My friend Christi posted this video and while I was watching I realized the woman singing is Margaret Bennett, the mother of the late Scottish piper who passed away in 2005, losing his battle with cancer.
I can’t pretend I know the intensity of the pain a mother suffers when she loses her child. But I can imagine that it must be so devastating. And Margaret found a way to deal with it-singing. Doesn’t it touch the universal chord in all of us? Singing one’s blues is the ultimate consolation.
“How do you come into terms losing a son like that?”
“I think you just have to learn to live with it. I know that anybody who has experience it will tell you that nothing again will ever hurt. But of course, music is a great consolation”.
look for her album : Love and Loss – Remembering Martyn in Scotland’s Music, 2007.
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.
Celtic Music Fan 