Maura O'Connell with Nanci Griffith - Trouble In The Fields

[Lazairus]

anybody have the guitar chords for this song

[terrybeaton]

"You be the mule, I'll be the plow.

Come harvest time, we'll work it out"

The first time I heard that lyric it etched itself in my mind. I Noticed that was Jerry Douglas on the Dobro, he's always in good company!

[dinnyc]

20 years ... a womens heart ...a memory

[BigBandLittleClub]

....soooooo beautiful!!!!!!!

[BigBandLittleClub]

...this lady owns this song I believe...but then she can have any song she wants....xo

[headphoner955]

Oh my, this song has got to be one of the most breaking and beautiful ever written. Just love it so much. Thanks for posting !

[HaileynGramma]

Maura and Nanci are great together! What feeling and heart went into this!

[HannahSolMusic]

I have never seen a more adorable woman.

[kennyfraserdotcom]

Transatlantic Sessions 2 is to be officially released on DVD in September 2011. You can pre-order it at Music Scotland.

[TheDAllev]

A truly memorable performance

[MinervaFan]

I can't even begin to comment on this performance. Nanci is one of my favorite songwriters of all time, and this is just glorious. I've never heard of Maura O'Connell, but I'm going to look for her now. Amazing voice.

[SkipVanLenten]

I never tire of listening to these folks. Great harmony by Maura and Nancy, and a superb back-up by the musicians, who lend their own sensitivity to such a timeless song.

[LeFeff]

BRAVO, BRAVO , BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[clarabows]

This song makes me cry- not in a sad way.

[Rambo5132]

Wow--this is so authentic... And so American...

[glendalough31]

Great song wonderful voice.

For me, the song that brings out the very best in Maura is the haunting

Hay Una Mujer Desapercida.Its about the disappeared in Chile in the 70s.

In the youtube clip she sings it acapella live on radio. A must for her fans.

[stork530]

I've listened to this song hundreds of times by both Maura and Nanci and I cry every time. I feel silly every time I hear Maura sing it live. It's really the only song that does this to me. Such a treasure

[Murphycas]

I have always loved Nanci Griffith's work. Maura O'Connell singing her music just makes it that much more beautiful!

[tshm1960]

lovely voice, and great arrangement as usual with Nanci Griffith's work. just discovered Maura, and am an immediate fan. Nani's harmonizing and obvious admiration for Maura's excellent instrument...well a pleasure to watch as well.

[coleyman1]

This is one of those rare moments when music becomes pure art....

[campbellkid58]

Great song, great voices. Actually gave me chills!

[russellrvr]

Maura did a song, "It's a beautiful life" with Jerry Douglass on his album "Slide Rule"

One of my all time favorite songs and the theme song for a radio show I used to listen to. Can't find it on Youtube, but it should be. Great song, great singer and gread musician.

[jammy50]

Fabulous

[velvetunderpants44]

Ah, that's just beautiful.

[cowboyneok]

This song is the best commentary on prosperity / bust and feast / famine cycle of farmers - WORLDWIDE! I LOVE IT... Such universal truths. One day, hopefully when it is not too late, we will recognize we wouldn't eat without the struggles of farmers.

[cowboyneok]

This song is the best commentary on prosperity / bust and feast / famine cycle of farmers - WORLDWIDE! I LOVE IT... Such universal truths.

[cowboyneok]

This song is the best commentary on prosperity / bust and feast / famine cycle of farmers - WORLDWIDE! I LOVE IT... Such universal truths.

[colinfirth4bfast]

My inspiration

[Lazairus]

what are the guitar tab for this song ,whos on piano, ill email him for sheet music

[AljazTi]

Beautiful.

[mylegesse]

No comment no need

[BiancaAmanda1]

Simply wonderful...thanks so much for posting this lovely song!!!!

[sangunner]

This song is very apt in these uncertain times

[3pianists]

There are some performances that just stick with you, and this is one of them. Thanks for posting!

[meghean1]

Global warming? Seriously? How about a song about real love and working together to get through life.

[slownoman]

As if the two are not inseparable. Read a book.

[whotoinfinity]

I love this song! I love these women!

[bobo6991]

The singers and the song are stunning ,but the message is quite clear ,unless humans do something about global warming ,we will destroy our planet .

[unclebobunclebob]

@bobo6991 I disagree...I think it's about sticking together during hard times...just like today's times

[Thealleygators]

This is one of my favorite songs. Nanci Griffith, you are one great writer!

[mikemitas]

I have just discovered Maura. What a moving voice, strong, sensitive intonation.....wonderful. Can anyone give some background on her please. I have a feeling she is going to be an important part of my musical life now.

[Yowzarrific]

Her voice leaps out of a couple of REK songs on his A Bigger Piece of Sky. Gorgeous!

[Mjollnir50]

Two amazing women, and they're lovely together.

[kitkatwebb]

The sensitivity in these two brilliant singer, songwriters gives me chills everytime I hear this version. In re to where is Maura now, she is in Nashville along with Nanci and many other tremendously talented artists!

[Ullarobinlilly]

My heroes!!!!! Thank you so much!

[freelibran]

HOLY COW! The Transatlantic Sessions series 2 is one of the best set of recordings I've heard in many, many, years....

