Songs of Jim McLean: The Jim McLean Songbook

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean: The Jim McLean Songbook
From: GUEST,Fraser Bruce
Date: 31 Mar 23 - 07:14 AM

Hi all. Just to remind you that the 4 CD Box-set with 60 of Jim’s songs plus a songbook with all the lyrics is available at only £20:00 + p&p.
Go to fraserbruce.co.uk
Then in to ‘shop’.

It is getting wonderful reviews. Only the very best performers were used.
ALASTAIR McDONALD, IAN BRUCE, SYLVIA BARNES, PETE CLARK, FRASER BRUCE, YVONNE MacLEOD, ALDO MORROW and GAVIN PATERSON.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean: The Jim McLean Songbook
From: GUEST,Les
Date: 06 Feb 23 - 03:54 AM

Smile in your sleep is very good.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean: The Jim McLean Songbook
From: weerover
Date: 05 Feb 23 - 10:56 AM

A great night was had by all and I got to meet Jim, whose work I have admired for many decades. I was close to being the youngest person in a well-packed venue, and I am 67!

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: weerover
Date: 28 Oct 22 - 09:09 AM

This gig is a must for me too, shared a few stories about the folk scene "back in the day" with Fraser at his folk club gig in Ayr a few weeks ago.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 28 Oct 22 - 06:19 AM

Book of photographs by Alison Chapman McLean is called Mainly Troubadour and as the name suggests they are of artists appearing in the Troubadour in 1962/3/4, Dylan etcetera There also others from later on taken outside London.
Anyone interested can email me on [e-mail]. It’s a hardback book and costs £15 plus £3pp in the UK.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 28 Oct 22 - 06:12 AM

old hippie: there were a few CDs of Scotland First issued and I my have a copy somewhere. If you pm me with an email address I’ll see what I can do.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: oldhippie
Date: 27 Oct 22 - 08:28 PM

Always enjoyed the "Scotland First" cassette by Alistair McDonald. Does anyone know if its been released on CD?

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 27 Oct 22 - 05:13 PM

....maybe also buy the book of pix his late wife Alison compiled over the years? Don't know details......

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 27 Oct 22 - 01:54 PM

A definite must for me to go to this concert, and buy the book and CDs! And it would be lovely to meet Jim in person!

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 12:20 PM

Really looking forward to the concert launching The Songs of Jim McLean Songbook and cds!! Thank you Fraser Bruce for pulling this all together - and having to deal with it being postponed last year at fairly short notice (Covid)
The concert is on Saturday 4th February 2023, 19.30 in The National Piping Centre, McPhater St, Glasgow (not far from the Royal Concert Hall)
Check the Celtic Connections 2023 programme online for details of the performers - and to book!
If you cannot attend, please email Fraser Bruce to order the songbook and cds
NB Jim has been a prolific songwriter for most of his life! But alas - he does not sing---- however a group of excellent performers will be sharing some of his songs that evening!
And Jim will be guest of honour!!!

Subject: ADD: Bring Back BoJo (Jim McLean)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 04:44 AM

Jim's still writing songs. Nothing can stop him. Here's one he posted on Facebook today.

Chorus:
Bring back, oh bring back
Oh bring back old Bo Jo to me, to me.
Bring back, oh bring back
He’ll help us to set Scotland free.

Liz Truss and the Tories are knackered,
Who will the next PM be?
Keith Starmer’s another red tory
Oh please bring back Old Boris to me!
Chorus:
Bring back, oh bring back
Oh bring back old Bo Jo to me, to me.
Bring back, oh bring back
He’ll help us to set Scotland free.

He’ll help us to win independence
He hates and detests SNP.
But sitting doon there in Westminster
He’ll show how we need tae be free
Chorus:
Bring back, oh bring back
Oh bring back old Bo Jo to me, to me.
Bring back, oh bring back
He’ll help us to set Scotland free.

I’ll buy him a fridge he can hide in,
I’ll dig him a big ditch for free.
And if he makes Rees Mog his deputy,
I’ll buy him him a packet o’ three.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Chris Wright
Date: 19 Aug 22 - 04:36 AM

Any word on a likely publication date for Jim's Songbook?

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Aug 22 - 07:27 PM

I'd like a copy. Will it be available for download? (with the book in PDF?)
Does Jim sing on these CDs, or are there other singers?

