Wild Biscuit - Dooker Soup [CD]

Traditionally, it was a soup made from a seabird, locally known as a Dooker. Not such a pleasant thought you might think, but in its day common enough in a community so closely connected with the sea. To this day, people from Tarbert are known familiarly as Dookers, and this collection represents a generous serving of their talents and stories. A different meaning for different times, infusing the traditional with the modern. And, we suspect, a taste of lots more to come.

The town of Tarbert, set at the north end of the Kintyre peninsula and one of the most remarkable natural harbours on the west coast of Scotland, has a colourful history. In 1098, Magnus Barfod, King of Norway, had his ship hauled across the narrow strip of land between Loch Fyne and West Loch Tarbert to claim Kintyre on a quite ingenious, if exhausting, technicality. Robert the Bruce, following his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, built on the already existing castle overlooking the harbour in 1325, the castle which now gives Tarbert its distinctive skyline. The town has for centuries been a thriving fishing port, particularly during the post war years when herring catches were plentiful and the town was home to one of the largest fleets in the country. Today the fishing boats are fewer, but Tarbert is still a working harbour where business and leisure craft navigate the East Loch throughout the year.

The musical performances and stories you will hear on Dooker Soup were all recorded on location in and around the town during the winter of 2005. The design concept of the booklet and CD cover also came to life through workshops with local artists and enthusiasts. It is the enthusiasm so evident in everyone involved that has made this project so special - now we invite you to sit back and enjoy the results.

Music by:
The Fraser McGlynn Duo, Archie McAllister, Tarbert Gaelic Choir, Katie Fitzgerald, David Hunt, Euan Plater, The Ryan McGlynn Trio, Katy Evamy & Megan Marshall, Amanda Lough, The Lemmings, Flamin' Fiddlers, Christopher Robertson, Tarbert Primary School Gaelic Choir

With spoken words by
Robert Ross, Kenny MacInnes and Ed Tyler


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