from Bob Blair:

Hi Dougal

Good to meet you here on Mudcat. Adam MacNaughtan (see above and below) have been long time attendees at Pitlochry and have much admired your performances and musical versatility.

One of the songs that you are undoubtedly looking for is "The Yellow on the Broom" written by Adam MacNaughtan, when he was asked to review Betsy Whyte's book of the same name. The song is now popular in the Folk reviaval. Presumably you've read the book as background to to the play

When Alison Downie made Betsy's book into a play, Adam gave her permission to use the song in the play, and it was part of the play when it was performed at The Tron here in Glasgow.

Stramash, the group that Adam and I performed with was honoured to feature Betsy in a concert some years ago. A wonderful traditional story teller and singer.

I spoke with Adam this morning and I have his permission to send you a copy of him singing the song - here's a link.

http://www.mediafire.com/listen/3jfg6tv19879gl2/08_Adam_McNaughtan_-_The_Yellow_on_the_Broom.mp3

I'm not sure if that link will work directly from Mudcat but if not then just paste the details into your browser.

I'll find another way of getting it to you if that doesn't work. I'm reluctant to put my contact details up on a public forum (too may trolls) but here's an email address that will remain active for the next 10 days if you want to contact me about anything.

blairyb@fastnamail.fm

Another song you might be interested in is Ewan MacColl's "Freeborn Mam". Ewan wrote it as part of a radio ballad on travellers. Another link http://www.mediafire.com/listen/9l40to0za0b0cvg/08_FreeBorn_Man.mp3

If you have never heard the radio ballad then you would find it useful background material and should help inform the performance of yourself and other members of the cast. Let me know if you would like a copy

As an actor and singer you might also be interested in some of Adam's other work. Have you heard "Oor Hamlet" his reduction of the Shakespeare classic into Scots. Here's a link if you haven't heard it.

http://www.mediafire.com/listen/g5u7scogmzsrnbi/15_Adam_McNaughtan_-_Oor_Hamlet.mp3

We're both looking forward to this years Pitlochry season - had our tickets booked for the lot since January. We'll be at YOB on 19th June. Fancy a coffee?

Regards

Bob Blair