BRIAN DANNY MINNIE Ó DOMHNAILL

Above all, he is a renowned flute player and singer who has collected dozens of old songs from his native region. A gallon is a unit of measurement for liquids equivalent to 8 pints, or approximately 5 litres. But the Ó Donnell gallon is larger and more generous than normal, containing 10 pints. Galún Uí Dhomhnaill is also a Gaelic expression meaning ‘generosity’. It is in this spirit that Brian Ó Domhnaill compiled the seventeen songs that make up this authentic album.

These are songs that he has collected and sung throughout his life and that he wishes to see reintroduced into the living tradition. Most of them had disappeared from collective memory as the elders passed away. From small fragments of lyrics and a few recordings, Brian was able to bring these songs back to life.

For his album, he was joined by renowned local musicians such as Manus Lunny (Capercaillie), Neil Martin, Robbie Walsh, Joe Duffy Armstrong, and singers from his home region: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan), Diane Ní Channainn, Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil and Lilis Ó Laoire. All of them accompanied Brian on most of the songs, while a few others were left as they were to show how they were traditionally performed.
Alongside traditional songs, there is an original composition by Brian, Anagaire Cois Cuain, paying tribute to his native village. Throughout this excellent album, songs of love and sadness alternate with light-hearted and amusing nursery rhymes. A superb showcase of Donegal's singing tradition. It is worth noting that the watercolour illustrating the cover was painted by Brian's brother and depicts the village of Anagaire around 1890. A rich and authentic album to discover.

Autoproduit BDM001 - briandm2007@gmail.com (00353749548201)