Across the Water

Across the Water

The book by which the album was inspired, ‘The Last of the Name’, (edited by Brian Friel) recalls the life and times, on a very local level, during which Charles McGlinchey (1861-1954) lived.

In particular, the areas of Clonmany and Ballyliffin, alongside numerous other parts of Inishowen, are referred to in the stories and folklore recounted by McGlinchey. Some of these songs were first aired as part of the McGlinchey Summer School and later launched as part of the Earagail Arts Festival.

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Evoking scenes from the move to modernisation, times changing, late nights of singing and dancing, to the innocence of across the water, the songs cover a wide spectrum of emotions.

Two compositions (Tracks 3 & 5) on this album accompany lyrics as recounted by Charlie McGlinchey. These lyrics are stated by McGlinchey to date from the 18th century; Pollan Revels was written by Dennis O Donnel who died in 1778 and Brathair na Dumhcha by a parish priest known as the Black Friar who died in 1784. Finbarr put music to these lyrics, as McGlinchey had no melody for them as it was forgotten.

Musicians:
Finbarr Doherty: Vocals, Guitar, Organs, Ebows, Synthesisers Campbell Owens: Electric & Upright Bass Lorna McLaughlin: Vocals & Accordions Karen McLaughlin: Fiddle Liam Bradley: Drums