445 reels, strathspeys, hornpipes, jigs, marches and airs - as popular with fiddlers today as they were in James Kerr's own time.
Check out the Kerr's Collections here: http://bit.ly/dkwl4b

3. Scotland’s Bright Stars: Bodega
Bodega are a young, five piece band drawn from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The band was formed in March 2005 while all five members were attending high school at The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music. They were the winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Band award for 2005/06 and released their self titled debut CD in 2006.

Since then, the band has played at most of the prominent UK festivals including Cambridge and Celtic Connections, where they shared the stage at a major concert with Moving Hearts. They have toured France, Italy and Norway with returns to all in the near future. The band also had two very successful US tours in the Spring and Fall of 2007 , performing at the Old Songs Festival, Summerfest in New Bedford, the Cincinnati Celtic Festival and Celtic Classic in Bethlehem. They returned to North America in the summer and fall of 2008 to participate at the Celtic College and festival in Goderich On, the Milwaukee Irish Festival, the Chicago Celtic Festival and a return to Bethlehem for the Celtic Festival.

2009 was a busy year for the band as they appeared at festivals including Tonder and toured in Italy, performed in Holland and Norway. Bodega were awarded folk band of the year at the 2009  MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.

Bodega are: Gillian Chalmers  - piper, fiddler; Tia Files  - guitar, pipes, fiddle bass;  Norrie MacIver  - Gaelic song, guitar, accordion; June Naylor - harp; Ross Couper - fiddle.
Bodega have recorded two CDs:
Bodega: http://bit.ly/9hSKi4  and Under The Counter: http://bit.ly/9hSKi4

4. Snippets

Stonehaven Aqua Ceilidh!
..water dancing was part of the Stonehaven Folk Festival last weekend - looks like fun! Check out this YouTube clip:
http://bit.ly/cKcAna

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2011
...It's a great opportunity for any young musician aspiring to a career in traditional music. Closing date for entries..Friday 20th August. Full details at Hands Up For Trad:
http://bit.ly/cgDEJi

Job Opportunity: Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin Development Worker
The Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin seeks to appoint a dynamic and innovative Development Worker to strengthen the organisation’s position as a key provider of youth music-making opportunities both in the City of Edinburgh and nationally. Full details http://bit.ly/deZBGU

Flatpicking resource
Fab guitarist and singer Kris Drever has uploaded some videos of flatpicked tunes for folks to learn. Great idea! check it out. http://bit.ly/9hjbB8

Rolling Hills Festival
Over the weekend of July 23, 24 and 25th the Rolling Hills Folk Club in Melrose in the Scottish Borders brings you a weekend of folk song, music and dance, topped off with a beer festival and a craft fair...Check it out:
http://bit.ly/b06eXR

Tinto flicks!
Foot Stompin's Simon made a flickr slide show of the week at Tinto Summer School. Simon writes "The whole time was immensely enjoyable with great young folk and brilliant tutors. Roll on next year 4th - 9th July 2011."
http://bit.ly/d6ipc6

BBC ALBA at the Hebridean Celtic Festival
There will be two special one hour TV programmes from this year’s festival taking place in Stornoway from 14 – 17 July...The 'Heb Celt' is always a fantastic event, so these should be great programmes!
http://bit.ly/cGK4IF

5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Ringtone
This is a great and arresting ringtone from Stuart Cassells’ (Red Hot Chillie Pipers) album Blown Away. Download it here. http://bit.ly/6H7zj6

Don’t forget our latest July 7th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast.  For this edition we're at Tinto Summer School in Wiston, South Lanarkshire. http://bit.ly/oWIhn

6. Best Sellers

DVD: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009: An all year round favourite  the Edinburgh Military Tattoo features the 'Massed Pipes & Drums' - their emergence from the castle a thrilling spectacle which is a perennial favourite with both live and television audiences
http://bit.ly/3ImbIL
More Tattoo CDs and DVDs: http://bit.ly/bSNnby

