By Paul Keating

If you are hunting for some special gifts for your musically-minded loved ones, here are some suggestions for those who follow the Twelve Days of Christmas model.

Green Linnet Records Distribution for CDs and tapes was taken over by Compass Records (www.compass.com) earlier this year and they have just revamped the Green Linnet Website (www.greenlinnet.com). If you act quickly, you can score some Christmas bargains on their expanded catalog.

OssianUSA (www.ossian usa.com or 603-783-4383) has one of the best inventories of overseas recordings and books in the U.S. and is a valued resource. For instance, fans of Martin (Junior) Crehan from Co. Clare, his daughters released two projects earlier this year which are collector’s items.

Angela Crehan’s Musical Compositions & Memories—Martin Junior Crehan ($33) is a fine book which pairs well with sister Ita Crehan’s double CD The Last House in Ballymakea –Martin Jr. Crehan ($33).

Pat Mullins, the video documentarian, produced From Shore to Shore: Irish Traditional Music in New York City back in 1993 which presented a slice of the Big Apple’s rich music scene at that time. It has just been updated to a DVD version that includes an additional 52 minutes of rare footage and interviews. You can order it at www.cherrylaneproductions.com. The bonus is that 70% of the profits from the sales will be donated towards promoting traditional music and dance in the New York area ensuring an even brighter future for the next generation. Well done, Pat!

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all my readers, and looking forward to another year viewing Irish traditional music and dance from my seat by the fire.