"Braes of Badentarbat" - cd by Ali Beag MacLeod & Kevin Macleod

[kmmando]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gGVorgxH-Q

Some info on a forthcoming release, and a couple of youtube films, perhaps of interest to you ......

slainte! Kevin Macleod

"Ali 'Beag' and Kevin first considered this recording in the autumn of 2009, over a few drams
and rums in the kitchens of Ali 'Beag's home in 255 Achnahaird and Kevin's family home,
204 "Springwell", in Polbain. Initially, they thought to do a duet recording, reflecting their
opportune musical sessions, but they were also keen to include a fine new self-penned
poem from their great friend Sandy 'Boots' MacLeod.

This led Kevin to revisit the recordings he had made in 2004 of his father, Roddie Macleod,
reciting the last remaining examples of local Gaelic poetry composed by one Neil MacLeod,
"The Polbain Bard". They had produced a small booklet, "An Trubhal na mo Dhòrn"
("The Trowel in my Hand"), documenting Neil's life and work, and recorded the poetry in
Roddie's native Coigach Gaelic. Three of the best poems are here, each augmented by
exciting music from good friends and musicians Freeland Barbour of The Occasionals,
Luke Plumb of Shooglenifty and John Maclean of The Aliens and Beta Band.

John's father, Will Maclean, closely related to Ali, Roddie and Kevin, has also granted use of several superb artworks he made in 2008, entitled "Badentarbat Suite" which greatly enhance the look of
the booklet - mòran taing. Crucially, Luke also recorded it beautifully in "Springwell",
added fine musical hints in places, duetted with Kevin and expertly sorted the audio sources.

So, Ali 'Beag' and Kevin hope it gives you a flavour of the music and bàrdachd traditions
of Coigach, not just of today, but also back in time where it all came from."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVGeduyxfuo

Available in May 2010

http://www.musicscotland.com/cd/kevin-macleod-and-ali-beag-macleod-braes-of-badentarbet-cd.html

[Steve L]

Sounds like a really nice project Kevin. It should prove popular here!

Very powerful poem and yet another reason I lament not knowing that incredible language.

[Tosh Marshall]

Thanks for sharing, I've ordered it along with the Occassionals - The Full Set http://www.musicscotland.com/cd/occasionals-full-set-dvd-cd-musicscotland.html ......

[kmmando]

Thanks indeed for that Tosh, there is a jovial hour long film that we made for the dvd part of the Full set - I hope you enjoy that bit, part Scottish travelogue, part band history and lots of fun!

best wishes
Kevin Maceod

[Tosh Marshall]

I look forward to getting them both Kevin and I know I'll love the Full Set as I enjoyed the sound clips on musicscotland. Keep up the great work.
All the best
Tosh

[whistler]

Love those tunes! I've not heard many people playing Scottish music on button accordion.

[kmmando]

Actually, the 1,2 &3 row melodeons were hugely popular in Scottish music from circa the 1920's right up to the 1960's, with Sir Jimmy Shand being a highly and rightly revered maestro of the 3 row Hohner Morino. And there were many other superb players then too. The preponderance of the modern piano accordion is a more recent trend. Most West Highland traditional players rather prefer the diatonic "two notes to one button" approach with the resulting long and short note attack, which is distinctive in piping, Scottish dance and fiddle repertoires, and quite different from the Irish traditional box playing, wonderful though that undoubtedly is. Ali Beag is entirely self taught, by the way.

Glad you like the tunes!

best
Kevin

[ardbeg]

Doesn’t that the video of Ali and Kevin make you wish you had been there, sheltered from the West Highland winter with a nice malt whisky, enjoying the music and the company.
Looking forward to the release in June

[Tosh Marshall]

Not to distract from the new cd, which I am eagerly anticipating, but I fully recommend the Full Set by Kevin's band, The Occassionals. The DVD is a superb document of the life of a Scottish Country Dance band, the gigs, the travelling and as Kevin pointed out, the scenery and the fun. I must point out however anyone hiring this band MUST put on a healthy spread for the band as they have one enormous appetite!!!! Brilliant stuff, great band and great music.

