The Thistle & Shamrock

Jack Beck explores the legacy of Scottish balladry in the U.S., showing how the stories traveled and changed across the miles and the generations.

The internationally known composer, harpist and multi-instrumentalist William Jackson has visited NPR's The Thistle & Shamrock on several occasions, going back to his early career with the influential band Ossian. He has shared each new composition with Fiona Ritchie's listeners and gave his Duan Àlbanach suite its world broadcast premiere on her show.  Hear him talk about the music and his influences.

Fiona Ritchie remembers festive encounters in the City of Edinburgh. Children in line at Santa's grotto divulge their hopes for Christmas morning to come, while elderly residents of the port of Leith share their memories of Christmas past. Music from Loreena McKennitt, John Fahy, William Jackson, Alasdair Fraser and The Cast.

Thistlepod presents: John Doyle.  He has a rhythmic guitar style like no other and, since his days with Solas, his playing has become one of the defining features of today's contemporary Irish sound. Born in Dublin, John Doyle now makes his home in Asheville, North Carolina. He often records and tours with fiddler Liz Carroll and talks about their playling partnership here.

Thistlepod presents: Dave Richardson.  Reminisce with the mandolin player about the early days of his legendary Celtic band, Boys of the Lough.  Dave has toured the world with The Boys since the 1970s and remembers when things took off for the band. We hear a classic Garrison Keillor introduction of the group at Carnegie Hall.