I believe that not many people are preserving some of this traditional music from the British Isles. I have loved this music for at least 47 years and have been singing them since I was 9 years old. Many of these songs were catalogued between 1882 and 1889 by a Harvard professor, Francis James Child; thus they are called Child Ballads after him and not because they were written for children. (I get this question asked A LOT)
The purpose of this CD is to preserve a musical form and music that should not be forgotten. I want this music preserved for future generations, and I feel these are some of the most wonderful and fairly easy-to-sing and remember songs that these younger generations should know about.
Music today is soooooooo overly produced and synthesized. Kids as well as many adults no longer know what a “natural” folk song sounds like. It’s not always perfect, and it certainly isn’t always loaded with umpteen electronic effects. I think it’s sad. This CD is about preserving a part of our histories. And did I mention that for the last 40 years of my life, I’ve worked only for radio stations. Rock, Jazz, Classical, Country. I started in high school. I wanted a pure, down-to-earth form. So I produced a natural sound I liked and found there are thousands of people out there who share my view.
#1. My first song is Molly Malone. “Cockles and Mussels”, may be a familiar tune of the 19th Century, but its legend goes back to at least the 17th Century. It’s first on my CD because it was the first song I sang at the first pub I visited during my first trip to Ireland. The 150 or so people in that pub outside of Shannon gave me such thunderous applause; it still amazes me how they loved it and how surprised they were that I knew it and sang it to them so well.
#2. The Rogue of Dundee- originally a cast song back in the early 90’s. An original song I wrote that has become my signature song and describes how I came to be living in Scotland! And it’s a great ale drinkin’ song for pirates!
#3 Barbra Allen, one of my favorite Child Ballads, of course
#4 Scarborough Faire- the original name of the Faire I perform at. Its origin is from a ballad originally called the Elfin King. (Another original Child Ballad) This woman gives this man impossible tasks to perform if he is to be her true love. She doesn’t really want to marry him because he is an Elf. And her requests are impossible to fulfill.
#5 Ann Boleyn-- This song, also an original, was written in honor of Shannon Bradley, who plays Ann Boleyn. She says she loves it and it’s the only song she knows of where she doesn’t die! We got a good laugh out of that one. So True...True Dat!
6. House Carpenter—Another Child Ballad. I perfected playing this song by the time I was 12. Yep, been playing it for almost 45 years now.
7. Black Velvet Band—Going to Van Damiens Land aka Australia. Another classic Irish pub tune.
8. The Ash Grove-- The first British Ballad tune I heard and have been singing since I was 9 years old. The earliest one I remember. So, now I’ve been singing this tune goin on 48 years…WOW, I’m glad I’m putting this down for you, Mr. or Ms. Reviewer… A beautifully haunting Welsh Tune about a graveyard
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