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07 Jan 11 - 03:20 PM (#3069432) Subject: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Maryrrf I've been going through YouTube brushing up on some Robert Burns material. We'll be doing a concert celebrating Robert Burns (not a full fledged Burns Night)later in the month. I really enjoy this fellow. Thought I'd share the LINK . Enjoy! |
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07 Jan 11 - 05:38 PM (#3069507) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Gallus Moll I just listened to two Burns songs in that link, Helen of Kirconnel and The Slaves Lament, and I have to say that I was not inclined to seek out any more; I have heard many better renditions - I was particularly disappointed to hear The Slaves Lament sung rather cheerily to the tune of The Bonnie Lass o Fyvie O - -- ! - I don't have a problem with setting words to different tunes or variants of tunes - Terry Clarke was so blown away by The Slaves Lament he wrote his own tune to is 'cos he couldn't wait for me to give him the Burns one; interestingly the words fitted his tune as comfortably as the original - -because he understood the meaning and mood of the song! There are three hundred and something Burns songs, and many of them are absolutely stunning; quite a few are set to fiddle tunes, and many others lend themselves to unaccompanied singing - which is how Burns would have heard them when he first collected them. I think there should be a ban on rhythmic guitar accompaniment to the majority of Scottish folk songs and the songs of Robert Burns! |
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07 Jan 11 - 06:02 PM (#3069522) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Auldtimer On You Tube there is an abundance of great stuf far much beter than this, rather drearey he needs to waken up and turn off the guitar. |
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07 Jan 11 - 06:13 PM (#3069532) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,JimP Here's my favorite of a much-overdone song: Auld Lang Syne |
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07 Jan 11 - 06:13 PM (#3069533) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Bernie A friend loaned me his Eddi Reader CD ["Sings the songs of Robert Burns"]...lovely piece of work;beautiful orchestration and singing...I'm not an authority on Burns,but I think most people would find this a very nice piece of work.... |
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07 Jan 11 - 06:24 PM (#3069540) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Auldtimer Sorry, BUT Eddi Reader and Burns is like playing tennis with a meringue. It won't hold together for too long. She's a great singer I have seen and enjoyed her live often BUT Burns? no way. |
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07 Jan 11 - 06:37 PM (#3069544) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Anne Neilson I'm with Auldtimer on this -- I find her performances far too mannered, when the songs are honest and true and better served by a less histrionic delivery. And, like Gallus Moll, I often find Burns' songs more attractive unacompanied. |
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07 Jan 11 - 07:07 PM (#3069562) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: maple_leaf_boy I listened to "Ye Banks and Braes". Gary Cleghorn does a nice version of it, too. |
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07 Jan 11 - 09:24 PM (#3069614) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Commander Crabbe Try listening to Emily Smith. She does a brilliant rendition of The Silver Tassie (Bonnie Mary) during one of the Transatlantic Sessions. CC |
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07 Jan 11 - 10:49 PM (#3069644) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Effsee To me, the best interpreter of Burns songs has to be Rod Paterson. |
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07 Jan 11 - 11:01 PM (#3069647) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Taconicus Thanks for this link--interesting interpretations! I generally like them. |
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08 Jan 11 - 12:51 AM (#3069667) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: mg I personally like KelticKev on you tube. Here is one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAAd1xUP64o&feature=related I think it is A Man's a man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAAd1xUP64o&feature=related Also Bard of Cornwall has some good stuff..and of course the Corries. mg |
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08 Jan 11 - 06:07 AM (#3069717) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Diva With EKanne and Auld Timer...would prefer not to hear Ms Reader singing Burns |
