October 31, 2007
Barra MacNeils anniversary CD chronicles the history of one of the
East Coast’s most popular groups
DAN MACDONALD, The Cape Breton Post

Last week I mentioned the Celtic Colours tribute to the Barra MacNeils, honouring their 20 years in the music business.
Over that time they have performed before audiences all over the world. They have been featured on a number of their own TV specials, guested on a number of TV shows, received a host of nominations and awards and released 11 CDs and a DVD. And, as part of the notable occasion, the group has released a 12th recording, a new compilation CD called The Barra MacNeils — 20th Anniversary Collection.

To do a proper collection for a group as prolific as this requires more then one CD and that is what you get. It's a double recording with two-dozen cuts, one (Chasing The Sun, written by Fred Lavery and Gordie Sampson) recorded especially for this project, and the rest lifted from their previous releases. In total there is almost two hours of music, a carefully selected combination of vocals and instrumentals, that gives you most of the favourite material while highlighting the Barras musical progress over the years.
This recording is truly a trip down memory lane.

And what memories. The Island, Coal Town Road, Willie C., Caledonia, The Clumsy Lover Set, Darling Be Home Soon, and so much more.

The notes are sparse, a few thank you's and a bit of detail on each cut, but the booklet is as rich in memories as the music itself. There are clippings that tell of their progress, from newspapers both local and away. Pictures from through the years, some posed and professionally taken, but most casual, at home or at play or on stage. These really tell the story of time passing, particularly when you look at the hair.

This is a wonderful CD from any point of view. The collection chronicles the history of one of the East Coast's foremost musical groups over a career virtually unmatched anywhere. This is the musical journey of The Barra MacNeils.

And the journey is still going on.

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