CD: Boneshaker - Cantrip: An excellent trad band with dual fiddles and pipes
http://bit.ly/cd3nzm

CD: Diversions - Daimh: a pipe and fiddle-led Highlands - based  band with a high-energy, fast-flowing mixture of music from the Gaelic cultural tradition.
http://bit.ly/arNBBN

Book: Cod Liver Oil and the Orange Juice - Reminiscenses of a Fat Folk Singer: the scurrilous yet hilarious  Hamish Imlach...
http://bit.ly/cY2pxe

CD: Eclection - Gabe McVarish: Excellent fiddle playing from Gabe..
http://bit.ly/9TiS9b

CD: Glorious Scotland - Various Artists. 14 fabulous tracks celebrating Scotland's wonderful traditional music 
http://bit.ly/dmHXTu

7. Reviews

CD: The Music of Burns - The Birnam Quartet.
"....the music is handled with warmth and affection, with real gems in the unaccompanied fiddle renditions of Now Westlin' Winds and A Man's A Man" ...Jim Gilchrist...The Scotsman

CD: Lost in This Song - Give Way. Customer Review -  5 Stars
What talented young ladies . Excellent . I did have the pleasure to meet them and they are so  friendly...WH
http://bit.ly/9IrQia

CD: Braes of Badentarbat -  Ali 'Beag' MacLeod and Kevin MacLeod
"Highland Music and Gaelic Verse from Coigach" is what it says on the tin, and that's what you get - the tar, brine and salty sunshine of the Summer Isles. Centred round Ali's pungent melodeons and Kevin's mandolin-family instruments are local wordsmiths, bards, artists, cousins and characters, featured in songs, tales, Gaelic poetry and tunes stretching back from today through the 19th century. Shooglenifty's Luke Plumb and the Occasional's Freeland Barbour also add their sure mark...Norman Chalmers...Scotland on Sunday
http://bit.ly/dqeBt

CD:  Elevate - Fiona Mackenzie
What a surprise this beautifully crafted album is. If you were to measure it by the standards of most ‘folk' albums it would be leagues above for originality. Although Fiona is steeped in the tradition having emerged from the ranks of Seelyhoo back in 1995 it is the sumptuous sounds of producer Calum Malcolm that lend MacKenzie's waspish vocals a cushion of velvet on which to travel. On the opening track "When The Sunny Sky Has Gone" our heroine appears to be following in the wake of Katie Melua with delicately picked nylon strung guitar joined by gently understated piano. Inventive without being indulgent, this is the kind of album that will make you appreciate the arrangement as much as the words...www.folking.com
http://bit.ly/97fm3y

8. Foot Stompin' Discussion Forum - Feel free to join in!
Arran Boat Song - origins
http://bit.ly/cHIVsq
Selkirk Sessions 2010?
http://bit.ly/dsp57w

9. Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates

Foot Stompin’ has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg

If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS

If you're looking for the perfect music streaming option why not try Napster? You get 5 MP3s and 10 million songs to play including a great selection of folk music.

10. Testimonials
WoW! what a postal service!! The parcel has just arrived, many thanks  M Low

1. New Arrivals- includes Jeelie Jars ‘n’ Coalie Backies
2. Classic Albums -  Ossian
3. The Edinburgh Edinburgh Festival Fringe  Programme 2010
4. Snippets - Competitions!
5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast
6. Best Sellers - Includes Skerryvore
7. Reviews includes Rua MacMillan, the Early McKellar
8. Discussion forum
9. Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter
10. Testimonials