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08 Jan 11 - 08:08 AM (#3069766) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Tattie Bogle I'm with Gallus Moll, Auldtimer, EKanne and Diva on pretty well all they've said. And I'm not with ER or Keltickev (mainly - definitely do NOT change the tune to Slave's lament - or even funk up the usual tune, as some have done it is a LAMENT!) And one thing that really sticks in my craw is that in our ceilidh band we have to do a set of "Burns Waltzes" and "A Man's a Man" has been turned into a waltz! Heaven preserve us! I am trying to learn "The Gloomy Night is Gath'ring Fast" - another very miserable one, to the tune of Roslin Castle, which is somewhat of a challenge in range and pitching. |
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08 Jan 11 - 11:57 AM (#3069896) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: pattyClink Jan Smith (Smithfield Fair) My Heart's In The Highlands I'd like a more lyrical video to go with it, but just wanted to post the audio because I think it's the best version of this poem I've heard. |
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08 Jan 11 - 12:57 PM (#3069928) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Sue Allan Jean Redpath's singing of Burns' songs for me: stunning arrangements and great voice. |
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08 Jan 11 - 01:14 PM (#3069937) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,leeneia Thanks, Maryrrf. I enjoyed 'My love is like a red, red rose' and 'Campbell's Farewell to Redcastle,' among others. |
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08 Jan 11 - 04:13 PM (#3070085) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Rex I agree with what is said here. Much of these old songs and tunes are of late, overproduced. Let the tune stand. That being said, how can I find the earliest of the tunes applied to Burns songs? Indeed they would be fiddle songs. I have been looking and wish to know them. Can anyone help with that? Rex |
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08 Jan 11 - 04:17 PM (#3070090) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,mg That is the only tune I have heard to Slave's Lament...what is the original supposed to be like? mg |
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08 Jan 11 - 04:50 PM (#3070114) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Noreen Wendy Stewart singing the original tune, mg: Slave's Lament Nice harp, but could do without the rest of it. |
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08 Jan 11 - 05:17 PM (#3070129) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,mg I think I never heard KelticKev do Slave's lament before but I definitely concur that the tune is not the one I have heard or would ever use. mg |
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08 Jan 11 - 06:38 PM (#3070188) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Gallus Moll Hi pattiClink - sorry, I have to disagree, to my ear this version of My Heart's In The Highlands has peculiar emphases--- -- ! Would I be correct in assuming that there is a fundamental difference in attitude towards the interpretation / performance of Burns' songs between those who have some knowledge of the man* and his works and endeavour to contribute to the 'carrying stream' and those who know little of his background but are seeking to add to their repertoire- - -are they singing the song for its own sake or their ego? (* the more I learn about Burns the more there is to know - and I have been involved with him and his works for my whole life!) Rex - the late Serge Hovey (a composer and arranger in California) spent many years researching the Songs of Robert Burns and left a huge body of work in his archive; his aim was to match the songs with their original tunes, and he came to the School of Scottish Studies, spoke to Hamish Henderson and others in the course of his studies. His intention was to produce a series of albums, and a several volumes of words/music/background information. It was difficult to obtain funding for such a project, and he and his wife Esther managed, one at a time, to find sponsorship for I think 7 of the proposed 12 albums, and two books (not sure how many books were planned). Serge's health declined and latterly other musicians including his son had to do the production; Jean Redpath gave her time to sing on all of the albums. - Serge was an arranger and my first reaction to this project was of shock! However I quickly realised that he had made all these tunes available to me / us, that formerly were just titles on a page at the top of a song - what a wonderful resource! And tho' Serge's arrangements are not how I sing Burns' songs, I am eternally grateful to him for doing the research and opening up the opportunity to access every single song written or collected by Robert Burns. I believe that Greentrax has issued some / all of the Songs of Robert Burns / Jean Redpath singing / Serger Hovey's orchestral arrangements - alas both Serge and Esther are now deceased, and I don't know if or how we can ever manage to get his project, his dream, completed - to record the remaining albums and to publish the rest of the books would be a fabulous thing to do. |
