Recorded at Club Passim, July 2013. Featuring Owen Marshall on the harmonium.

Learned from June Tabor's rendition on 'Airs & Graces'.

Young Waters (June Tabor)

A total copycat cover of Davy Graham & Shirley Collins' arrangement of the traditional song 'Hares on the Mountain', from their album 'Folk Roots, New Routes'.  I tried to transcribe Davy's part as precisely as I could, though I might have missed or forgotten a few variations.  

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_nBRX2ejYY
TAB/sheet music:  https://lindsayandjordanmusic.com/teaching

If you've never heard this song or the album, I implore you to go check out the original.  Seriously, do it right now:

http://www.allmusic.com/album/folk-roots-new-routes-mw0000668476 
http://mainlynorfolk.info/shirley.collins/records/folkrootsnewroutes.html

Hares On The Mountain (Trad. Arr. Shirley Collins & Davy Graham)

This one was learned from an old recording of Jeannie Robertson from the Voice of the People collections. It is featured on my debut solo album, "My Mind From Love Being Free."

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: http://www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-mind-from-love-being-free/id985873208

When I Was Not But Sweet Sixteen

This one was learned from Scottish singer Lizzie Higgins. It's featured on my debut solo album, "My Mind From Love Being Free."

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: http://www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-mind-from-love-being-free/id985873208

Lovely Molly

Years ago I arranged this beautiful melody, "Twisting of the Rope (Casadh an tSúgáin)," for solo guitar, not really thinking about the time signature or structure. Turns out it's subtly crooked! I've played this Irish tune in more guitar demos than I can remember, but here I'm playing it in a form truer to Iarla Ó Lionáird's singing of it, with a two-measure variation every other go round.

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/twisting-of-the-rope-tab
Support my work: https://paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

Twisting Of The Rope (Casadh an tSúgáin)

This original Celtic-inspired tune in drop D is called "The Cardinal's Path", first evolved in demos for The North American Guitar.

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/the-cardinals-path-tab
Support my work: https://paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw

The Cardinal's Path (original)

Harp tunes make for great fingerstyle guitar arrangements! There are definitely easier O'Carolan tunes to start with, but this was my first. An essentially straightforward arrangement of melody with bass notes and some chord tones when they're easy to grab, this one still trips me up if I haven't played it in a while. Sí Bheag Sí Mhór (Si Bheag Si Mhor), Sheebeg & Sheemore, or however you want to spell it, it's an O'Carolan classic.

Transcription/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/si-bheag-si-mhor-tab
Support my work: https://PayPal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

Si Bheag Si Mhor (Sheebeg and Sheemore) [O'Carolan]

A deceptively simple set dance, "Planxty Davis" was composed by Irish-born Thomas O'Connellan in 1689 to commemorate the Battle of Killiecrankie in Scotland. Depending on the instrument and setting, this beautiful little tune takes on a totally different character!

Fans of Nic Jones may recognize it from his album Penguin Eggs, and Nathan Salsburg has also recorded it in DGDGAE. I tried figuring their arrangements out but lazily decided to just re-arrange it in DADGAD so I'd have another piece in that tuning.

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/planxty-davis-tab
Support my work: https://paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/lindsaystraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

Planxty Davis (Thomas O'Connellan)

In late October we said goodbye to my kitty, Sasha. Not a day has passed where I haven't missed her terribly, but writing this little tune has been really therapeutic. She truly was a ray of sunshine and an absolute snuggle queen, and I will always be grateful for the 15.5 wonderful years she was in my life.

Tuning: CGCGCE

Transcription/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/our-girl-sasha-tab
Support my work: https://PayPal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

Our Girl Sasha (original)

Here's another personal deep cut! "Laureen's Tune" is a sweet little song from the Scottish band Shooglenifty.  This little G tune accompanied many a bride or bridal party down the aisle, and has been used to demo quite a few guitars, too. Here, it debuts a new addition to the collection: a Blind Guitars B-26 from French luthier Virgile Pilon!

