In a stirring and inspirational return to her roots, Loreena McKennitt created this album of traditional Celtic songs. 

 

The Wind that Shakes the Barley includes familiar traditional classics such as Down by the Sally Gardens, The Star of the County Down and The Parting Glass. These are mixed with lesser-known traditional songs, including Daithi Sproule's The Death of Queen Jane and As I Roved Out.

 

Recorded during the summer of 2010 at Sharon Temple, a handcrafted wooden building heritage site north of Toronto, McKennitt is accompanied by long-time musical companions violinist Hugh Marsh, cellist Caroline Lavelle, guitarist Brian Hughes and hurdy-gurdy player Ben Grossman, who are joined by a cast of other accomplished players.