1. New at Foot Stompin' (remember if you've bought from us before you get our loyalty 10% discount off everything)

WHAT A GUY!! Cod Liver Oil and The Orange Juice - Reminiscences of a Fat Folksinger (book): Recently re-published this month by 'Gallus Publishing', this is the outrageous, disgusting, brutally honest and totally hilarious autobiography of Hamish Imlach, an itinerant funny man whose outsize shape and matching personality gave him a unique profile. When first published in 1992 it featured for three months in lists of Scotland’s best selling books. Hamish Imlach was a professional folk singer, humourist and guitar stylist, massively popular here and abroad. He influenced Christy Moore, John Martyn, Billy Connolly. John Martyn wrote of him, “If it hadn’t been for Hamish and his encouragement and patience with younger musicians, there would be far fewer musicians about, myself included. And Hamish had a great influence in bringing humour into folk music. The Big Yin wouldn’t have become the Big Yin without the Fat Yin.” 'scurrilous and side-splitting' - The Herald. £10.79 (£11.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cY2pxe 

Check out the Hamish Imlach CD ‘Cod Liver Oil and The Orange Juice - The Transatlantic Anthology (2 CD Set) ’ also available at Foot Stompin’: http://bit.ly/889LzJ

A LOTHIAN LAD!! Jeelie Jars ‘n’ Coalie Backies - Alex Hodgson: A lovely CD of Scots songs. Alex has written seven of the eleven songs and his love of the Lothians, in particular, but Scotland in general, are etched in the lyrics of his songs. ‘Witch Hunt’ is the story of witches hunted down in East Lothian; ‘Fisherrow Belles’ looks at the women who were the backbone of the fishing industry in the glory days; ‘Blantyre’ is in memory of the miners of Scotland’s worst mining disaster of 1877. ’Mary Let Me Tak’ Ye Dancin’ is a humorous look at his parents’ dancing days and visits to the ‘picture house’ or cinema. Of the four traditional songs – ’Willie’s Gon’ Tae Melville Castle’ and ‘As A Come in by Fisherrow’ further reflects the history of the Lothians and ‘The Shearin’ and ‘Jock o’ Hazeldean’ are fine examples of good Scottish songs. £11.69 (£12.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/cWXwU6

BACK IN STOCK!! James Alexander the Speyside Fiddler: Delighted to get a new supply of this album. James, a leading light of the "Fochabers Fiddlers" is not only an excellent fiddler in a subtly understated manner, but also a brilliant composer. Fiddle solo, fiddle with piano, fiddle with accordion and drums, and with cello. Superb arrangements, essentially Scottish marches, waltzes with a transatlantic swing, plus some Scott Skinner too. This is a lovely album and you will also enjoy James' distinctive ‘north-east’ style of fiddle playing. £9.90(£10.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/aKy5pu

DANCIN’ IN STYLE!! Adam Rennie and his Scottish Country Dance Quartet (Volume Two): Adam Rennie's band was was a highly regarded 1950s strict tempo Scottish Country Dance Quartet. The musicians are Adam Rennie (fiddle), Bobby Brown (accordion), George Robertson (piano) and Jock White or Ed Robb (double bass).  All 24 tracks have been remastered from the original studio tapes. 20 were recorded at several sessions for issue on the Pye-Nixa label and the remaining 4 for the Parlophone label. 24 tracks featuring over 60 tunes including several of Adam Rennie's own outstanding compositions..£10.79 (£11.99 for first time customers)
http://bit.ly/do1NZR

Ossian, named after the legendary 3rd century Celtic bard and folk hero, was formed in 1976, and became one of Scotland's best-loved folk revival bands. This self-titled and ground-breaking album of Scottish/Celtic music was their first recording. The band went on to make a series of albums on their own Iona label. All four members of the band were from Glasgow, but George and Billy Jackson were both of Irish extraction and they developed a taste for  Celtic traditions on the family croft in the Donegal Gaeltacht. John Martin comes from a long line Aberdeenshire fiddlers and still plays the fiddle owned at one time by his Grandfather. Billy Ross has his roots in Skye, and from this background he inherited his love of Gaelic song.