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/laureens-tune-tab
Support my work: https://www.paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/lindsaystraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

Laureen's Tune (Shooglenifty)

Fleetwood Mac classic, featuring fingerstyle guitar and violin.

https://lindsaystraw.com/weddingmusic
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Landslide (feat. Jordan Santiago)

Here's one of the first tunes I arranged for solo fingerstyle guitar - Liz Carroll's "Island of Woods" from her first album with John Doyle. I've played it at many a wedding and in many a demo, and it's inspired some of my own tunes (see "The Cardinal's Path").

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/the-island-of-woods-tab
Support my work: https://paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
---
Website: https://www.lindsaystraw.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lindsaystraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

The Island Of Woods (Liz Carroll)

Sometimes mistaken for an O'Carolan piece, this harp tune was written in about 1603 by Rory Dall O'Cahan (Ruaidri Dáll Ó Catháin) who predated O'Carolan by a good few decades. Either way, it's safe to say that this is another harp piece that sits beautifully on the guitar! Given the romantic sounding name, this one makes a lovely wedding processional or dance.

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/give-me-your-hand-tab
Support my work: https://paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Website: https://www.lindsaystraw.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lindsaystraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

Give Me Your Hand (Tabhair Dom do Lámh)

Another one that started as a demo ditty, this is probably my most consciously Lyle Brewer inspired tune! We've had his albums on regular rotation for the past five or so years, and often his melodies and playing style would inspire me while demoing different guitars for the shops. This one evolved over a few demos from 2021-2023, but only very recently felt truly finished. It's called "Flowers of Roslindale" as a nod to the neighborhood's beautiful gardens and arboretum.

Transcription/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/flowers-of-roslindale-tab
Support my work: https://paypal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
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Website: https://www.lindsaystraw.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lindsaystraw
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw

Flowers of Roslindale (original)

Tuning: CGCGCE. Composed by Portland-based guitarist Byran Rahija. If you like this, check out more of his work!

https://bryanrahija.bandcamp.com
https://www.bryanrahija.com/tablature

Eight Of Wands (Bryan Rahija cover)

The classic Elvis love song, featuring fingerstyle guitar and violin.

https://lindsaystraw.com/weddingmusic
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw

Can't Help Falling In Love (feat. Jordan Santiago)

Every fan of Planxty and Andy Irvine has to learn "As I Roved Out" at some point, right? I was really trying not to go crazy on the vocal ornaments here but they just come out on Irish songs like this! They don't get much more bitterly beautiful than this traditional ballad.

Sheet music/TAB: https://lindsaystraw.com/as-i-roved-out-tab
Tutorial: https://youtu.be/FfmZX5izPbw
Support my work: https://PayPal.me/LindsayStrawMusic
---
Website: https://www.lindsaystraw.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lindsaystraw
Bandcamp: https://www.bandcamp.com/lindsaystraw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nvoQ1Km3PVD1Z4H41Rp79
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayStraw

As I Roved Out (Traditional)

Given the popularity of this song in Irish pubs, I had always assumed it was itself Irish. However, it is Scottish! Either way, it's a great one for this time of year with St. Patrick's Day around the corner. What better way to close out a night of celebration and libations with friends?

Guitar: Brondel A-2 Cocobolo/Carpathian Spruce
Mic: Ear Trumpet Louise

Website: https://www.lindsaystraw.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/LindsayStraw

The Parting Glass (Traditional Celtic Fingerstyle)

This is one of my favorite Irish hornpipes, and it happens to sit quite nicely in standard tuning on guitar. I worked out some subtle variations for the second time through, which are noted in the sheet music on Patreon.

https://www.patreon.com/lindsaystraw

Harp & Shamrock (Irish Hornpipe for Fingerstyle Guitar)

This song was learned from the singing of Rita Gallagher, who herself got it from Paddy Tunney. It's featured on my debut solo album, "My Mind From Love Being Free."

