(Gordeanna has recorded with the Clutha)
"In Freenship's Name" liner notes
1. The Shuttle Rins
Source: The Scottish Folk Songer
I learned this song some years ago for a concert organised by Danny Kyle as part
of the Paisley 500 celebrations. I have rarely sung it since, as I have
difficulty maintaining the pace I feel is necessary. the Song itself, which
conveys a strong sense of fellowship and humanity. has always appealed to me.
Here the clarsach and fiddle emulate the rhythm of the loom and allow me to give
freer expression to the words.
2. The Bawbee Birlin'
Music: Farewell tae whiskey Niel Gow
Source: Rod Paterson and Michael Marra
Aileen Carr first introduced me to this song when she
suggested that it would be a good addition to Palaver's repertoire. Although I
like the song I had no thought of including it on this CD as it is the sole
contemporary song on an otherwise traditional compilation. Fred Freeman
prevailed upon me and I was persuaded to record it. I'm glad I did. The lyrics
are a delight to sing and they marry beautifully with the fine old air.
I would like to believe that the day predicted in the last verse is not far off, but I
don't think I'll be holding my breath.
3. Johnny, My Lad
Source: The Greig Duncan Folk song Collection Vol 3 song 587
In the early part of 1995 the late Peter Hall invited me to
sing longside himself and Arthur Watson as part of an illustrated lecture given,
in Edinburgh, by Dr. Ian Olson and Peter himself. Peter suggested 'Johnny My
Man' as a song which would be useful for the purpose of the lecture. I did not
confirm with him which version would be most suitable and opted for this set of
words, from the singing of Annie Shirer. Peter's introduction concentrated on
the versions most usually sung, which adopt, a rather helpless, pleading tone
and take the form of a dialogue between Johnny and his wife. Annie Shirer's
text, however, is from the standpoint of the woman alone and to me, a stronger
more forceful woman than portrayed in other versions.
4. The Laird o' Dainty Dounby
Source: The Scottish Folk Singer
This is a relatively recent addition to my repertoire but I
have been familiar with it for many years from the singing of others, most
notably Ronnie Alexander of Clutha. I have always enjoyed his interpretation and
I wanted to achieve a similar pace and pawky feel. The text differs only
slightly from Ronnie's version which was taken from the singing of the late Davy
Stewart. Although the subject matter 'rape' is less than appealing, it is a
grand song to sing. Al least in the end the lass gets the Laird and secures a
comfortable life for herself and her parents. I leave it to the listened to
decide who got the best of the bargain.
5. My Bonnie Laddie's Lang A' Growin
Source: Personal Choice
I learned this song some years ago for a concert organised by Danny Kyle as part
of the Paisley 500 celebrations. I have rarely sung it since, as I have
difficulty maintaining the pace I feel is necessary. the Song itself, which
conveys a strong sense of fellowship and humanity. has always appealed to me.
Here the clarsach and fiddle emulate the rhythm of the loom and allow me to give
freer expression to the words.
6. The Shepherd's Wife
Also known as the Bird in The Bush, the tune was collected by
Vaughan Williams from someone he described as 'gypsy', in s village a few miles
from Rotherham. Our tesxt is made up of favourite verses from other verses .
7. Skippin Barfit Thro' the Heather
Source: 101 Scottish Songs
Norman Buchan was stunned by Jessie Murray's rendition of
this haunting song. It was, I am told, one of his favourites and he set his own
song, 'The Auchengreich Disaster', to this tune. I have known it since my school
days but have only started singing it in recent years. This one is for Norman,
who never heard me sing it. I hope we would have approved.
8. Tam Bowie
Two of Nancy's tunes, the first of which betrays the
influence of great Northumbrian shepherd fiddler and composer, Willie Taylor,
while the second betrays the influence of a certain James Fagan...
9. The Laird o' Warriston
Source: from the singing of Ewan MacColl
A new friend, Paul Adams is repsonsible for the recent addition of this song and
'Chylde Owlet' to the list of ballads I sing. He lent me a copy of MacColl's
album Blood and Roses Vol 2 and I was instantly hooked. I've always loved
the big ballads, perhaps because I love a good story well told, and I shiver to
imagine a 16 year old child bride saying 'Strike off this dowlie heid o' mine'.
10. Tail Toddle
Source: from the singing of Hamish Henderson
Those who know me will not be surprised at the inclusion of
another example of bawdry. The surprise may lie in the particular example, as
this is not one I normally sing. Fred suggested that I might include it and I
can't claim that I took much persuading. Like 'Tam Bowie' it is another explicit
expression of a woman's sexuality, but constructed in such a way that, if sung
at speed, the meaning could be missed. Very useful, I'm sure, in certain company
- but since the company I keep tends to revel in these little gems as much as I
do, I have chosen to sing it at a speed which does not mask the meaning.
11. The Plooman Laddies
Source: The Scottish Folk Singer
AI have sung this for as long as I have been singing
traditional song, and I almost certainly heard it first on a tape of Lucy
Stewart which Norman used to play to us at school. It never fails to encourage
audience participation, but for me its appeal lies in its straightforward
declaration of love. I frequently include the song in performance, and always
enjoy it.
12. Willie's Droon'd in Yarrow
Source: 101 Scottish Songs
Two of Nancy's tunes, the first of which betrays the
influence of great Northumbrian shepherd fiddler and composer, Willie Taylor,
while the second betrays the influence of a certain James Fagan...
13. The Laird o' Drum
Source: from the singing of Ewan MacColl
When I went down to sing in London for the first time
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger gave me a bed for the week I was there. But more
importantly I had free access to to Ewan's books, records and tapes! I spent
every free minute listening and copying words, and this song was one that
attracted me instantly, although I wanted to tackle it more vigorously than
MacColl seemed to. It wasn't until very many years later when I heard Peggy
accompany him on guitar on what was possibly their last visit to Glasgow, that I
heard the underlying rhythm of horses hooves, which is the feeling we have tried
to re-create here.
14. In Freenship's Name
Source: Herd Laddie o' the Glen
Although I never had the pleasure of actually hearing Willie
Scott sing this particular song, it seems to me in its sentiments to generate
the kind of good fellowship that Willie created effortlessly. And good
fellowship is what singing has been for me over the years - from the friends who
gave me songs to the songs which have become friends. May it long continue.
Last updated on 08/02/2011