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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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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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