Brush up your Scottish repertoire!

Ptarmigan · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: North Antrim

Well, of course, I'm a Scot myself, so it's only natural for me to be interested in Scottish Tunes, but I thought some of you folks here might also be interested to know that, after dropping a rather large HINT I've persuaded Nigel Gatherer to start a Tune a Week thread on his excellent Scottish Music forum. Cool

Hopefully, this'll only serve to help promote the playing of Scottish tunes on the Mandolin. Wink

Tune of the Week

He started it just today, so I'm in the process of recording my own response.
I need to learn a few more Scottish tunes myself anyway, so hopefully this'll encourage me to get at it! Embarassed

To put you in the mood, here's a popular wee Scottish Tune that I also snapped this morning.

The Barren Rocks of Aden

Cheers
Dick
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Tosh Marshall · Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 245 Location: London

Dick, yer slacking.....where's yer Mo Chailin Dileas Donn ?????
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Ptarmigan · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: North Antrim

Aye sorry Tosh, but I'm afraid I wasn't too excited by that last one, but I have had a go at this week's tune: Johnny Murray of Lochee

Cheers
Dick
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John K · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 2:40 pm Post subject: Scottish Repertoire

Hi guys, as a result of activity here and over on Nigel Gatherer's site and its new Tune of the Week section, and chat with Tosh and Dick, I am attaching a link to my own site where I have posted versions of Murray of Lochee and Macdonald of Keppoch as mp3s among other mainly Scottish tunes including a version of Paddy's Leather Breeches played by my daughter on her midi pipes with guitar,mandolin and banjo backing!

http://www.luthierjohn.co.uk/page7.html

Aren't things getting busy on all the various sites!
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Ptarmigan · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: North Antrim

Good job John.
You must be very proud of your talented daughter. Cool

Cheers,
Dick
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John K · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Dick. Actually I have two daughters and both are pipers! The younger one is also a very good singer and has performed with a few bands in the Edinburgh area where she lives. Yes, proud daddy indeed.
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mandopat · Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 3 Location: Northumberland

This is a great idea.
I'm not sure;is there a difference between Scottish tunes and Gaelic tunes?
I have been invited to a Gaelic session and dont know what to expect!
Will it be O'Carolan all night or some vigorous strathspeys and jigs?
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Keep Ahaad Marras
Eric

Tosh Marshall · Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 245 Location: London

Eric, Gaelic could be either Scottish or Irish, but as it's Nigel's site, it's going to be more likely the Scottish although he does have Irish tunes there.
It doesn't matter anyway and it is just the challenge of having a go. I think people shouldn't be reserved because they feel they can't do it or they feel it's for more intermediate or advanced players. Well I'm a novice and I have a go, I'm not a great player, but no matter what your level it's a good challenge (to yourself rather than against other players) and I don't think anyone will say 'you're no good'. It's more about being inspired and just having a go, and you'll find your fellow players are supportive. You don't have to post a video, you can post an audio clip. What I would say more than anything is that it is a video/audio diary of your progress, you can see how far you have improved over a period of time or in my case how far backwards you are going!|||
Another thing I'd say is the more you do it, the more comfortable you become at recording yourself. It's amazing how you can play a tune totally relaxed and as soon as the red button is hit to record, you go to pieces. The number of times I have almost got a decent take and screw up at the last minute to a few choice expletives is regular! At the end of the day it's about enjoying the music and enjoying trying to play it.......
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Paul Shippey Cherry Oval
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John K · Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 10:44 pm Post subject:

Talking of Scottish repertoire, here is a link to Archibald Macdonald of Keppoch which has been going the rounds on Mandolin Cafe. It's a lovely slow air and a good one learn. I used mandolin and octave here with midi cello added to the mix. Pix from one of my more active pastimes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j4X78P2VHs
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Tosh Marshall · Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 245 Location: London

Very nice John, it's a great tune....
I did Joan's Jig http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEWznTo6mgk
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Tosh Marshall

Paul Shippey Cherry Oval
Paul Shippey 10 String Mandolin
Weber Gallatin Mandocello
Eastman 815
Eastman 505

John K · Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 9:25 am Post subject: Scottish Repertoire

Nice relaxed version of a jig, Tosh! Again, shows that a good tune can take a variety of treatments. Very Happy

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John K · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:42 pm Post subject:

Hi Tosh, I am chasing after you again with the tunes - here is my version of Joan's Jig got from Nigel's website. A new one to me, so learned in a hurry and recorded earlier today with guitar dubbed on after tune was recorded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3OqnXi2pfE
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John K · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:24 pm Post subject:

Again playing catch-up! This time with Whiskey before Breakfast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS00o-JVbi8
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