Neal Hellman just sent to me his latest book, CELTIC SONGS & SLOW AIRS FOR MOUNTAIN DULCIMER, published by Mel Bay. It's very beautiful, and there are 55 titles listed for the accompanying cd. In his author's note he says he has arranged the compositions so that each will work both as an air and as a song. A very few (e.g."Si Beag Si Mor)have no lyrics, of course. Here are a few of the songs:

The Banks of Claudy
Bonny Light Horseman
Courting is a Pleasure
Down By the Sally Gardens
Farewell to Tarwathie
The Flower of Magherally
The Flowers of the Forest
The Lowlands of Holland
MacPherson's Farewell
Mo Ghile Mear
The Month of January
The Parting Glass
Planxty Connor
Si Beag Si Mor
The Snows They Melt the Soonest
Star of the County Down
Such a Parcel of Rogues
When I Was on Horseback
Will Ye No Come Back Again?
Ye Banks and Braes

I wouldn't say this is a book for beginners; more for repertoire. But I'm glad that Neal, not a singer (as I have ever heard- I may be wrong!)included the lyrics to those which have words.

I'm enjoying the book, and working my way through the melodies. How can I not like it? It's dedicated to me! Thanks, Neal...