Barry Douglas invites us to join him as he explores another aspect of his musical life on Celtic Reflections. This new recording, available from Chandos on 1st September, features eighteen of his own arrangements of Irish folk music – from ancient melodies to pieces by contemporary songwriters. Barry is joined on three tracks by the talented classical and traditional Irish flautist Eimear McGeown, including on her own compositions “Inis” and “The Mushroom Tree”.
Many of the arrangements are based on transcriptions of songs passed down through the ages including “My Lagan Love” and “Irish Lullaby,” which was transcribed by folksong collector Edward Bunting at a gathering of old Irish harpers in 1792. The album also features popular tunes including “Danny Boy” and “Carrickfergus,” that trace their roots far back in time, but have come to represent Ireland in the popular imagination. Barry Douglas’ arrangements and performances have created a rich new chapter in this music’s story, as it continues to transport itself – and us – on a journey across centuries.
Featuring: My Lagan Love /Irish lullaby / Home Away from Home / The Cliffs of Dooneen / Carrickfergus / The Coolin / Inis* / She Moved through the Fair* / The Mushroom Tree* / The Kid on the Mountain* / Danny Boy / The Raggle Taggle Gypsy / The Last Rose of Summer / Down by the Sally Gardens / The Pleasant Rocks / Open the Door Softly / The Lamentation of Eoin O’Neill / Planxty Dillon
