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Various female artists from multiple musical genres were invited to record a piece of music inspired by the women of Aberdeen/shire (past or present). ‘Even in Winter’ is the result. Artwork illustrations by Gabi Reith.

 

Iona Fyfe – Pride of Aberdeen

 

Pride of Aberdeen or “Nellie of Aberdeen” or “Young Ellen of Aberdeen” is found in John Ords Bothy Songs and Ballads of Aberdeen, Banff and Moray, Angus and the Mearns. Various versions of the song is also found in Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection Volume 6. Originally collected by James Duncan in January 1906 from performers such as John McAllan ( Sep 1907), William Ross (Sep 1909), John Garioch (Apr 1859), Charles Walker ( Apr 1906) Maggie Watt (Apr 25th 1905) and Isaac Troup (Sep 11th 1907) The oldest known version of the song is from 21st April 1859 from John Garioch however the song was commonly sung by males in the first decade of the 1900’s. Roud Index: 2179

Although the origins of the song is unknown, the song seems to be a lament about a girl who is orphaned at 11 and falls sick at 17 before she could marry the narrative singer/writer of the song. I chose to rewrite the melody of the song and have wrote an extra verse (V1 A and B) as I felt the song needed a little bit of introduction and that the first line “All earthly pleasures now are fled” needed some verse before it.

All proceeds from the compilation will go to Aberdeenshire North Foodbank and it is available to buy here. A downloadable stream of the compilation is available here:

https://fitlikerecords.bandcamp.com/album/even-in-winter

 

 

 

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Recently, the Buchan Heritage Society held its Young Entertainer of the Year for 2015. The evening showcases some of the finest talent that competes at Strichen Festival in the May of each year.

The Buchan Heritage Society was founded in 1984 by President Mr James M Duncan and has aimed to keep alive all the old and true traditions of Buchan in music, song, verse, drama and olde time dance.

Strichen Festival is held in May each year and has performances, ceilidhs and competitions for all ages in a number of categories such as Bothy Ballad, Piano, Accordion and Doric.

Following on from the festival, a Young Entertainer of the Year evening was set up in September 1999 to promote and encourage the younger generations and it has proved very successful. The aim of the
competition has its emphasis more on entertainment value than perfect performance but proficiency obviously plays a large part.

From a young age, I have enjoyed 12006323_698081863624932_1650256196956683212_nbeing involved with the Buchan Heritage Society and I can’t stress enough just how much work everyone on the committee puts in to keep our traditions alive.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the evenings for the past 5 years and am very sad to say a fond goodbye to my time competing in the Young Entertainer.

Have a look at this years performance here.

Check out what the Buchan Heritage Society does  here.

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Back on the 12th of November, the Gordon Schools of Huntly had it’s annual Scots Night as part of the schools 175th Aniversary Celebrations – a resounding success with many musicians, dancers and the Huntly and District Junior Pipe Band as well as special guest Fiona Kennedy!
Fiona came into the school and worked with some pupils to create a collaboration to perform on the night as well as some of her own songs and it was just lovely!

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The night was a success and the turn out was brilliant – although we had a tremendously long first act. Ciara Ennis sung a beautiful rendition of Ae Fond Kiss and the Gordon Schools very own Traditional Band took to the stage for their first performance since they got together!

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Been very busy the past couple of weeks – some brilliant sessions and gigs!

First off, the Aberdeen Folk Showcase at Exodus was a lovely afternoon full of local talent such as Bob Knight!

Pipes in the Park was a rainy albeit brilliant day last Saturday in Huntly, mass pipe bands, North Sea Gas and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers! Aurora Choir got a slot on the main stage which was brilliant to sing at… But the next day, I had to be in Glasgow for the screening of “Where You’re Meant to Me” – a musical road trip featuring Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap), James Graham (The Twilight Sad) Jenny Reeve (Body Parts) along with other singers and musicians! Held at the Barrowlands and screened some scenes from the film, sung a song! But had to dash home from Glasgow to get back to Huntly!

Kirriemuir Festival was a big highlight- one of the last TMSA festivals of the year, a splendid display of talent at the competitions and even managed to gain a first in… Diddling, a second in Doric and a second at whistle! 2 disciplines in which I’ve never done before- so that was a real surprise!

It just goes to show, there is no end to what you can learn!

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resting up today after a lovely day in Glasgow yesterday guesting on Alan Grants show on Celtic Music Radio from 6-8. Unfortunately Alan had to travel south so fortunately Paul McCluskey stepped in and presented! Had a speak about influences, why we should keep traditional music alive, and some lovely wee stories behind the songs I sung! The show can be found on catchup for 30 days on Alan Grants profile show at http://www.celticmusicradio.net

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