Paddy Tutty is best known as a singer of traditional songs. Her repertoire encompasses ancient ballads, songs from a woman's perspective, songs with a twist, songs about the world around us, and songs with lots of drone! As well as singing traditional music from the British Isles and North America, she includes a few contemporary songs in her concerts, tunes on finger-style guitar, fiddle and concertina, but she is known best for the driving rhythm of her fretted dulcimer. Born and raised on the Canadian Prairies, Paddy Tutty has toured extensively during the last three decades, performing at folk clubs, concert halls, libraries and schools, as well as appearing at numerous folk festivals. In addition to her solo work, she has collaborated with other musicians in theatre, music, storytelling and recording projects. Working with such renowned producers as David Essig, Ken Hamm and Ian Tamblyn, she has released five recordings on her independent label Prairie Druid Music. Her albums are finely crafted creations that delight, play after play. Gene Wilburn, Northern Journey Tutty's simple, straightforward interpretation of traditional material has stood the test of time. Dirty Linen Magazine Her compelling stage presence and beautiful traditional melodies are a winning combination. Rocky Mountain Folk Club, Calgary, Alberta The Songs: 1. Island Spinning Song is a work song from the Scottish Hebrides. Probably originally in Gaelic, it speaks of the spinning wheel as the fortune-telling `wheel of fate'. 2. Lough Erne, also known as the "Rambling Irishman" is a song of emigration and parting. 3. George Sand's, or "Bourrée d'Aurore Sand" is a traditional dance tune from central France, named for the nineteenth century writer who was so far ahead of her time. 4. All Among the Barley is an English song celebrating autumn and the harvesting of barley, the brewer's staple. Another in the fine old family of John Barleycorn songs! 5. The Prairie Pagans - The hunting of the crocus is an old prairie ritual that I know from my own childhood. It is our true Herald of Spring! The prairie crocus is actually a "pasqueflower," paler and subtler than its namesake, camouflaged in the prairie grasses. Penned by Norm Walker. 6. The Tankard of Ale is a traditional tune from the British Isles - played on harpsichord. 7. The Man Behind the Plough is one of many songs in the folk tradition applauding the farmer. This song, written in 19th century Ontario, places the farmer in the company of urban cultured classes defending his role as worker. 8. Wild Hog is an Appalachian version of Sir Lionel, a ballad from the Child collection. It is obviously an ancient story chock-full of iconology and intrigue. 9. Mina's Waltz was composed in memory of Mina Forsyth, a Saskatoon artist and teacher who was extraordinary in her inspired energy and love of life. Played on harpsichord and fiddle. 10. The story of Fair Annie, reaching back as far as the 11th century, is common in Scandinavian and Scottish lore. This version of the Child ballad is a compilation of British and American texts from the singing of Peter Bellamy. 11. Woodland is a bourrée named for the urban wood where I live. It is stirring to realize how nature continues to thrive in the heart of the city. Harpsichord, fiddle et al. 12. Land on the Shore is a traditional Appalachian hymn, also known as “Our Meeting is Over”. Thanks to my sources for these songs: Holly Tannen, Peter Bellamy, Ian Bell, Sheila Mackenzie, Pippa Hall, Larry Poole, Shirley Oldfield, and Chris Lindgren . . . and of course, in turn, to all of their sources!