Post by Thomas Cameron on Mar 13, 2009 20:44:42 GMT -6
The Clan Cameron Association is pleased to announce that a new version of the clan’s signature tune, ‘The March of the Cameron Men’ (in Gaelic ‘Caismeachd Chloinn Chamrain’), has been recorded and recently released.
Three years ago noted musician and philanthropist Billy McIsaac (who, along with Midge Ure, was featured in the mid-1970s with the top Scottish pop band Slik - ‘Forever and Ever’) began planning his latest CD. In addition to McIsaac’s vocals, piano and accordion, ‘Songs for Lochaber’ also features some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians, including Gary Innis, Skerryvore, Ingrid Henderson, and the Strathclyde Pipe Band. In communications for his previous charity CDs and DVD (all directly benefiting Lochaber Hydrotherapy, for which he has already raised £45,500) a dialogue was opened with the Clan Cameron Association. Billy was intrigued that the association was looking for musicians to “spin a modern take” on its far-famed tune, composed by Mary Maxwell Campbell of Skerrington. His traditional arrangement, with backing by the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, has produced an outstanding new version of Campbell’s tune.
‘The March of the Cameron Men’ tells the story of those brave and determined clansmen who followed Donald “The Gentle Lochiel” Cameron, XIX Chief of Clan Cameron from their encampment near Achnacarry to Glenfinnan (and from there throughout Scotland). There, these Cameron Men watched as Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his father King James VIII’s Standard on August 19, 1745. In addition to being immortalized in Campbell’s tune, these Cameron Clansmen will be honored this summer, when the Cameron Clansmen’s Oak Wood is established on the grounds of Achnacarry. Dedication ceremonies are planned for August 1st, during the 2009 Gathering of Clan Cameron. Worldwide Cameron Clansfolk may dedicate an oak tree to their specific ancestor(s) or immediate family members by visiting: www.clancamerongathering.org
The remainder the CD is diverse, original, and simply outstanding, but one track deserves special attention. McIsaac’s tune ‘Lochaber’ features his passionate vocals, along with backing by Jim Hunter and the Kilmallie Singers, and also the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. Residents of the West Highland district and those who have traveled to beautiful Lochaber will agree with Billy when he sings “Oh Lochaber I adore you, all your treasures there on high.”
‘Songs for Lochaber’ will be released Saturday March 20th with a “Launch Night” at Lochaber’s Caol Community Centre. The CD is already available at most UK record stores and to overseas Clan Cameron and Lochaber enthusiasts at: www.musicscotland.com/songslochaber. As with past projects, all profits will go to Lochaber Hydrotherapy. The Clan Cameron Association would like to thank Mr. McIsaac for honoring our clan with his musical gift, which will last for generations to come. The residents of Lochaber have a great friend in Billy McIsaac and, likewise, so does the Clan Cameron.
Three years ago noted musician and philanthropist Billy McIsaac (who, along with Midge Ure, was featured in the mid-1970s with the top Scottish pop band Slik - ‘Forever and Ever’) began planning his latest CD. In addition to McIsaac’s vocals, piano and accordion, ‘Songs for Lochaber’ also features some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians, including Gary Innis, Skerryvore, Ingrid Henderson, and the Strathclyde Pipe Band. In communications for his previous charity CDs and DVD (all directly benefiting Lochaber Hydrotherapy, for which he has already raised £45,500) a dialogue was opened with the Clan Cameron Association. Billy was intrigued that the association was looking for musicians to “spin a modern take” on its far-famed tune, composed by Mary Maxwell Campbell of Skerrington. His traditional arrangement, with backing by the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, has produced an outstanding new version of Campbell’s tune.
‘The March of the Cameron Men’ tells the story of those brave and determined clansmen who followed Donald “The Gentle Lochiel” Cameron, XIX Chief of Clan Cameron from their encampment near Achnacarry to Glenfinnan (and from there throughout Scotland). There, these Cameron Men watched as Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his father King James VIII’s Standard on August 19, 1745. In addition to being immortalized in Campbell’s tune, these Cameron Clansmen will be honored this summer, when the Cameron Clansmen’s Oak Wood is established on the grounds of Achnacarry. Dedication ceremonies are planned for August 1st, during the 2009 Gathering of Clan Cameron. Worldwide Cameron Clansfolk may dedicate an oak tree to their specific ancestor(s) or immediate family members by visiting: www.clancamerongathering.org
The remainder the CD is diverse, original, and simply outstanding, but one track deserves special attention. McIsaac’s tune ‘Lochaber’ features his passionate vocals, along with backing by Jim Hunter and the Kilmallie Singers, and also the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. Residents of the West Highland district and those who have traveled to beautiful Lochaber will agree with Billy when he sings “Oh Lochaber I adore you, all your treasures there on high.”
‘Songs for Lochaber’ will be released Saturday March 20th with a “Launch Night” at Lochaber’s Caol Community Centre. The CD is already available at most UK record stores and to overseas Clan Cameron and Lochaber enthusiasts at: www.musicscotland.com/songslochaber. As with past projects, all profits will go to Lochaber Hydrotherapy. The Clan Cameron Association would like to thank Mr. McIsaac for honoring our clan with his musical gift, which will last for generations to come. The residents of Lochaber have a great friend in Billy McIsaac and, likewise, so does the Clan Cameron.