Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell

Subject: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: leprechaun
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 05:47 PM

Maybe you young people never heard of them, but there used to be a thing called a cassette recording, way back in antiquity before CDs and MP3 players. I recorded a Sunday morning Celtic music program many years ago and there was a medley rendition of Bonnie George Campbell, artistically blended with a heartpounding bagpipe tune. Oh how I loved to play it very loud on my car stereo when passing the Hip-Hop clubs.

In later research, it seemed similar to something by the Battlefield Band, but I've never been able to find the track on several of their CD's. I don't know if I can still find the tape, and it may be all stretched by now if I do. Can anybody point me to a Bonnie George Campbell recording with an ass-kicking bagpipe tune attached?

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 06:02 PM

Nic Jones version on 'Unearthed' CD is my fave - but no pipes!

And if you are patient enough to spot it, the Big Yin, Billy Connolly, sings a wee version in the film 'A series of unfortunate events' (is that title right?) from Leminy Snicket's books (is that name's spelling right, also?) - apologies for being a bit off the boil! - HFA

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 06:08 PM

So THAT'S where you got it from HFA!

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 06:14 PM

Way back in the 60s The Livingstones did a version of this on one of their two LPs. There were no 'full' bagpipes but if I remember correctly there was a chanter accompaniment.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: leprechaun
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 06:24 PM

I got glared at for singing along at the lemonysnicket movie.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: peregrina
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 07:03 PM

Joe Penland's CD Standing on Tradition has it (Bonnie James Campbell) with very spare banjo accompaniment, no bagpipes, but it's very atmospheric and might work for your purpose.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 05:17 AM

Frank Proffit's Bonny James Campbell soars miles above them all, as far as I'm concerned.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 05:46 AM

Back in the early seventies at Mike Henry's club in Oxford (when it was still at the Gardener's Arms) we had one of those nights when every song seemed to be about death - often multiple, always gory. Not in any way wanting to be left out I sang Bonny George Campbell. At the break I went for a Guiness and had the following conversation with a large Scotsman at the bar, whom we had never seen before:

LSATB - I'll get that for you. You cheered me up. Yours was the only cheerful song all night.
SM - Thanks, but I think you are mixing me up with someone else. I sang Bonny George Campbell.
LSATB - I know. And my name is McDonald.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 06:43 PM

Jon Harvison does a song caalled "Bonnie George Campbell" on his 'High Diving' CD and it's a stunning song - Nee pipes but J's vocal style really 'rips' into the song and meks it a real pearl

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: GUEST,Peachy
Date: 05 Apr 16 - 11:20 AM

Listen to the Murphy Bed's, fabulous rendition with bouzouki...

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 06 Apr 16 - 03:49 AM

I really like the version of "Bonny George Campbell" that Duncan Williamson used to sing. His version, together with a wonderfull account of how he came to learn it, can be heard on the CD "Travellers' Tales - Volume 1" (Kyloe 100).

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 06 Apr 16 - 04:20 AM

I recall a fine rendering on a long-since LP by Rory & Alex McEwen.

≈M≈

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 06 Apr 16 - 08:42 AM

The Rory & Alex McEwen recording was made by Peter Kennedy and issued on a 10" HMV LP. I agree, it was a good version.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Bonnie George Campbell
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Apr 16 - 02:14 PM

Just in case any musician stumbled in here looking for the tune to play - you can find three versions of 'Bonnie George Campbell' on the abc tune site. Many formats are available.

http://abcnotation.com/searchTunes?q=&f=c&o=a&s=0

I love playing this sweetly sad tune on my piano.