Gaelic version of classic carol – Wexford Carol released as download charity single Laoidh Loch Gàrmain.
The Highlands’ famous Watercolour Music studios in Lochaber release an exquisite reworking of one of the Celtic world’s favourite carols this week as a special download single, with proceeds going to the Mercy Corps.
Gaelic singer and broadcaster Mary Ann Kennedy, who directs the music for this year’s Christmas carol service on BBC ALBA, is joined on the recording by award-winning Gaelic singer and composer Rachel Walker for a special translation of folk star John Renbourn’s version of the Wexford Carol.
Mary Ann and husband Nick Turner, co-director of the Watercolour studios, had commissioned Mary Ann’s mother, Gaelic song doyenne Kenna Campbell, to translate John’s beautiful alternative words to the carol as a remembrance of him. John – a member of folk-rock legends Pentangle and who sadly died earlier this year – was a regular visitor to the studio and a good friend to Nick’s young family.
The song was an obvious choice when Mary Ann and the Gaelic Gospel choir, Soisgeul, were invited to perform the music for the service of lessons and carols, recorded by Demus Productions to be broadcast on Christmas Eve on BBC ALBA and again on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. And when Mary Ann and Rachel performed the simple but compelling a cappella version of ‘Laoidh Loch Gàrmain’, the reaction to the song was from choir and congregation was instant.
Mary Ann said: “When we saw what an effect it had on folk, we wanted to get into the studio straightaway to record – John’s words are so much in tune with the Celtic world that Nick and I had always thought a Gaelic version would work well. We like to think John would have enjoyed Kenna’s gentle reworking of his poetry.”
Rachel Walker, Gaelic Singer of the Year 2014 and former student of Kenna’s, said: “Kenna has always been so generous with her gift for creating beautiful new Gaelic songs of her translations. We wanted the recording to serve a purpose as well, so we’ve teamed up with the Mercy Corps, who will receive half the proceeds from all sales of ‘Laoidh Loch Gàrmain’.”
Nick Turner said: “John’s beautiful words in his Wexford Carol have always heralded Christmas in our home, but they are also very human, very aware of darkness as well as light in the world. The funds raised for the Mercy Corps will help them in their vital work in the most desperate of situations around the world.”
The download-only single goes on release on Monday 7th December. It’s available directly from www.watercolourmusic.co.uk on their Shop/ New Releases page and also through Amazon.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
Watercolour Music is Scotland’s leading residential recording studio and creative retreat. It has been based in Lochaber since 1994, and in 2009 moved to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Ardgour on the shores of Loch Linnhe, looking across to Ben Nevis. Watercolour is run by producer and songwriter Nick Turner and his wife, Mary Ann Kennedy. www.watercolourmusic.co.uk
John Renbourn was a highly influential English guitarist, best known for his work with folk-rock band Pentangle and in particular with Scot, Bert Jansch. He lived latterly in the Scottish Borders. John died in March this year at the age of 70. John’s Wexford Carol was recorded by Maighread Ni Dhómhnaill and the Voice Squad and appeared originally on John Renbourn’s album ‘Traveler’s Prayer’ on Shanachie Records. The album was partly recorded at Watercolour Music.
Mercy Corps, with its European headquarters in Edinburgh, is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world’s toughest places. With a network of experienced professionals in more than 40 countries, Mercy Corps partners with local communities to put bold ideas into action to help people recover, overcome hardship and build better lives. www.mercycorps.org.uk
‘Nollaig Chridheil às a’ Ghearasdan’, (Christmas Celebration), produced by independent media company Demus Productions will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Christmas Eve at 11pm, with a repeat on Christmas Day. It will also be broadcast on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. The programme features Soisgeul, the Gaelic Gospel choir, children from the new Gaelic school in Fort William and soloists Mary Ann Kennedy, Rachel Walker (Cruinn/ Skipinnish) and Robert Robertson (Skipinnish). Soisgeul was also commissioned by Demus Productions, with significant support from MG Alba.
For more information, please contact Watercolour Music Email: mak@watercolourmusic.co.uk Tel: +44-1855-814320