Black is the Color

Black is the Color (Three versions)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

The first time I heard this piece was an instrumental version.  Since then the melody has haunted me. So much more when I discovered the lyrics. I did some research and the history is kind of vague. But there are references to Scotland. I would like to feature Christy Moore, Cara Dillon and of course Nina Simone who popularized this piece in the mid 20th century. Wow  can you believe that this is the next century?

I found out about Nina Simone a couple of years ago after listening to a lot of French standards and it is refreshing to hear this song interpreted in a different style but still reflecting the same intense sentiments.

Adendum…

Win a Unique Original Watercolour

Artist & Author Paul Taggart is delighted to have been, once more, invited back to participate at the Highland Field Sports Fair on August 6th & 7th 2010.

Paul will be working at his easel in the main ring and other locations over the two days, to capture the heart of this impressive fair in one of his on-the-spot works of art.

Catch Paul as he works away on a number of scenes and you could be in with a chance to win the finished painting signed by all those featured and Mrs Celia Mackintosh of Mackintosh (Moy Estate).

Last year’s winning Prize Draw ticket was bought in aid of Pets As Therapy, by Gillian Rammage (Aberdeenshire), who was thrilled to be the lucky recipient of the framed watercolour.

“Once again, I am delighted to donate the finished watercolour to the Highlands, Islands and Grampian branch, to help in their fund-raising work. This deserving cause has become an established presence at the Fair.” reveals Paul Taggart.

“Last year’s painting featured the Duke of Buccleuch’s Pack, Katy Cropper’s Dogs and Ducks, Skyhigh Falconry, Moray Firth Spaniel & Retriever Club, Original Smokies from Arbroath, Chuck from the USA working with farrier Robin Pape, musicians Bruce MacGregor and Brian O’hEadra and last, but not least – the inimitable Robbie Trophy Terrier Racing (presented by Mrs Mackintosh).”

So please watch out for this author of fourteen books, as he wields his brushes over the two days whilst also being filmed for some videos.

Do not miss this ‘unique’ opportunity to purchase a Prize Draw ticket and be in with a chance of bagging yourself a winning watercolour to help this worthwhile cause.

Paul’s Commemorative Limited Edition Print which captures the art and soul of Moy Fair is on display and available to purchase at the fair**.

To reflect the Fair’s role as a benefactor of local causes, Paul has dedicated the entire edition of 100 copies of the print as a fund-raiser. £80 from each copy sold is remitted to the Highland Field Sports Fair Committee Surplus Funds for disbursement to various charities and deserving causes.

The commemorative print is taken from an original Oil Painting, featuring twelve miniature studies, in which the viewer is encouraged to enter at any point, then taken for a stroll around various events and highlights.

**Framed copies of the Highland Field Sports Fair commemorative limited edition print are also available to order from Paul direct and through his website.

Here is the direct link

Adendum 2

It’s Happening!

The Rowdy Nomads Music

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 7 Comments

I got a press release in my mailbox and warmed up to this duo. New York based The Gypsy Nomads is what happens when gothic and punk sensibilities meet bohemian folk. It’ like Siouxsie Sioux all of a sudden falls into a rabbit hole and gets to meet the likes of Seamus Ennis and Ofra Hasa. Terms like rowdy, naughty and festive get you on the mood right away. And you gotta swear the costumes are part of something that you don’t want to miss. This is continental Celtic with hints of Parisian sophistication.

http://www.myspace.com/thegypsynomads

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The Scottish band Capercaillie is back. After listening to their entire discography from 1984’s Cascade up to Roses and Tears, I could say that the band has never lost its vision yet continued to explore new frontiers in terms of style and production. The music is also centered around the voice of Karen Matheson who possesses “a throat kissed by God” according to a music critic.  Folk bands set us an example that innovation should work hand in hand with musical identity. Without it, then bands would sound like Madonna, though continuing to inspire novelty and sell, they can also loose their place in history as a force ( as with the case of musicians who sell because their names are bigger than their music). Capercaillie are one of those bands who will be performing at the 40th Interceltique Festival in Lorient France this August. So if you have a plan of going there, don’t forget to drop by Brittany and feast your ears to this one of a kind music gathering. By the way it is half past two in the afternoon and I am listening to Nadurra in low volume . It is partly cloudy and the birds are singing outside.

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Black is the Color (Of My True Love’s Hair) has been covered by many artists. For the information of bands and artists who recorded this song, please refer to this link . And although they are all interesting in their own way, I think that Cara Dillon’s version of the song really nailed the sentiments home. Maybe it’s her vulnerable voice or the begging quiver at around 2:36 of the song..” I go to the Clyde and mourn and weep
satisfied I never will sleep” that simply tugs at your heart. Being from Northern Ireland I think, is also part of of what gives honesty to her version of this classic. You have to be in that part of the world to know what this kind of loss means.

Black is the colour of my true love’s hair.
Her lips are like a rose so fair.
She’s got the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.
I love the ground where on she stands.

I love my love and well she knows.
I love the ground where on she goes.
And how I wish the day would come
when she and I can be as one.

Black is the colour of my true love’s hair.
Her lips are like a rose so fair.
She’s got the sweetest face and the gentlest hands.
I love the ground where on she stands.

I go to the Clyde and mourn and weep
satisfied I never will sleep.
I ‘ll write her a letter, just a few short lines
And suffer death ten thousand times.