Raised on Songs & Stories is a new kind of recording, borne of a collaboration between me and musician/arranger Eric Robertson.
For the last ten or so years Eric Robertson and I have toyed with the idea of recording an album with no breaks, no silence between the tracks – just one single, continuous flow of music from start to finish. That idea finally bloomed this year.
All of the songs you will find here are ones that I have enjoyed my entire life, deeply rooted in my Scottish heritage—but with the occasional nod to my Irish ancestry—with “Dublin in the Rare Ould Times” and “Yesterday’s People” (written by Finbar Furey) truly heartwrenching.
Eric’s skill as a musician and arranger shine through in many places, but particularly in two medleys “The Way It Was” and “Aunt Margaret’s Mirror” – as well as short musical interludes that link each song together. Truly beautiful.
“And I no more Shall be Passing this Way” is very special to me. It was written by Darcy Broderick (Irish Decendants) for my father shortly after his passing in 1995. I think it’s a beautiful tribute to “my old man”.
Songs include: Auld Lang Syne • The Way It Was (a medley of four of our favorite Scottish songs. “Kate Dalrymple”, “Auld Reekie”, “Road to the Isles” and “The Skye Boat Song”) • Leezie Lindsay • Ae Fond Kiss • The Rare Ould Times • The Bluebells of Scotland • Aunt Margaret’s Mirror (a set of four Scottish airs: “Almond Water”, “Lord Balgonie’s Favorite”, “O’re the Hills and Far Away”, and “The Lee Rig”) • The Rose of Allendale • Comin’ Thro’ the Rye • Yesterday’s People (written by Finbar Furey of The Fureys) • The Loch Tay Boat Song • Flower of Scotland • I No More Shall be Passing this Way