Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne

Subject: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: Greycap
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 02:51 PM

Can anyone help with the chords for 'The red-headed Anne'sung by Ray Fisher? I can get the last four lines but not the first four.It's driving me insane.... Thanks in advance,

Subject: RE: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 11:13 PM

The correct title is "The Tinkerman's Daughter". I could supply the chords, but I think I will leave this to our own Chordstrangler, who wrote the song. I have not heard Ray Fisher's version, I wonder if she sings it the same as Niamh parsons, who alters Mickey's original version, and not for the better, IMHO.

Awaiting your input here, Mr McConnell.

Murray

Subject: RE: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: Greycap
Date: 30 Jun 01 - 02:06 AM

Hey, Murray, thanks for the correction-I got the words and a cassette from a Scottish lady at my local folk club in Harrogate, N. yorks. I have only heard the Ray Fisher version, but liked it very much. I took the dangerous assumption of taking her word for the title ( she doesn't play guitar, so I'm still struggling with the chords ). I humbly await further imput....

Subject: RE: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 30 Jun 01 - 06:35 AM

If Mickey doesn't log on and answer your query, I will post your chords this afternoon, Greycap. (That will be evening your time) Unless of course someone beats me to it.

Folk club in Harrogate, eh? I think I might have been there a couple of times, unless I am thinking of Knaresborough.

Murray

Subject: RE: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 30 Jun 01 - 10:29 AM

I think Ray's version comes from the singing of her wee sister Cilla, who recorded a version many years ago, which if I remember is true to Mickey's.
love, john

Subject: RE: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 30 Jun 01 - 05:41 PM

These are the chords for the way Mickey McConnell sings the song, and as he composed both the lyrics and the melody, these are the correct chords, for the correct melody. I will do it for the male voice, which would sing this in G, or A, so I will give the chords for G, and you can capo up if necessary.

(For the female voice, you would transpose to the corresponding chords in D, capoed up as necessary).

The (C)small birds were (G)lining the (F)bleak autumn (G) branches
Pre(Em)paring to (Am)fly to a (D)far sunny shore
When the (C)tinkers made (G)camp at a (F)bend in the (G)river
Re(Em)turning from the(Am)horse fair in (D)Ballina(G)sloe

(G)Now the harvest being (Bflat)over the (F)farmer went (G)walking
Along the Faele (Bflat)River that(F)bordered his (D)land
And 'twas (G)there he first (D)saw her twixt (G)firelight and(D)water
The (C)tinkerman's(G)daughter, the(D)red-headed(G)Ann.

Try listening to Ray's version and see if these chords coerrespond to what she is singing, particularly in the line
"Along the Faele River that bordered his land ".

That is the line that so many singers take the easy way out on.

There is actually a MIDI transcription of Cilla's version in th DT, but it might as well be a Martian transcription for all the use I can make of it ! Maybe you are more technically au fait, and can use it.

There are also several interesting threads on the song, if you search for Tinkerman's Daughter you will find them.

Murray

Subject: RE: Red Headed Anne-Chords required
From: Greycap
Date: 30 Jun 01 - 06:43 PM

Murray, You are a star-thanks a million,Also Dita for the assist, practice begins tomorrow... Roger(Greycap)

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: GUEST,Cheers on this
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 09:03 PM

I have only heard this song once and never forgot it.
I will be playing it in Scotland this summer when I visit!
Cheers again
Jonathan

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 04:09 PM

The Chordstrangler has not posted recently at all! Are you lurking out there Mick?

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 05:13 PM

I got it frm Noel Murphy (With NO writers credit) and started doing it in G shapes , capu 2 , Then I Got Clever and do it straight in A which makes the 'awkward chords' a LOT easier .

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed
From: GUEST,chordstrangler sans cookie
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 06:17 PM

My heartfelt thanks to Murray for only his kind words but also for his impeccably accurate transcription of my song. Murray, you certainly know your music. I totally agree with your comment that a lot of singers don't get to grips with the treacherous musical trapdoor that lies in wait for the unwary, but I honestly feel that the original version has a musical tension that later versions lack. Anyway, thanks for the interest in the song. It does my greying old heart good to know that some of my music is floating out there among you and undoubtedly thoroughly enjoying itself....Slan...Chordstrangler aka mickey.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: maeve
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 06:26 PM

It's a haunting song. I'm delighted to see its author has just visited.

Regards,

maeve

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 10:19 PM

Mickey, it's a great song that I sometimes sing! Another one that I love and often sing is Old Wooden Boats. I hope that you don't mind, and I always credit the authour.
Best regards from Cape Breton,
                     Sandy

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed
From: GUEST,chordstrangler
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 10:34 AM

Thanks for the kind words and interest. Sandy, I'm delighted that you like old wooden boats. It's a true story by the way...Regards...Mickey

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 08:57 PM

Thanks again Mickey! Living on an Atlantic island I can relate to that and can see the truth in it!
                   Slainte,
                      Sandy

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Ann
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 03:10 PM

Ah, but you should listen to Denny Bartley singing this haunting song on Dubh, by Sherburn, Bartley and Scott's Last Nights Fun.
Makes hairs stand up. Done in Open D or DADGAD, not sure which. Beautiful song and tune that leads to so much expresssion in the playing and singing.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 05:45 AM

Just listening to a version of this on the Mike Harding Podcast. I have a CD with Ian Bruce singing it - terrific song.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 12:58 PM

I'll certainly second Denny's performance. One of me favourite songs.
Mickey, you're a genius!

