Walter Davidson

Subject: Walter Davidson
From: oldhippie
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 08:39 PM

Anyone have a short bio of this Irish folk singer, or a link to a site?

Subject: RE: Walter Davidson
From: Peace
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 12:01 AM

Three LPs that I can find done by 'Walter Davidson and the Ulstermen'. No further info, though.

Subject: RE: Walter Davidson
From: Stewie
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 08:00 PM

Back in the 70s, I was collecting records related to the Irish 'troubles'. I collected numerous albums of rebel songs, but could only obtain a few 'Orange' compilations. Among these latter were two by Walter Davidson and the Ulstermen: 'Loyal Songs of Ulster' and 'More Loyal Songs of Ulster', both on the Spin label. The sleeve of 'Loyal Songs' had no notes at all. However, 'More Loyal Songs' had this brief note about Davidson:

Walter Davidson is a recognised expert on Orange music and has an intimate knowledge of Orange affairs generally being a past master of L.O.L. 514 which hails from the famous Sandy Row area. His musical knowledge is by no means limited. Walter has been a professional musician all his life. After starting the Melotones as a vocal group, he made them into Ireland's first showband with over 400 broadcasts and 50 television appearances. He is closely associated with Linfield Football Club and has travelled Europe with them. For his services to the club, Walter was recently presented with life membership. With his past experience as a musical arranger for all the UK's major recording companies, even arranging rebel albums (how's that for versatility), Walter with his intimate grasp of the themes of this album brings you the best of the Orange and Blue. [Sleeve note to Walter Davidson and the Ulstermen 'More Loyal Songs of Ulster' Spin Records LP RGS 3027, recorded Belfast 1968].

I hope the above is of some use to you. The track listing for 'More Loyal Songs' is:

Side I
The South Down Militia
The Shepherd's Boy
King Billy at the Boyne
The Royal Blues
The Orange Maid of Sligo
Play Up Linfield

Side II
Ulster Won't Die
Here, Here, The Blues Are Here
The Sprigs of Kilrea
The Battle of Garvagh
The Gallant 'Clyde Valley'
Cromie's Buck
The Orangeman's Dream


--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Walter Davidson
From: Stewie
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 08:06 PM

Whilst I have the record in front of me, I might as well give the track listing of 'Loyal Songs of Ulster' Spin LP RGS 3019:

Side I
Dolly's Brae
Orange and Blue
Sandy Row
The Lily O!
Derry's Walls
Green Grassy Slopes

Side II
Aghalee Heroes
We Are The People
Ould Orange Flute
The Only Shade of Blue
The Sash

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Walter Davidson
From: oldhippie
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 09:48 PM

Thanks Stewie, that's just what I was looking for.