Clannad became a professional band in 1975 and played their first German tour that year. By 1980 they were a very welcome feature on the continent and this set of recordings defines an era for the band. The tracks have been gathered from their first three studio albums and also look forward to their Crann Úll release later that year. The music is played with beautiful intimacy, but never beholden to the tradition. Europe loved and supported the family and you can hear the mutual affection in the Bremen concert. The band is reliant on their individual skills and their capacity to mass together when the moment needs it. A sister, two brothers and two uncles. The family from Dore: Clann As Dobhair. Conditioned by the wild coastline and by the resonance of Irish, their first language. Moya (Máire) Brennan puts it thus: “It speaks of the Donegal mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the little harbours, sweeping beaches and the sand dunes; it is the language in which stories are bold and secrets best told.”
And when Clannad made an emotional return to the Donegal stage in October 2017, they reconnected to so many of these old songs and their momentous associations. They were singing as Gaeilge and their journey - an Turas - was powerfully met. (Stuart Bailie)
Release on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the 1st. live appearance by the Brennan brothers and sisters at Leo’s Tavern in the Donegal Gaeltacht, Ireland
CD comes in a digipak plus booklet feat. personal liner notes from the band itself and rare photos
Legendary recording by Radio Bremen, edited and mastered by the artists themselves