Joe in California
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: GUEST,Fraser Bruce
Date: 11 Aug 22 - 06:44 PM

We have now completed the recording of 60 of Jim McLeans songs on 4 CDs. They will soon be released in a Box-Set which includes a song book. The full thing is titled simply, ‘The Jim McLean Songbook’.
It will be available on line www.fraserbruce.co.uk
£20:00 plus postage.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: GUEST,Dean
Date: 26 Jun 22 - 08:51 AM

Hi Jim,

I've been documenting John Doc's back catalogue over the last year and was wondering if you are in possession of the original master tapes of those two Carousel records, or if they were given to John himself? He passed away last month if news never got to you.

You can feel free to contact me on the following if you wish: [e-mail]

Regards,
Dean

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 03:55 AM

Will email you, Andreas

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: GUEST,Andreas Gunberg - The Troubadour, London
Date: 30 Jan 22 - 03:55 PM

Jim, I've been working at the Troubadour for the last 15 years and first of all condolences.
Your stories and are invaluable to me when I share the history of the venue and especially when people see Alison's pictures.
We would like to show them in the cafe with stories and it would be really interesting to talk to you, should you wish to do so.
I've been fortunate enough to have met all the owners except for Michael but with focusing on making sure we survive, I never took enough time to talk enough about the history.
My email is [e-mail]

Kind regards - Andreas Gunberg
General Manager
The Troubadour

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: GUEST,Fraser Bruce
Date: 28 Jan 22 - 05:11 PM

Jim McLean has written over 70 songs and we are about to record them all and release a 4 CD Box-set with song book. Anybody interested in pre-ordering should contact me on the following email address ….. [e-mail].
It will be a limited edition release so to order might be adviseable.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 26 Dec 21 - 03:11 AM

Thanks, Tattie Bogle, we don’t know whether the concert will go ahead or not, Celtic Connections are keeping an eye it.
You know the background to the song but for others, it refers to the passing of my wife Alison due to cancer.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Dec 21 - 12:46 PM

That is really lovely Jim, and tugs at the heart-strings, knowing the background to it.
Thanks to Joe for posting it.
By the way, hoping the concert of your songs at Celtic Connections 2022 can still go ahead: all in the balance right now. Watching the CC website daily for updates.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 01:17 PM

Joe, many thanks for that, the music is a bonus, and I should say that’s Alastair MacDonald singing.

Subject: ADD: The Bed (Jim McLean)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 12:07 PM

Jim sent me this song today.

THE BED
(Jim McLean)

The bed’s made for two, just for me and for you,
A mattress, a duvet and pillows.
The right side is your place, the left side is my space
Though sometimes we met in the middle, we did,
The right side is your place, the left side is my space
Though sometimes we met in the middle.

The headboard is pine, exceptionally fine,
With paintings of leaves, green and blue.
The legs are of oak, though one of them broke,
(I bound it with string and strong glue:), yes I did,
The legs are of oak, though one of them broke
I bound it with string and strong glue!

It wasn’t an heirloom, was bought in a sale room
We’ve had it for many a year.
It takes pride of place, brought a smile to your face
And sometimes a wee bitty tear, yes it did,
It takes pride of place, brought a smile to your face
And sometimes a wee bitty tear.

But what will I do with a bed made for two?
When the right side’s now empty and bare.
I’ll move to the middle and cuddle your pillow,
Pretending you’ll always be there, yes I will,
I’ll move to the middle and cuddle your pillow
For to me, you’ll always be there.

---

Click to play (joeweb)

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 12 Jan 18 - 01:44 PM

Gavin- - I'm interested in supporting anything that celebrates Jim's amazing body of work whether officially at Celtic or whatever else!!
It would be great to get him up to Glasgow- - -

And -- when Gordon McCulloch died there was talk of a celebration perhaps later in the year- -ie late 2017 - but as far as I know it has not happened yet? Anyone know anything?

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 07:23 PM

Hi Gavin (Jorrox? Why?): we have talked about this on- and offline, and I sincerely hope it comes about, whether at Celtic Connections or other festivals in Scotland, where it would be a very welcome addition to the programme. I don't have any huge clout or business acumen to offer, but will send you a couple of suggestions off forum, and hope it comes to fruition.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gavin Paterson
Date: 10 Jan 18 - 08:40 PM

Hi folks - Gavin Paterson here. I must change my handle on here!

I actually had a bid in to CC 2018 for a show on Jim's songs, to tie in with his 80th birthday. The show would have featured a lot of the musicians that Jim produced. But it didn't get commissioned. I will try again for 2019! If anyone reading has any clout with CC, feel free to wield it.

So I already have a show, half formed, and if anyone would be interested in the business end of it, I'd be happy to talk.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 05:39 PM

Like these ideas Jack, Tattie----lets hope Jim might be planning a journey North at some point, the we just make that the 'official' Scottish birthday celebration?