[whistler]

Actually, the 1,2 &3 row melodeons were hugely popular in Scottish music from circa the 1920's right up to the 1960's, with Sir Jimmy Shand being a highly and rightly revered maestro of the 3 row Hohner Morino.

I have the old Topic LP Melodeon greats, which features Scottish melodeon/diatonic accordion recordings from the early C20th, but I've not heard much more recent than that. And Ali Beag's playing is a different kettle of fish from Jimmy Shand's.

[kmmando]

Ach we've been rumbled, Tosh! It's hard not to wolf down good old fashioned Scottish hame cooked cakes and buns! Might explain my weight! Really glad you got the message of the film, it was fascinating to try an convey they fun we have playing gigs round our glorious country.

And indeed Ali is hugely different from Shand, good observation - a different bucket of scallops!

thanks
Kevin

[kmmando]

... mixed and mastered the whole cd yesterday, with immense input from mandolinist extraordinaire, Luke Plumb - check out his brilliant cds with Shooglenifty and solo. Hope to have it for sale by the end of may, all going to plan .....

Amazed at the number of youtube viewers! Great stuff!

slainte Kevin Macleod

[Tosh Marshall]

Got the CD today and it's great. The gaelic poetry really does add a certain atmosphere to the recording and Ali's accordion is fantastic. Brilliant Kevin and what a blast to have Luke Plumb on board as well....Malcolm Jone's Jigs are a joy for any mandolin player......love it.......

[kmmando]

Hey, cheers for that Tosh - I think you're the first person to buy it! Glad you appreciated the poetry with the associated music, and the transcriptions and translations in the booklet should help any non Gaelic speaking individual get a grip of the powerful and emotive sentiments.

It was great having Luke on board, and we couldn't have made it without his skill and wonderful musicianship, as well as that from Freeland Barbour, John Maclean of the Beta Band and the poetic input from my father Roddie and Sandy "Boots" MacLeod too - great guys all. However, Ali plays wonderfully doesn't he? Real gaelic music in his fingers, a rare talent and a brilliant fellow too.

moran taing
Kevin Macleod

[Tosh Marshall]

Kevin, it is certainly a unique cd and more or less a social document of your area of the highlands. You really do get the community 'feel' across very well. I certainly love Ali's feature, Mrs Helen Robertson, and Miriam Maclean of Polbain featuring yourself and Luke Plumb. As you have pointed out, everyone contributes their part and the gaelic poetry only adds to the mystique....fantastic.

[kmmando]

... now available here

http://www.musicscotland.com/cd/kevin-macleod-and-ali-beag-macleod-braes-of-badentarbet-cd.html

slainte!
Kevin

[Loretta Callahan]

Thank you very much, Kevin. I enjoyed this so much!

[kmmando]

thanks fruitbat, always nice to get positive feedback! I was in Portland once a million years ago when on the road with De Danann inthe 80's - a lovely place, I recall.

best wishes - Kevin

[whistler]

I've just bought my copy. Can't wait for it to arrive.

[kmmando]

Thanks very much - I hope you enjoy it!

best wishes
Kevin

[Loretta Callahan]

thanks fruitbat, always nice to get positive feedback! I was in Portland once a million years ago when on the road with De Danann inthe 80's - a lovely place, I recall.

best wishes - Kevin

You're welcome! Yes, Portland is a lovely place. I moved away for a few years and counted the days until I could come home again. It's a great place to love Celtic music. The music scene here is very rich .... in many genres! Just learned about DeDanann from my mandolin teacher ... wow!

[kmmando]

There's also the wee book still available here, I think

http://www.footstompin.com/products/books/an_trubhal_na_mo_dhorn_the_trowel_in_my_hand

KHJM

[kmmando]

http://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4320/Hard_won_hauls_for_the_old_Ross_salmon_fishers.htm l

They don't make em like this any more!