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08 Jan 11 - 08:40 PM (#3070235) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Commander Crabbe Now I can make a blue clicky! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHgC49wuZ9Q |
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08 Jan 11 - 10:06 PM (#3070259) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Effsee Available:- http://www.footstompin.com/products/cds/the_complete_songs_of_robert_burns_12_volume_set A damn sight cheaper than when I financed the project at £10 a CD in production! Highly recommended. Sorry, can't do the blue clickys. |
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08 Jan 11 - 10:07 PM (#3070260) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST Maryrrf, thanks for posting the links. It's good to hear people singing and reciting Burns, especially to audiences who may not have heard the material before. "He loved the company of ordinary folk, especially when they were merry, or tender; he took them all at face value, if they deserved it. When it came to hypocrits and snobs, however, he was utterly unforgiving." from Robert Burns, 1750-1796, Erudite Correspondent, Critic and Poet http://www.suite101.com/content/robert-burns-1750-1796-erudite-correspondent-critic-and-poet-a221750#ixzz1AV8d7XuG |
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08 Jan 11 - 11:20 PM (#3070289) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Maryrrf Well it may not be to everyone's taste but I rather like KeltiKev's pleasant, husky voice, unassuming, matter of fact delivery and I didn't think the guitar was overpowering. I've enjoyed many of the links that others have posted too, and the exchange of opinions. |
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09 Jan 11 - 04:39 AM (#3070374) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Jim McLean "... from Robert Burns, 1750-1796, Erudite Correspondent, Critic and Poet http://www.suite101.com/content/robert-burns-1750-1796-erudite-correspondent-critic-and-poet-a221750#ixzz1AV8d7XuG" Some Erudite Correspndent! Burns' dates are 1759 - 1796. |
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09 Jan 11 - 04:47 AM (#3070381) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Allan Con "Some Erudite Correspndent! Burns' dates are 1759 - 1796." And very young he was when he died. Makes one think what else could have been left to us had he lived to an old age |
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09 Jan 11 - 08:16 AM (#3070488) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Gallus Moll N.B. there is a difference between the Serge Hovey / Jean Redpath 'Songs of Robert Burns' series of recordings (incomplete) which I believe are available from Greentrax and the 12 volume set by Linn Records / Fred Freeman which appeared more recently - - -IMHO a great deal more research and preparation went into Serge's work, he spent something like 25 years on the background to the project and arranging the works - as 'folkies' you might not want to sing the orchestral arrangements, but you must acknowledge the wealth and depth of background that went into this archive! |
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09 Jan 11 - 10:17 AM (#3070545) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe My personal favorites are sung by Isla St. Clair. This is Red Red Rose. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvKYBhITKdI I learned her version of Ae Fond Kiss, when I was much younger from a much younger version of herself. I think she was 20 then. I still love her voice. And, that version of AULD LANG SYNE is my favorite -- Maire Campbell. |
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09 Jan 11 - 10:28 AM (#3070559) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWzXTebD5X0&feature=related I like this version of Ae Fond Kiss. I'm not liking the dobro nor his voice... but Karen's got it right. |
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09 Jan 11 - 10:46 AM (#3070571) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: andymac Well, I agree with Diva, the Gallus Moll and EKanne on much of this: Eddi Reader is a good singer but not for Burns or in my opinion, any other traditional material. She's way OTT, too histrionic and too transatlantic sounding. I think that Fred Freeman's series is a mixed bag, there are some good versions of Burns songs there but also some howlers. I'd mention examples of both but don't have the CDs to hand just now. As mentioned above, many singers today seem to be more interested in gathering material for CDs which can then sound too commercial for my tastes. Unsuitable tunes/rhythms (for the song content) or instrumental breaks in the middle of a ballad are just examples which I've recently heard. Oh well, it's good to know that I'm not entirely alone in my opinions... |
