by James Christopher Monger

In 1978, after a relentless tour that saw the departure of multi-instrumentalist Dougie MacLean, and the additions of highland piper Alan MacLeod and fiddler Mike Ward, the Tannahill Weavers released their second album for Hedera records, Old Woman's Dance. The inclusion of bagpipes prompted the group to include more instrumentals, and deepened their resolve to become the definitive interpreters of Scottish folk. The surprising arrangements shimmer with pub-fueled intensity, and clearly show a band that's on the ascent -- there's an energy and a sense of camaraderie throughout that was missing from their debut. For this record, the group finds inspiration in the words of poets Robert Burns -- "The Deil's Awa' Wi' the Exciseman" -- and Robert Tannahill -- "Gloomy Winter's Noo Awa'" -- as well as legendary Scottish hero Rob Roy, whose Robin Hood exploits close the record on "The McGregors." While Old Woman's Dance is not their best record, it is the beginning of their halcyon days, and miles above the traditional music being released at the time.