Or of course we could organise an expedition South -- - - -?!

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 05:58 AM

It would be great, especially if Jim could come! Perhaps later in the year after he's had his party!

We did also do a Hamish Imlach night at Linlthgow during the September festival some years back: we sang all the songs he wrote or used to sing. His partner also attended and sang a song herself.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 04:38 AM

Lots of places have Burns Nights, Linlithgow has a Matt McGinn Night in March - 21 April for a Jim MacLean Night has to fit in somebody's calendar.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 07 Jan 18 - 01:20 PM

hahahaha!!!!!

- -- any chance of your coming North (ie Scotland) anytime?
Cos maybe we would have a ceilidh/session/get together / something somewhere ---???
(pleeeese not in early February -- wait till I can get aboot aqain efter ma hip replacement!!)

Aye, Gallus xxx

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 07 Jan 18 - 04:43 AM

Yes, folks, I'll be 80 on the 21st April this year but still feel about 30 although some days this goes up to about 40!

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 06:41 PM

Was reading through these posts and just realised that it will be Jim's 80th birthday a couple of days before 24 April (to quote the poster!)
could we/should we have a party / Jim Mclean songs session or whit?
Puleese - -- - -

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 03:50 PM

Just done a radio show here on Frankonian RDR, sang two of mine and Hush Hush by Jim,filled in three copywright forms, two for me and one for Jim, reckon it's pretty correct and I am happy to credit author's when I can, one of my favourite songs anyway.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 02:02 PM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc9p83a8yhQ Just made a cover of Jiim McLean's Glencoe

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Jim McLean
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 01:11 PM

..... silly typo in my last post, I meant to say that the Sick Note is one of the FUNNIEST and well crafted song I know.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Jim McLean
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 01:08 PM

Hi all, just came across this post so thanks to Gavin Paterson for the opportunity to appear on his show. He does a fantastic job every Wenesday on folk and actually has another show on Sunday's as well.
Nice to hear from you all and regards to Pat Cooksey whose song the Sick Note is one of the nun jest and well crafted song I know.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.
Date: 02 Sep 17 - 05:57 PM

Jim has written many a great song and I am pleased to say he is also a good friend, we have met several times here in Germany and enjoyed a drink or two, some of the more memorable times with Nigel Denver.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 02 Sep 17 - 10:07 AM

Drop Gavin a line - I'm sure he'll be delighted to chat

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Sep 17 - 07:13 AM

Just listened to both sections, and am blown away by them!
Can they be sent to School of Scottish Studies, Kist o' Riches, etc? A really important piece of work, IMHO!
And it would be a great presentation for Celtic Connections or Edinburgh's "Carrying Stream Festival".

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 02:34 PM

Gavin's been putting together some great "retrospective" shows - as well as the one with Jim mentioned above, he's recently done similar 2-hour features on Arthur Johnstone and Alastair McDonald.

Today he was out and about again, recording his next one - Barbara Dickson

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 09:52 AM

We're a community radio station, based in Glasgow. A charity, and completely volunteer run. We broadcast 24x7 on 95fm around Glasgow, and online at www.celticmusicradio.net

We did a few short term broadcasts in the mid 2000s as part of the Celtic Connections festival, and have been on-air permanently since January 2008.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Guest 31 Aug 17 - 12:51 AM
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 06:34 AM

Appreciate the amended link, Bruce. Many thanks.

First time I've run across CMR. Some great listening by the look of it.

More power to you, and to all responsible.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 03:34 AM

Oops! my mistake...

Second hour is http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22825


Here's the playlist, and some more info from Gavin:

Playlist, Ballads & Balladeers, Tuesday 29 August, 2017
Jim McLean Special

While I was 'down south' at the end of July, I took the chance to escape a dreary day at Cambridge FF and spend some time talking with Jim McLean​ at his home in London. And what a time it was - you really have to listen to Jim's story and songs.