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: http://www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-mind-from-love-being-free/id985873208

The Mermaid

A song with many iterations in the British Isles and in America, I learned this particular version from the singing of Elizabeth LaPrelle. It's featured on my debut solo album "My Mind From Love Being Free."

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: http://www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-mind-from-love-being-free/id985873208

Awake, Awake

I learned this one from Rita Gallagher's album "Easter Snow." It seems to be a love song not just dedicated to a young lady, but also to Lurgy Stream and Donegal. The title of the album comes from the first line of this song.

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: http://www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-mind-from-love-being-free/id985873208

Lurgy Stream

One of the first traditional songs I fell in love with back in my teen years.

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: http://www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-mind-from-love-being-free/id985873208

When I Was In My Prime

Two Irish hornpipes featuring Darcy Noonan on the fiddle, Lindsay Straw on Irish bouzouki

Darcy Noonan & Lindsay Straw - Harp & Shamrock/Galway Bay (hornpipes)

The Kickstarter for this album is live! My collection of traditional British folk songs about strong, clever, kickass lady characters, “The Fairest Flower of Womankind”, is almost ready to be released. I just need your help to cover the final design and print costs. Please check out my Kickstarter page and help me spread the word so I can get this album out into the world! http://kck.st/2jSUHkc

Rough mix of the traditional song "The Crafty Maid's Policy" and two tunes, "Fingal's Cave" and "Sheepskins & Beeswax", from my upcoming second solo album, "The Fairest Flower of Womankind". 

Vocals and bouzouki - Lindsay Straw
Concertina - Benedict Gagliardi
Fiddle - Armand Aromin

Recorded and mastered by James Prendergast at Mill Pond Music Studio, Portsmouth, NH.
Cover art by L'Art Comme Unique / Salt Design

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw2
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-fairest-flower-of-womankind/id1231750049

Album #2 Rough Cuts

The Crafty Maid's Policy (rough mix)

Scottish folk song, "Geordie", as featured on my second solo album, The Fairest Flower of Womankind, released April 28, 2017.

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw2
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-fairest-flower-of-womankind/id1231750049

Vocals and guitar - Lindsay Straw
Guitar - Owen Marshall

Recorded and mastered by James Prendergast at Mill Pond Music Studio, Portsmouth, NH.
Cover art by L'Art Comme Unique / Salt Design

Geordie

Australian folk song "The Female Rambling Sailor" is featured on my second solo album, The Fairest Flower of Womankind, released April 27, 2017.

DOWNLOAD AND PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE:
Bandcamp: www.lindsaystraw.bandcamp.com 
CDBaby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/lindsaystraw2
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-fairest-flower-of-womankind/id1231750049

Vocals and bouzouki - Lindsay Straw
Accordion - Daniel Accardi
Fiddle - Armand Aromin
Concertina - Benedict Gagliardi

Recorded and mastered by James Prendergast at Mill Pond Music Studio, Portsmouth, NH.
Cover art by L'Art Comme Unique / Salt Design

The Fairest Flower of Womankind

The Female Rambling Sailor

From The Ivy Leaf's eponymous album, released March 2012.

Featuring Armand Aromin on fiddle, Dan Accardi on fiddle, Caroline O'Shea on flute, and me on bouzouki.

The Lumpy Custard/Cucanandy/The Jolly Merchant - The Ivy Leaf

Lindsay & Jordan play The Band classic "Ophelia" live at The Music Emporium in Lexington, MA.

Guitar & lead vocals:  Lindsay Straw
Mandolin & harmony vocals:  Jordan Santiago

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ1-AS_YnMs

Ophelia (The Band)

Lindsay & Jordan's rendition of Springsteen's "Atlantic City".

Guitar & lead vocals: Lindsay Straw
Mandolin & harmony vocals: Jordan Santiago

Live video here:  https://youtu.be/nRRfvxmAc0Y

Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen)

Acoustic guitarist, bouzouki player and singer Lindsay Straw brings traditional British and American folk into the modern era.

Lindsay Straw

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