A solo selection of songs from Nova Scotia's rich Gaelic culture performed by Halifaz singer, Margo Carruthers. The recording showcases the writing of Nova Scotia's bards, but the tradition brought from Scotland is well illustrated also ina fnine set of pirut-a-beul or mouth music tunes and a lively milling songs. Margo's rich, warm sound is perfectly suited to this selection of Gaelic songs that tell us much about Nova Scotia's Gaelic heritage. She has one of the beautiful voices we have featured.. We have provided a lovely song for you to listen to with your real audio players and it is marked with .

1. Oran Bhroad Cove - Song to Broad Cove 4:23 This song composed in the mid-1800s gives a vivid description of changes that came to the sights and sounds of the Broad Cove area of Inverness when the mines started to develop there 2. Eilean Mo Ghaoil - The Island I Love 3:08 This song describes the landscape of the Bras D'or shore and the endeavorus and character of the people who live along it. 3. Dean Cadalh Sàmhack - Sleep Quietly 3:32 Thought to be the first Gaelic Song in North America, this often referred to by Cape Breton Singers as "The Caroling Song". 4. Laithean Sona M'Oige - The Happy Days of Youth 5:07 This song looks back on youth spent in Framboise, an area strong in Gaelic tradition and bardic talent. 5. Do'n Cheud Smeòraich - To The First Robin 2:55 The song talks about how the robin's song drives away the winter blues. 6. Piurt -a- beul -See Mouth Music 3:10 These songs were brought over by the Gaelic settlers from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. 7. Aoibhneas Mòire Mhìn - The Joys of Gentle Mary 4:44 These Gaelic words reflect the Scottish Gaelic belief that Mary, Mother of Jesus, had the joys of seeing her Son alive, the joy of family, the joys of cattle and sheep, the joys of being a mother to mankind and bringing peace the the blessed, and the joy of being filled with the Glory of God. 8. An Ceitean Orgheal - The Golden Springtime 3:16 This song gives us a lovely picture of the return of the sights and sounds of the new growing season. 9. Gur Mis 'Tha Brònach - O I Am Sad 5:16 Talks of the losses of the area during First World War. 10. Dh 'Fhalbh Mo Rùn - My Love Departed 3:33 A girl lament for a sweetheart who deserted her and married another with its origins in the Outer Hebrides. 11. Oran Dha'n Mhira - The Song for the Mira 4:42 Written about 20 years ago this is probably the most popular contemporary Cape Breton Songs.

You can find more articles in the archive under Notes on Celtic Music.