Review: One Green Hill-J. McLaughlin (Big Tim)

Subject: Review: One Green Hill-J. McLaughlin (Big Tim)
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Mar 08 - 12:51 PM

Every so often I like to go back and think of all this website has meant to me and done for me. One of the most important things has been to broaden the availability of information on the songs I sing, and the events/people that inspired them. In that regard, the gift of the superb piece of work by Mudcatter Big Tim, otherwise known as John McLaughlin, is one of the most important gifts I have received. It is titled, "One Green Hill" and published by Beyond The Pale Publications. It was discussed in an earlier thread but I feel it is important that one be able find it by using the filter.

I would strongly urge those of you who are truly interested in the characters and history of Irish song to order a copy of this book. It is unvarnished in the telling, in that it seeks to grind neither side of the sword. It tells of Republican/Nationalist songs, and it tells of Orange/Loyalist songs. It purposely seeks not to color up the history, rather just let the beauty of the history, and the motivations of the songwriter, to come through. You will be a much better performer for the knowing of the words you sing. I most especially recommend this book for Irish American singers. Far too many among us blindly sing the songs with absolutely no frame of reference beyond the notions and biases passed on to us. Have no fear, you won't change stripes, but you will be a more complete person of Irish ancestry for the reading.

Thanks, Big Tim/John Mclaughlin, for the gift of this book. It is beginning to get a little page worn from use, and that makes it all the more precious to me.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: One Green Hill-J. McLaughlin (Big Tim)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 06 Mar 08 - 07:45 PM

Seconded! Thanks, John - and Mick.

Subject: RE: Review: One Green Hill-J. McLaughlin (Big Tim)
From: Wolfgang
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 05:11 PM

I'm a sure buyer of volumes II, III etc too. A great book.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Review: One Green Hill-J. McLaughlin (Big Tim)
From: Big Tim
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 05:40 PM

Glad to hear that you're still around Wolfgang. I truly appreciate that comment.

I know that you too have stood on Scarriff bridge o'er the Shannon ( and I have been in your country).

Subject: RE: Review: One Green Hill-J. McLaughlin (Big Tim)
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 01:44 AM

Seconded, thirded, fourthed and fifthed, Mick.
I received my copy in 2003, and it's been an invaluable resource for knowing what I'm talking about when introducing an Irish historical song.

I recorded 'Boolavogue' on a CD a couple of years ago, and when talking about it on stage, I was able to draw on John's account of the '78 rebellion for illustration.

Thanks again, John.

Seamus