Various Artists - Cold Blow These Winter Winds

A new holiday album featuring a star-studded line up of traditional musicians from Scotland and the North of England. Organized by Rory Campbell (Old Blind Dogs, Deaf Shepherd), the project was recorded live at a benefit concert at Queen's Hall, Edinburgh on December 21, 2003, with proceeds going to a leading cancer charity.The talented artists included Eliza Carthy, Rory McLeod, Mary MacMaster (the Poozies, Sileas), Aaron Jones (Old Blind Dogs), singer Karine Polwart (Malinky) and harpist Corrina Hewat, under the artistic direction of Edinburgh pianist David Milligan. It was first broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland last Christmas Day.The repertoire is an eclectic collection of styles from traditional to contemporary. There are carols Lullay Lullay and Christ Child's Lullaby with harp and vocals, and a powerful a cappella performance by Eliza Carthy of the traditional Dives and Lazarus. Also a rollicking version of Shane MacGowan's Fairytale Of New York, Rory McLeod's take on John Prine's Christmas in Prison and a delightful instrumental Little Drummer Boy, with Campbell's Border pipes leading the way.