This recording is probably Norman's earliest - a superb rendition of Bonnie Udny recorded in 1963 - a song known by many traditional singers in Aberdeenshire - and celebrating the 'Lang walks o Udny'. 

1: O Udny, bonny Udny, ye shine far ye stand,
The mair I see Udny the mair my hert yearns;
Though I’m east or I’m west fare’er I may be,
O aa the lands in Scotland, bonnie Udny’s for me. 

2: For it's ye’ll pu the reid rose and I'll pu the thyme,
For ye’ll drink tae your love and I'll drink tae mine;
For my mind will not alter nor go to and fro;
But I’ll aye be kind herted tae the lassie I loe.  

3: Noo it’s time tae drink up boys, it is time tae gyang hame,
For tae bide here ony langer we’d get a bad name;
And tae get a bad name, boys, that never would dee, 
For the lang walks o Udny are aa tae gae through. 

4: For Udny, bonnie Udny, ye shine far ye stan,
The mair I see Udny the mair my hert yearns,
Though I’m east or I’m west fare’er I may be,
O aa the lands in Scotland, bonnie Udny’s for me.

The recording is taken from the vinyl LP of a concert held in the Pollock Hall, Edinburgh organised by the Scottish Federation of Folk Clubs in 1963 - bringing together singers from folk clubs all over Scotland. Norman was part of the contingent from Aberdeen Club that also included Isla StClair.

Norman Kennedy - Bonnie Udny

Springthyme is a record label dedicated to presenting Scotland's living tradition in song and music. Founded in 1974 by musician and singer Pete Shepheard, the label has introduced many fine singers, musicians to the world of recorded music. The very first album was recorded during the weekend traditional music festival held in Kinross in 1973 with musicians including Aly Bain and Tom Anderson and the Shetland Fiddlers and the first recording of ballad singer Stanley Robertson of Aberdeen. Other artistes on Springthyme include Jim Reid, The Foundry Bar Band, Ossian, Jock Duncan, Bill Black, Duncan Williamson, Lizzie Higgins, Jim Crawford, Tom Hughes, John Watt & Davey Stewart, Iain McLachlan and many more including a CD from Pete's own band Shepheard, Spiers & Watson. Springthyme has also issued recordings from their field recordings archive in cooperation with the Musical Traditions label.

Norman Kennedy - Bonnie Udny

springthyme