[kmmando]

Ali Beag and I are launching the cd in a couple of weeks up in Coigach, so if you'd like to come along, we'd be pleased to see you there for a wee dram and a few tunes.

slainte
Kevin Macleod

CD LAUNCH GATHERING
in
COIGACH COMMUNITY HALL - LOUNGE
on
SATURDAY 17th JULY 2010
from 2 pm to 5 pm

COME AND JOIN US FOR A REFRESHMENT, A WEE CONCERT & FILM
TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW CD

"BRAES OF BADENTARBAT"
by
ALI 'BEAG' MACLEOD & KEVIN MACLEOD

Ali 'Beag' MacLeod, from Achnahaird, is a traditional musician and composer,
who plays the button accordion.
Kevin Macleod, of Polbain, plays tenor guitar, banjo and mandolin with Scottish
ceilidh band "The Occasionals".

Ali 'Beag' and Kevin made this duet recording in Polbain in March 2010 and have included
a fine new poem from their great friend and local poet Sandy 'Boots' MacLeod.

It also contains recordings made in 2004 of Roddie Macleod, reciting the last remaining
examples of the local Gaelic poetry composed by Neil MacLeod, 'The Polbain Bard'.

Three of the best poems are on the cd, each poem with new music from
Freeland Barbour (Wallochmor and The Occasionals) on piano,
Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty) on guitars and mandolin
John Maclean (The Aliens, Beta Band) on keyboard.
Artist Will Maclean, provided original artwork, entitled the "Badentarbat Suite".

[kmmando]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2em_7jweZU

A tune off the new cd, this was filmed in London in 2007, whilst visiting my good friend Mandolincafe technical supremo and mandolinist par excellence, Dan Beimborn. This set was played on his stunning brand new Weins F5 mandolin, a beautiful sounding instrument.

[Loretta Callahan]

That's really lovely! Thanks for sharing the video!

[kmmando]

Thank, Loretta.
Glad you liked it!

Folk review
Ali ‘Beag’ MacLeod and Kevin Macleod
Braes of Badentarbat Beag Records beag cd002
****
“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 Occasionals Freeland Barbour add their sure mark.

Norman Chalmers “Scotland on Sunday” July 11th 2010

The launch is this saturday in Coigach, if anyone's interested .....

[kmmando]

and now you can try Ali's distinctive Highalnd tunes, here in print for the very first time, with tales and anecdotes aplenty

http://www.footstompin.com/products/books/tunes_of_coigach_book

slainte

Kevin Macleod

[Brent Hutto]

Thanks for the link, Kevin. I'll have to order that one up after Thanksgiving.

BTW, something I've been curious about lately. How do people in yours and/or Ali's neck of the woods pronounce the surname "Macleod"? Most of us Americans would say something like "Ma-Clowd" or even "Mac-Lowd" with an "OW" sound, same as we'd say there's a "cloud" in the sky...

[kmmando]

In english the latter is pretty much how it would sound.

In Gaelic, a native Gaelic speaker would prounounce it differently, and correctly, but I can't really write it out phonetically, as it's too subtle. As far as I am aware, Mac Leoid is the gaelic spelling for a man, Nic Leoid for a lady, mac being son of ... and nic being daughter of ....

I suppose it gets anglicised like everything else, especially European placenames Basel, Basle .....

hope you enjoy the book when you get it - there's some lovely stories in it!

kevin

http://vimeo.com/16791452

[Tosh Marshall]

Great stuff Kevin, if that doesn't get yer toes tappin', I don't know what will!!!! I'll order Ali's tunebook.....

[kmmando]

Tosh, thanks for that, it's a fun wee book.

