As one of Europe’s last untouched natural habitats, the Outer Hebrides offer visitors an experience they will never forget. Whether strolling across white sand beaches or among the shadows of 5000-year-old standing stones, the history of the islands is a constant presence.
The beauty of the area is world-renowned as evident by Wanderlust travel magazine featuring the Outer Hebrides as one of the top 100 Greatest Travel Experiences – the only area in Britain to make the list.
The Outer Hebrides have a diverse, fascinating history and heritage and something to interest everybody. The archipelago is entirely unique – a place where traditional heritage meets contemporary culture to offer an insight into the way of life on the islands over thousands of years.
3 Sheeps 2 The Wind Part 1 from the album Martyn Bennett
More tunes from across the Irish Sea. Having been born in Newfoundland Irish music is very much in my blood. But there are also south winds blowing from deserts afar, and I ask the question, is it OK to borrow foreign rhythms, or are those rhythms actually foreign? Perhaps in the end it's just down to the timbre and interpretation of the sound. Maybe it is OK to borrow that which is carried by the wind.
Cuillin Part 2 from the album Martyn Bennett
What can I say: a contrasting, gentle, magnificent and terrifying mountain range on Skye; a journey that never ends; my most valued symbol of the female form Yin and male Yang. This set of new tunes is split into two parts which unfold towards the same goal - a rare view of the Cuillin shrouded in the mist.
Swallowtail from the album Martyn Bennett
This four part Irish reel was taught to me by Cathal McConnel, the great Irish flute player from Fermanagh (see links). The opening intro contains a strain of the first part in isorhythm (slowed to half speed).
Erin from the album Martyn Bennett
Very much influenced by The Bothy Band who I regard as being the finest Irish traditional group ever. They were produced exclusively by Donal Lunny in the late seventies and early eighties (see links). The opening tune is called 'Farewell to Erin' and very much a disputed tune as regards to origin, I therefore thought a Didge would do the job on the bass line.
Deoch an Dorus from the album Martyn Bennett
A title of a song by 1930s Scottish Megastar Sir Harry Lauder. Although I can’t say I particularly 'like' what Lauder did, he was as big in his day as Michael Jackson - and he was Scottish. I did a remix of this track on Hardland called Harry’s in Heaven. Up yours Sir Harry!
