Brian McNeill

"Monksgate" 1977

In 1977 BRIAN McNEILL recorded his debut solo album - '"Monksgate" - at Castle Sound/Craighall Studios, Edinburgh. The album was recorded for the late-lamented English label - Free Reed - but was never released in the United Kingdom. Recently (2002)the master tapes became available again and Greentrax, in association with Fenn Music Service, Germany, have re-released this excellent album.

On the album Brian is accompanied by the following host of talented musicians :-
Angus McGregor - Northumbrian pipes;
Neil Evans - Guitar;
Nan Trench - Flute;
John Gahagan - Whistle;
Alan Reid - Pedal organ;
Pat Knowles - Electric piano;
Jamie Knowles - Pedal organ;
Jamie McMenemy - Guitarra Portuguesa;
Sandy Stanage - Guitar;
Dave Munro - Uillean pipes.

The cover painting is by Dorothea Patterson.

The music is from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Northumberland and on the making of the album Brian writes:-
"Although I've made a lot of records since this one, I don't think I remember one that was more fun to do and I'd like to dedicate it, now as then, to everybody who helped and everyone who believes that music from one tradition shouldn't be a stranger to music from the tradition next door. Everyone, in short, who believes that a good tune doesn't stop at a line drawn across a map."

DL