Some of Ali's tunes are amongst the 9 short flims I've just uploaded onto vimeo here

http://vimeo.com/17056849

shot at the launch party of the cd this summer. The introduction to the poems and Sandy 'Boots' MacLeod's poem are really rather interesting, in a historical way.

best wishes
Kevin Macleod

[Tosh Marshall]

I got the book today Kevin, and it is great. I can't believe you have a fiddler up there named Yung Yung Kan!!!!! London yeah, but Coigach! Stories and anecdotes are fantastic. Footstompin were very swift with the delivery.....recommended.

[kmmando]

Excellent, Tosh, thanks for getting Ali's book. I hope you have fun with learning the tunes - I particularly like Willie "Stalker" Mathieson's jig. Ali's a great character, and it is good to let others hear his tales and anecdotes. The lifebelt artworks in the book are mae by Ali, by the way, and are really superb, three dimentional artworks.

Thanks a million
Kevin Macleod

[Tosh Marshall]

I can see why you like Willie 'Stalker' Kevin, very interesting piece, as are all the tunes in the book (waltzes, Strathspey's, Reels and Jigs). A great addition to the Scottish repertoire as well as a valuable insight into community life. Great stuff.

[kmmando]

Tosh, thanks! It's quite hard to raise the profile of such projects, so your comments are much appreciated by us.
I look forward to hearing or seeing youtube verisons of Ali's tunes by the likes of yourself!

Keeps one occupied during the heavy snow!
best wishes
Kevin

[Tosh Marshall]

Bloody hell, there's a challenge! I love Musical Flowers so I'll work on that and post it in the Song A Week Social Group when I have a decent enough take of it. It's a beautiful tune. It's been snowing in London today, but not heavy enough to cause any disruption! Freezing though! Yer can keep the heavy stuff up there!!!!!!

[kmmando]

..... here's 4 of 6 short sets from a wee gig we did recently, with my two great musical pals, Alec Finn and Freeland Barbour, united for the first time after all these years ....

http://vimeo.com/17494842

I'll put the other 2 sets up next week when I get my allocatiopn of space again.
KHJM

[kmmando]

all of the films are up on vimeo now ....

Merry Christmas to you all, and a great year of the mandolin in 2011

Kevin Macleod

[kmmando]

http://vimeo.com/18362085

A final version short handmade film of the grand time we had in Coigach last year, and a wee visual thing I tried under Sandy 'Boots' MacLeod's excellent poem!


A good New Year to all.

Kevin Macleod

[kmmando]

..... here ..... woops!


vimeo.com/18326243

[kmmando]

http://vimeo.com/18326243

[John Kelly]

Kevin, just found this thread and want to say how much I have enjoyed the music and the many postings which you have generated here. I live on the shores of The Holy Loch in Argyll and really enjoyed your last wee film here as backing to the poem, and the music is really superb. Must now make the effort to get recordings of your music. Hwv also enjoyed the Springwell trio videos you linked to.
Many thanks and have a great 2010. Maybe you will get across to Argyll one day soon?

[kmmando]

Thanks John, that particular piece of music I think you refer too was composed and played here by Luke Plumb. We used it under another Gaelic poem on the cd. Luke is an exceptional musician, and he made the whole project tick. Sandy's poem is a delight too.

It would be fun to meet one day! Somewhere down the dreel!

All the best
Kevin HJ Macleod

[kmmando]

"Braes of Badentarbat" and also "The Sands of Achnahaird"", the debut cd by Ali 'Beag' MacLeod are both now available as iTunes downloads.

http://www.footstompin.com/artists/ali_beag_macleod__kevin_macleod

Lots of great North West Highland tunes and high jinks!

Ali's tunes can be got here

http://www.footstompin.com/products/books/tunes_of_coigach_book

and a bit about the cds - and yes, there's mandolin and cboms on them

http://www.footstompin.com/products/cds/braes_of_badentarbat

http://www.footstompin.com/products/cds/ali_beag_macleod___the_sands_of_achnahaird