The band played a wide variety of mainly Scottish traditional music ranging from their lively jigs and reels to the plaintive 'Oh My Country',  a sad tale of an emigrant from Uist who arrives in Manitoba to find a cold and hostile land. The album featured: William Jackson: Celtic Harp, Uillean Pipes, Whistle, Vocals; John Martin: Fiddle, Mandolin, Cello, Vocals; George Jackson: Fiddle, Mandolin, Flute, Whistle, Guitar, Vocals and Billy Ross: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Whistle, Dulcimer
http://bit.ly/dCgoCl

3. The Edinburgh Edinburgh Festival Fringe  Programme 2010

We have been burning the midnight oil doing our customary trawl through all the available information we can find to put together our annual  'Guide' to what will be happening by way of  traditional, folk, world music, at the Edinburgh Festivals. We have added in any relevant event happening in the surrounding Edinburgh area during the period to make the guide as comprehensive as possible.

The world's largest celebration of the arts, the annual Edinburgh International Festival Fringe (now in its 64th year!), is a massive explosion of cultural and artistic expression centred around the official festival. There are many thousands of individual performances taking place during August and Scotland's wonderful traditional music and song gets the chance to blossom during this fantastic and exciting time.  Foot Stompin' have poured over all the available info including the official Fringe Programme plus as many of the other sources, to make up a guide to what's available in the Edinburgh area by way of traditional, folk, world  music.There’s so much happening!

We have as usual arranged the guide to show performances in date (and time) order.The guide  takes account of events between 30th July and 5th September and we include gig descriptions and info re ticket prices.
http://bit.ly/baLDef

4. Snippets
Competitions!
In the last few days we’ve heard of three competitions all with money prizes! There are two specifically concerned with  the fiddle -the Aboyne Games Chieftain's Fiddler Competition http://bit.ly/dcAYSi and the Amber Fiddle Award http://bit.ly/9Hn9qS  - The other is "Borders Has Talent" and just asks if you’ve  ‘got what it takes to charm and thrill audiences’:) http://bit.ly/9IsHqt

New Traditional Music Session in Edinburgh
Captains Bar, 4 South College Street, Edinburgh. They have started folk and acoustic sessions - and it is happening most evenings - all welcome. Go along and have a look/listen and join in if you are so inclined...
http://www.footstompin.com/public/forum?threadid=1058772

Kenneth Ross RIP
Kenneth Ross was a Mod Gold Medallist with the most beautiful tenor voice. Originally from Strathpeffer, he trained in London as an opera singer and sang professionally in Germany for many years.
http://bit.ly/bAOZdj

Ready to take the plunge?
The Glasgow  branch of theTraditional Music and Song Association (TMSA)  invite you dust off your sea shanties to join them for their ‘Sing or Swim’ outing on the canal barge "The Voyager". Saturday 31st July  is the datef or a wee cruise along the canal from Baird's Brae to Kirkintilloch (and back ). Tickets (cost £10/£8) are very limited. 
http://bit.ly/cUnOLX

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - Summer Short Course Programme 2010
Still some places left on these great short courses at the Gaelic College on Skye - and you won't find a more beautiful campus!
http://bit.ly/cBJT4C

5. Foot Stompin' FREE Scottish Music Podcast

Here's our July 7th 2010 Foot Stompin' Free Scottish Music Podcast.  For this edition we're at Tinto Summer School in Wiston, South Lanarkshire. Tinto is residential youth school where young people from 12-18 come along and learn trad music from some of Scotland's top musicians. We asked some of the kids and staff to pick their favourite tracks for the podcast.

We start of the show with the Peatbog Faeries What Men Deserve to Lose followed by Between Two Worlds by Paul McKenna Band. Next up is The McCalmans' Don't Sit On My Jimmy Shands and Bottlenecks and Armbreakers by Session A9. Our penultimate track is from Ewan Robertson's  Some Kind of Certaintyand we finish off with Synergy by Deaf Shepherd.
http://bit.ly/oWIhn

Don’t forget our latest ringtone featuring the brilliant fiddler Aidan O'Rourke. It's a great reel called The Morning Star. Download it here. http://bit.ly/6H7zj6 

