Track ListingMarch will see the release of Dooker Soup, an eclectic album bursting with talent from Kintyre and Mid Argyll. As an archive project first conceived in 2004, this CD and programme of training workshops has been produced by Wild Biscuit with Dalriada Arts & Culture and members of the Tarbert community. Local musicians, artists and school pupils have been involved at every stage of production resulting in an exciting mix of new and traditional music that will showcase Tarbert life in 2006 for years to come. The emerging contemporary talents of Katie Fitzgerald, The Lemmings, Euan Plater and Amanda Lough provide a mesmerising contrast to the traditional skills of more established names such as Archie McAllister and Fraser McGlynn. Wild Biscuit's John Saich adds a little extra musicianship to some of the newer compositions. A series of workshops took local delegates through the processes of digital recording, mastering and graphic design, and the finished CD will be marketed by the Tarbert community for the benefit of future arts projects. The Tarbert Gaelic Choir, along with Mod 2005 medal winners Katy Evamy and Megan Marshall, also feature on the album which was recorded on location at the Templar Arts & Leisure Centre overlooking Tarbert harbour over five days in November 2005.
So what is Dooker Soup? Traditionally, it was a soup made from a seabird, locally known as a Dooker. Not such a pleasant idea you might think, but in its day common enough in a community so closely connected with the sea. To this day, people from Tarbert are known familiarly as Dookers, and this collection represents a generous serving of their talents and stories. A different meaning for different times, infusing the traditional with the modern. And, we suspect, a taste of lots more to come.
The town of Tarbert, set at the north end of the Kintyre peninsula and one of the most remarkable natural harbours on the west coast of Scotland, has a colourful history. In 1098, Magnus Barfod, King of Norway, had his ship hauled across the narrow strip of land between Loch Fyne and West Loch Tarbert to claim Kintyre on a quite ingenious, if exhausting, technicality. Robert the Bruce, following his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, built on the already existing castle overlooking the harbour in 1325, the castle which now gives Tarbert its distinctive skyline. The town has for centuries been a thriving fishing port, particularly during the post war years when herring catches were plentiful and the town was home to one of the largest fleets in the country. Today the fishing boats are fewer, but Tarbert is still a working harbour where business and leisure craft navigate the East Loch throughout the year.
The musical performances and stories you will hear on Dooker Soup were all recorded on location in and around the town during the winter of 2005. The design concept of the booklet and CD cover also came to life through workshops with local artists and enthusiasts. It is the enthusiasm so evident in everyone involved that has made this project so special - now we invite you to sit back and enjoy the results.
Music by:
The Fraser McGlynn Duo, Archie McAllister, Tarbert Gaelic Choir, Katie Fitzgerald, David Hunt, Euan Plater, The Ryan McGlynn Trio, Katy Evamy & Megan Marshall, Amanda Lough, The Lemmings, Flamin' Fiddlers, Christopher Robertson, Tarbert Primary School Gaelic Choir
With spoken words by
Robert Ross, Kenny MacInnes and Ed Tyler
Dooker Soup is a 21st century collection of music and conversation in Tarbert, Argyll. All the musicians and singers featured are either from Tarbert or have a close affinity with it, and all gladly gave their time to create what must be a unique array of styles, from Gaelic choral singing and traditional Country Dance to rock, pop and contemporary folk.
By purchasing this album you will be supporting the continued development of arts and heritage projects in the Tarbert community.
Buy Online: www.MusicInScotland.com