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09 Jan 11 - 03:54 PM (#3070754) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Gallus Moll Thus far I have tried to refrain from being too personal, but have to agree about Eddi Reader - I enjoyed her in Fairground Attraction, and even in the tv series that followed on from Your Cheatin' Heart - what was that called? (think she played accordion in it!) However her performing style to my mind is about her, not the song content or history, Burns is merely a vehicle for her; it gars me grue when she 'performs' a song that she has obviously not bothered to learn from a recognised collection of his works! (And no, it is not the folk process, just lack of interest or application on her part) Then she constantly gets wheeled out as a Burns expert every time the media are doing a feature - -- and she blithely accepts their invitations, presumably not realising her lack of knowledge, or that there are many people - some of them even singers! - who have spent years building their understanding of Robert Burns and who have far more to offer than her trite soundbites. I agree with andymac about the Fred Freeman / Linn collection - a mixed bag; the good thing is that the songs are performed by Scottish folk / traditional singers; I don't agree with some of the tunes / arrangements, and I believe that insufficient time was allowed for people to fully absorb the songs, bit of a rush job - -? However the great thing about the Linn recordings and Serge Hovey's (sadly uncompleted - as yet) work is that we have been given access to tunes that enable us to learn and sing so many more than the usual 20-50 songs that were all we had access to previously (specially those of us who learn by ear). Regarding which singers / versions of songs I like, that is difficult - sometimes it is easier to say which versions I don't like! And there may be several singers whose renditions of the same song may be very different but all appeal to me - - the things I seek are honesty, understanding, belief in the song - and minimal ego! Yes you have to be confident to open your mouth and sing, but when it comes to traditional, folk, Burns, the singer is not more important that the message of the song! - IMHO!! |
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09 Jan 11 - 04:52 PM (#3070795) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Anne Neilson Couldn't agree more with Gallus Moll's final paragraph -- yes to honesty, understanding, belief in the song and minimal ego. And a huge vote for "the singer is not more important than the message of the song"! |
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09 Jan 11 - 07:21 PM (#3070895) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Rex I am grateful to Gallus Moll for pointing out what was under my nose. Decades back I found an LP of Jean Redpath with credit to the research of Serge Hovey. The songs were not familiar to me and the arrangements, not my cup of tea. But it was compelling even if I didn't trust these melodies to be from the source. I regarded it as good enough and filed it among my LPs. After reading your note, I knew just where it was pulled it from the shelf and looked. Volume Six, sonofagun. Thank you for pointing out that there are more of these recordings. I will look for the other volumes knowing I can find the root of the true melodies within. That is all I was looking for,I will have a closer look now. Thank you Gallus Moll. Rex |
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10 Jan 11 - 04:49 AM (#3071115) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Jim McLean My knowledge of tunes supplied by Burns came from Johnson's Scots Musical Museum. Does Serge Hovey provide further information? |
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10 Jan 11 - 05:16 AM (#3071125) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: breezy maybe Eddie Reader communicates the Burn's songs to an English ear and reaches a wider audience The Burn's songs are fine for the Scottish lug-hole, but I cant stand listening to most of it and have been turned off And I'll be contributing to a Burns themed evening shortly, again. So I can fully understand our Northern brethren being possessive and scathing Blwthyn newydd da |
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10 Jan 11 - 07:12 AM (#3071183) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: GUEST,Sara Karine Polwart has an album out of Robert Burns songs - also wonderful! |
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10 Jan 11 - 05:26 PM (#3071647) Subject: RE: Lovely versions of Robert Burns Songs From: Gallus Moll Jim, I'll have a look at the book and my albums and get back to the forum on Wednesday! Breezy, Auld Lang Syne (NOT zyne!) managed to make its way around the world by itself, albeit only two verses - -- my main complain is probably that Scottish singers should know better, they have no excuse for not understanding, researching, learning and correctly pronouncing the words of the songs! (Yes I know we don't all speak in an Ayrshire dialect!) Anyway, I have learned quite a few foreign language songs by ear and can (I am assured!) deliver them correctly - so no excuses for people not learning Scottish songs correctly. |