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LANARKSHIRE SONGWRITERS’ GROUP - From Blantyre To Barcelona

LANARKSHIRE SONGWRITERS’ GROUP - From Blantyre To Barcelona
Private Label - LTCD9020

This worthy CD was commissioned by the South Lanarkshire branch of UNISON to commemorate those local men and women who were inspired by conviction to enlist in the XV International Brigade in support of the democratically-elected Popular Front government against the fascist insurgents.

The Lanarkshire Songwriters’ Group responded magnificently to the task, producing a collection of songs which range from the optimism of the new recruits, through the joys and despair of victory and defeat, to the anguish of those left behind at home – feelings which remain through the ages. All of the songs, whether well-known or original, are delivered with a passion and sympathy for the subject matter, and reflect the contrasts between the ordinary lives that the volunteers lived and their heroic exploits in a strange land.

A particular favourite is Chris Rogers’ title track, which is dedicated to Ethel McDonald, the “Scots Scarlet Pimpernel”, who presented radio broadcasts and helped prisoners to escape. All of the songs, however, although they concentrate on local people, are worthy of a wide hearing for the stories they tell and for the fact they remind us that all wars are endured by ordinary people.

Collectively, huge thanks to Billy Stewart, Robin Laing, Heather Young, John Malcolm, Frank Rae, Graham Carter, Rab Armour, Claire McGhee, Chris Rogers, John Young and Gordon Neil for their material, and to Kris Koren and John Weatherby for a fine bit of production.

¡No pasaran!

Gordon Potter

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This album was reviewed in Issue 92 of The Living Tradition magazine.