TradFest live performance by WHɎTE

Played on BBC Radio Scotland Travelling Folk, 15/05/2016

BBC Radio Scotland Travelling Folk - 'Sister's Lament'

From the album 'Fairich' - released 21 October 2016

Mastered by Scott Maple

www.whytenoise.co.uk

This song survives in the oral tradition of Mull and is considered there to be of local origin. Verses not current in Mull tradition are preserved in published versions and verse 4 is a nod to the version published in 1879 in An t-Òranaiche. The version in An t-Òranaiche makes it clear that the subject of the song drowned, despite having been an accomplished swimmer and known to have swum between Mull and the mainland district of Sunart: no mean feat. In the verses included in this arrangement, the author wishes the group of lads in the black oaken boat well on their journey north past the island of Eigg, naming some of those on board: Iain; Ailean, the son of Alasdair Ruadh; and Eoghan, son of Pàraig. There would be blood on their palms and fire in their cheeks.Whatever happens before their return, their venture will be tough.

Leis a’ Bhàta (The Black Oaken Boat)

From the album 'Fairich' - released 21 October 2016

Mastered by Scott Maple

www.whytenoise.co.uk

Murchadh Mòr was the third chief of the Mackenzies of Achilty in Contin and second chamberlain of the Isle of Lewis from c1634 to 1643.  Murchadh Mòr's brown mare is his sea-going ship and the reference to seafaring reflects contemporary Mackenzie exploitation of the fish-trade through their possessions in the Minch.  The song is a mock lament, Murchadh Mòr conveying his gloom at having to travel on horseback rather than in his beloved vessel.  the virtues of his agile vessel are extolled, while the shaggy, putrid mare who travels on land and cannot answer his needs is subject to a scathing critique.  While his vessel is capable of transporting a number of men, one man is a load on the mare, who constantly demands sustenance.  Despite his greying hair, the threat of pursuit by enemies and rough seas, his desire is to be cutting though the sea, rather than having a whip and bridle in his grasp.

An Làir Dhonn

Composed by Alasdair Whyte & Ross Whyte

www.whytenoise.co.uk

Tairm

Gaelic electronica from singer-songwriter Alasdair Whyte and composer/musician Ross Whyte.

WHɎTE

Popular tracks