Some real music for you!

"Hills of Lorne," "Barrowburn" and a few other tunes

I like to say that the only place music and words really fit together is in song. This is coming from someone who, as a teacher, talks and writes about music an awful lot! But words, just like the notes on written music, are only an approximation, an approach to the real thing.

Sometimes you have to get back to what it’s all about, so below I’ve selected a couple of performances for you.

I have a number of students who have learned or are learning a simple but beautiful slow air called “The Hills of Lorne.” Below is a deliciously slow and heartfelt version of “The Hills of Lorne,” played by Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac on his debut 1992 album, Close to the Floor, followed by some strathspeys and reels.

Another tune I’ve often taught and played is “Barrowburn Reel,” by Addie Harper of Wick. I first learned it in my living room from the great fiddler Aly Bain in 1991 when I invited him to solo with the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club at one of our Scottish Fiddle Rally concerts. This was part of a 15-year annual series featuring group numbers and top Scottish and Cape Breton soloists (a highlights CD is available). Below is my favorite recording of “Barrowburn Reel,” played by the Gordon Gunn, who also lives in Wick, as the tune’s composer did. Gordon is a traditionally informed, brilliant, and innovative fiddler who plays with Session A9 and is in demand as a player and teacher throughout Scotland. He follows “Barrowburn” with three more reels — “Walking On the Moon” (by Addie Harper), “Elliot’s Fancy” (by Jimmy Shand), and “John Keith Laing” (by Addie Harper).

Enjoy the music, and have a good Thanksgiving, however you celebrate the holiday!