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 07:06 PM

Unfortunately, Denny Bartley falls into the same trap as Niamh Parsons, and sings totally the wrong melody at the point I noted in my post above, all these 11 years ago.

I am delighted to report, however, that Ian Bruce does actually remain faithful to Mickey's original composition ...and who would have expected anything less from the man ...

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 08:42 AM

Is there such a thing as a 'wrong melody'? Is there a problem with altering a folk song?

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 09:43 AM

IF its 'Traditional' you can call it an arrangement . I DONT agree with messing about with a KNOWN composition without checking with the composer!
And that goes with writing a parody too !!

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 09:55 AM

That's fair enough. So let's hear what Mickey has to say on the subject.

Personally, all the songwriters I know are more than happy to have other singers re-arranging their original compositions. By this process they begin to have some semblance to folk songs, but if the oc was unhappy I'd leave the song alone.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: GUEST,Chord strangler sans cookie
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 03:11 PM

To tell the truth, I'm delighted that the song is still out there and being played and enjoyed. I feel that the original version is best but I'm grateful that it is still out there in any form and being played. All songs are waifs and strays and have to find their own way and final destination...Mickey

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 03:21 PM

Is there a recording on the net of the original or something pretty faithful to it? As opposed to the 'later' recordings?

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 03:25 PM

Steve, if you scan up the thread to 18 Feb 2009, you will see what Mickey has to say on the subject, but I will copy and paste the relevant part of his post anyway.

"I totally agree with your comment that a lot of singers don't get to grips with the treacherous musical trapdoor that lies in wait for the unwary, but I honestly feel that the original version has a musical tension that later versions lack"

The problem here is that if you have never heard Mickey singing the original composition, you can have no idea how banal and anticlimactic the Niamh Parsons version is in comparison.

I have no idea why she changed the notes in that line, and changed them so radically. She recorded the song within a few weeks of Mickey's recording it, but alas, it is her interpretation, and not Mickey's original, which has been picked up and regurgitated ad infinitum in folk clubs up and down the country ever since. It is of course, much, much easier for a relatively unskilled singer to sing the Niamh Parsons version than it is to sing the McConnell original.

Mickey said it best himself in the post from which I quoted above ..."the original version has a musical tension that later versions lack"

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:09 PM

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham - PM
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 03:21 PM

Is there a recording on the net of the original or something pretty faithful to it? As opposed to the 'later' recordings?

Yes, this link should take you to Ian Bruce's version, which, to be honest, is the only one on the whole of the net which hasn't been contaminated by the Niamh Parsons virus.

Scroll down to the "Bromyard" recording, and click, it should play automatically. Then, afterwards, listen to any of the many versions available on Youtube, and you will spot the difference immediately.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:12 PM

Thanks, Murray.
I'd still like to hear it sung.

The only version I have heard is Denny Bartley's and it blows me away. If the original is even better then bring it on.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:19 PM

Working on it, Steve.

I just realised that the link I gave above doesn't do what I wanted...and of course, Mickey's original recording is unobtainable any more ...what's that all about, Mickey ? How's about a reprint of "Peter Pan and Me" ?

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:24 PM

Uhh, ...just realised that the link above does in fact lead to Ian Bruce singing the song ...and a very fine version it is too ...scroll down to Bromyard and click on the arrow ...

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:27 PM

Many thanks, Murray. Well sung and played by Ian and makes pleasant listening, BUT, I still much prefer Denny's very dramatic and expressive version. His has much more minor chords in it more befitting of the song's bitterness. There is no bitterness at all in Ian's performance, and he pretty much lets the song tell its own story without any emotional input. I am not musical enough to discuss the technical differences, but, each to his own.

Mickey, have you heard Denny's version?

Slainte.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:52 PM

Well, I take your point Steve ...Ian does rather make it into a bit of a 3/4 jollification ...I grant you that ...but the point is that he does sing the tune as Mickey did, even if his interpretation might be considered a tad upbeat for the tastes of some people ...

I quote from my post 11 years ago ..

"Along the Faele River that bordered his land ".

That is the line that so many singers take the easy way out on.

That line (and the corresponding line on the other verses) , is what we are debating about . And which, IMO , makes or breaks the interpretation of the song.

Denny Bartley's version I have to say, with profound regret , doesn't do it for me.( quite apart from his following the Niamh Parsons apostasy) The DADGAD chords are just too undefined and "in your face " for what is a very sensitive song. The chords I gave above 11 years ago are all that you need.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 11:35 AM

Fair comment, but I'm more interested (in this case) in the overall final effect than the technicalities.

Like traditional songs, songs become altered for better or worse as they are passed along. That 'better or worse' is often arbitrary and upto each individual listener to assess.

FWIW when I first heard the song I assumed it was traditional. It is still one of my favourites and whenever I see Denny perform I request it.

Slainte

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Tinkerman's Daughter / Red Headed Anne
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 10 Feb 13 - 06:05 PM

Just listened to Denny Bartley's version - I think it's awful. I have recordings by Cilla Fisher and Iain MacKintosh on old LPs where both sinf the original tune, and I've never heard the "simplified" one before. Mickey is right, it's much less interesting.