The Highland Sessions

Documentary

Series celebrating the historical and contemporary links between Scottish and Irish Gaelic song by bringing together top exponents of both traditions to sing and play with no audience except themselves, using a house band of their peers.

Play

Audio & Subtitles

EN (Original), English [CC]

Format & Features

4K Ultra HD • Dolby Atmos • 5.1 Surround

30m

1. Episode 1

Australian-born Donegal resident Steve Cooney is music director and the first programme sets the talents of Mary Black, Karan Casey and Afro-Celt Sound System's Iarla O'Lionaird in a uniquely Scottish context.

30m

2. Episode 2

This edition features musicians Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Seosaimhin ni Beagley, Eamonn O'Donnachadh, Niall Vallely, Capercaillie's Karen Matheson and Donnie Murdo MacLeod. Celebrating the historical and contemporary links between Scottish and Irish Gaelic song

30m

3. Episode 3

This edition features Liam O'Maonlai of the rock band Hothouse Flowers, Scots Gaelic diva Margaret Stewart and James Graham.

30m

4. Episode 4

The episode opens with Da Mihi Manum (Give Me Your Hand), performed by Steve Cooney and Kathleen MacInnes. Rona Lightfoot performs canntaireachd, an oral music form traditionally used to teach and pass on pipe tunes that Rona has made her own, elevating it to a kind of Gaelic scat singing.

30m

5. Episode 5

This edition features the Dublin-based duo of piper Mick O'Brien and fiddle-player Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh, plus Donegal's favourite Australian, series music director Steve Cooney, once a backing guitarist to Chuck Berry.

30m