6. Best Sellers
CD: Glorious Scotland: Bagpipes, fiddles, flute, whistle, guitar, concertina, Scottish & Gaelic song and more.14 fabulous tracks celebrating Scotland's wonderful traditional music
http://bit.ly/dmHXTu

CD: Eclection - Gabe McVarish: Gabe's love of the traditional music of the Celtic diaspora shines throughout, and the music includes a tribute to the late, great piper Gordon Duncan.
http://bit.ly/9TiS9b

If you like this you will enjoy Gabe’s CDs with the band Daimh: http://bit.ly/dqy2jg

CD: Canaich: Duncan Chisholm : Beautiful lyrical playing from one of Scotland’s finest fiddlers.
http://bit.ly/dqy2jg

More Duncan Chisholm CDs: http://bit.ly/8Y42VE

CD: A Celebration of Clyde Valley Jazz: Lots of great players on this album and 6 of the 16 tracks feature the inimitable 'George Penman's Jazzmen'
http://bit.ly/cNFWqD

Have you heard the Clyde Valley Stompers? http://bit.ly/dlWX1G:

CD: Skerryvore - Skerryvore: They have been described as the 21st century’s answer to Runrig - they are certainly the hottestnew Celtic rockers on the block!
http://bit.ly/ac5K6o

DVD: The Flying Scotsman: Long considered to be one of Britain's greatest trains, the Flying Scotsman is the subject of the documentary that is as fascinating as it is revealing.
http://bit.ly/djHb1V

7. Reviews
CD: The Early McKellar - Kenneth McKellar. Customer Review 5stars
Hello! This is my first purchase from Footstompin and I'm very happy with it! I first heard Kenneth McKellar on the Footstompin music podcast, his voice is gorgeous and always reminds me of a prince. Hahaha! I'm 15 and live in America, who's to say this style isn't appreciated anymore? ;) PS: And thank you Simon from playing it! =) ....Scarlett
http://bit.ly/bR1xRV

CD: Tyro - Rua MacMillan
An auspicious debut album under his own name from Highland fiddler Ruairidh "Rua" Macmillan, a member of the Paul McKenna Band, who last year collected both a Scots Trad Award and the Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year accolade.
Powered by his very snappy regular rhythm section of guitarist Tia Files and Adam Brown on bodhran, augmented occasionally by other musicians, he sets the CD's tone in the opening Traditionally Incorrect, with its spirited old strathspey Ewie wi' the Crooked Horn giving way to an overtly lumbering drum rhythm before snapping back into a hypnotically spinning contemporary reel.....Jim Gilchrist The Scotsman www.scotsman.com
http://bit.ly/aMTX46

CD: Skerryvore - Skerryvore. Customer Review 5 stars
Absolutely amazing . These boys are ace musicians and full of energy . A great future in store for them...Highland Laddie
http://bit.ly/dxpIwT

Zama Zama – The Battlefield Band:
...The Battlefield Band is one of our national treasures. In its long history its changing personnel has included some of our finest musicians, and their ability to find and interpret good music is unabated......The Band’s current fiddler is Alasdair White, whose flowing style features beautifully throughout, with some great tunes from the piping tradition and contemporary sources which deserve to become standards. As always, the choice of music, the standard of musicianship and cohesion of this group make it  most enjoyable....The Scottish Fiddlers’ Calendar
http://bit.ly/8CotGT

8. Foot Stompin' Discussion Forum
Feel free to join in!

Martin O’Neill Meets Prince!
http://bit.ly/aOBWKM

9. Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Foot Stompin’ on Facebook and Twitter and we'll send you daily Scottish music updates

Foot Stompin’ has a presence on the social networking site Facebook. Come and pay us a visit! http://bit.ly/5VSQRg

If Twitter is more your scene you can visit us here http://bit.ly/7GkifS

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10. Testimonials

Thank you for your great service re my order here in record time, and I thought that I was the magician. The Highland Wedding cd is certainly full of toe tapping music & music the get the blood flowing & the Canaich cd is wonderful. Frank.

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