Also of note is that almost all of the music played today IS NOT available to buy anywhere, in any format. And that's just not right. But we have the good stuff here on CMR.
Deeper, wider and better on http://www.celticmusicradio.net/

First hour, catch up at http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22824

Talking Conchie Blues, from Scotia Folk (1970) - Alastair McDonald​
Big Mansion Hoose, from The Kerries (1967) - GibbAnnie Todd​ The Kerries
Ding Dong Dollar, from "Ding Dong Dollar: Anti-Polaris and Scottish Republican Songs" (1962) - Glasgow Song Guild
The Glesca Eskimos -               "          "            "
The John MacLean March, from Unity Creates Strength (1972) - Arthur Johnstone​ & The Laggan
The Sabbath, from Folk Old And New (1968) - Nigel Denver
Culloden, from Borderline (1969) - Nigel Denver
Workers Of The World "      "          "         "
The Laird's Prayer, from Scottish Republican Songs (1966) - Nigel Denver
Music Of The Loom, from Shamrock and Heather (1972) - Fraser Bruce​
The Forsaken Rover, from Fareweel Tae Tarwathie - Fraser Bruce
Come Boat Me O'er Tae Chairlie, from "Sampler" - Tich Frier​, The Bitter Withy
'Tis A Gift To be Simple/Lord Of the Dance, from 'Tis A Gift To Be Simple - Jacqui & Bridie https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008839819177

Second hour, catch up at http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22825

Silver Darlings, from Scotland In Song - Alastair McDonald
The Man In Peterhead, from Scotland First - "          "
The Shores Of Sutherland, from Scottish Battle Ballads - " "
Mary Jane, from Scotland In Song -                "         "
Seven Deadly Sins, from At It Again (1968) - The Dubliners Official​ Ronnie Drew​
Tibby Dunbar, from At It Again (1968) - The Dubliners Luke Kelly Music​
Lady Chat, from Live At Carnegie Hall (1962) - The Clancy Brothers​ & Tommy Makem​
The Exile Song, from Music Of the Highlands (1977) - Alastair McDonald
Smile In Your Sleep, from Scottish Battle Ballads - Alastair McDonald
The Barras, from Scotland In Song - Alastair McDonald
Farewell To Glasgow, from Encore (1975) - Iain MacKintosh
The Massacre Of Glencoe, from Scotland In Song - Alastair McDonald

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 12:51 AM

The above links to canstream both seem to link to the same "first hour".
I'd love to listen to the rest of the programme...

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 29 Aug 17 - 04:40 PM

Jim was a welcome guest on Celtic Music Radio today, when Gavin Paterson devoted a 2 hour show to his work.

http://www.celticmusicradio.net/studio-guest-jim-mclean-tues-29th-aug-on-ballads-balladeers-with-gavin-paterson/

You can hear it again for the next 30 days on:

http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22824
(Hour 1)

http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22825
(Hour 2)

Gavin writes:
Studio guest – Jim McLean – Tues 29 Aug 2 – 4pm – on Ballads & Balladeers with Gavin Paterson
My guest on Tuesday 29 August will be Jim McLean. Jim is a Scottish Folk Music legend who wrote and produced a series of album on Nigel Denver, Alistair McDonald, Hall & MacGregor, Fraser Bruce, The Bitter Withy and many many others in the 60's and 70's.
The list of people that he knew/worked with is astonishing; He was an original 'Glasgow Eskimo' and appears on the Ding Dong Dollar LP, as a Conscientious Objector during the 50s he served time in Barlinnie rather than fight in Egypt, he was The Dubliners first road manager at the time of 'Seven Drunken Nights', he was responsible for putting together an album in support of the UCS Work-In in 1971 featuring The Laggan, Danny Kyle and many others, and uniquely, he is the only person ever to have produced an album for both Hugh MacDiarmid and The Nolan Sisters.
As well as writing some songs that will live forever such as Hush Hush – Smile In Your Sleep, The Barras and Massacre of Glencoe.
Jim will be talking about all aspects of his musical life and playing songs relating to them. A marvellous two hours with one of the originators.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 May 15 - 09:35 AM

Yes, quite a few in Joe's list that are either trad or other authors, but Jim's list is impressive! Must get to know more of them!
As for Tunnock's Caramel Wafers (deep-fried or not!) Adam McNaughtan wrote a song about them, to the tune of "Barren Rocks of Aden".

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 10 May 15 - 01:30 PM

Another song I wrote about 50 years ago seem appropriate today:
Well dig a trench

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Don Day
Date: 09 May 15 - 02:43 PM

Thanks for that Jim, I found it. It's a brilliant song. And so is Glencoe. I can still do that one.

Don

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 09 May 15 - 12:28 PM

Hi Don,
I see a few are on Youtube, posted by others.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Don Day
Date: 09 May 15 - 08:06 AM

Jim, Nigel Denver gave me the song Bannockburn back in 1969 (I think) and I have forgotten most of them since. Any chance of a refresher?

Don

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 08 May 15 - 10:50 AM

The song you're looking for is called The Keltie Clippie by John Watt and can be heard here.
Keltie Clippie