[MrLalalooney]

didnt hear this in a very long time,my god itsn't it timeless,where is maura now????????

[brendanryanclvec]

Maura is in Ireland saw her last night in Limerick with the RTE concert orchestra. It was brilliant but a pity the concert hall was only half full. She's in Leisureland Galway tonight 16th October. I highly recommend anyone who likes music to go You will not be disappointed.

[towerbridge44]

God....... Best describes today

[fjordking]

perfect song for todays times

OK Obama take it all away

[willysunday]

I really can't imagine music better than this. Two women who are tops in my book. One helluva supporting cast!

willy

[1SirArmySuit]

Great song .. great artists...

I always felt that Nanci's "One Fair Summer Evening" Album was one of the great "unknown" albums ... Well worth the listen... (The DVD of the album is a winner as well!!)

[HDBirdsall]

"Maura O'Connell - the real deal

not the first Susan Boyle

[gobillgo]

Does anyone know if the guy playing bass is Athol Guy, the bass player for the seekers?

Sure looks like him

[andrewshere]

The bass player is Danny Thompson, according to the line up credited in the video post details top right.

[gobillgo]

Maura O'Connell

The first Susan Boyle

Naturally, Nanci is cute as a button

[ruracinme50]

Oh, what a song! My grandparents lived this~! Thank you Maura and Nanci! It's the American Depression story!

[BensonNE]

If I recall correctly on the Fair Summer Evening CD or DVD she talks a bit about this song before singing it.

[sarah999990]

True Talent

[cedar688]

beautiful!

where does this song come from??

what is its origin?

[bliss4jules]

Written by Nanci Griffith & Rick West, you'll find versions on Nanci's albums, 'Lone Star State of Mind' from 1987 and 'One Fair Summer Evening' which is live, from 1988. If you don't know her music, you're in for a great experience.

[cedar688]

thanks!

i was also wondering if its north american, european etc. does it pertain to an irish event?

[bliss4jules]

I think you're asking about the 'Transatlantic Sessions'? Don't know much so I'll leave the details to someone else. There's some info further back in these comments. Seems there's been at least three 'editions' over the years, combining artists from Nashville with those of the UK & Ireland. One, if not all, were recorded and filmed in Scotland, with some, if not all, available on CD & DVD.

[andrewshere]

If you're asking to which event this song pertains, there's a good chance it's a comment on the state of family farming in the US in the 1980s. 'Farm Aid' was a benefit concert (first) held on 22 Sept 1985 to help raise money for farmers, who were fighting off foreclosure from the banks. Search 'Farm Aid' on wikipedia for more info.

[cedar688]

yes, thank you. i wasnt sure if it originated in europe, or if it was an american song. we farm in Canada, and or problem here, is that were treated like crap. i love this song.

[andrewshere]

You're very welcome, and I wish you all the best

[southsidezz]

There is hardly a voice I like listening to more than Maura's.

[billinsocal]

I have never heard this version only Nanci doing solo. I like this though. Good work by Maura.

[BensonNE]

Maura's version is on the Helpless Heart CD, I think called Western Highway in Ireland. In one of Nanci's concert intros to this song she said about her Uncle who she wrote this song loved it and used Maura's version on his answering machine instead of hers. Not sure if she was kidding or not but it was a nice complement to Maura.

[Ullarobinlilly]

We have troule in our fields too, it helps a lot to sing some songs with you! Hello from Berlin/ Germany and thanxxx.

[edelawallu]

class....

[freakslikeupissmeoff]

Love Maura and Nancy! One of my favourite songs is Up to the Mountain by Griffin

[frodoireland]

Maura is a County Clare Legend

[tiredoldcrow]

thanks

[unclebobunclebob]

I see this more as a love song, with the fields as a metaphor for a couple's love for each other, hard times or not

[dav7boz]

Nice!

[reesesreality]

I love her voice! Dang it! I wish I could sing like that...

[rhroach]

Boy! This song is certainly appropriate for today's economic mess! Looks like next year the song will be even more so...

[steffosi]

I Love it !

[dangerouseef]

maura o is the best ever irish female singer, she puts heart into every song,do some more albums maura . peter d

[nineteen39]

Again the wonderful Maura O'Connell this time with the talents of Nanci Griffith and the talented accompianists. How can I buy the DVD's of the 1998 Transatlantic Sessions?

Thanks to menmonyxx for loading this beautiful song.

[jaybee19700110]

The original, First, Transatlantic Sessions is being rereleased in UK on November 17 2008 for about £16. Perhaps the Second Transatlantic Sessions [with Maura O'Connell] will be rereleased soon after? Of course both came out on VHS tape originally and have been unavailable for years.

What I want to know is when the next Maura O'Connell CD is coming out? It is about time!

[christelmuziek]

thanks!!! I'm running to the stores!!!!

[mnemonyxx]

Thanks for responding to nineteen39 in a much more timely fashion than myself. Just a fact correction - prior to the recent long awaited emergence of TS series 1 on DVD as you mentioned, there's been no official video release of TS 1 & 2. Anyone flogging VHS or DVD copies prior to this has been making a dodgy dollar from misrepresented product.

[mnemonyxx]

Thanks for the thanks, sir. Sorry that I've not better news to add to my response to jaybee. TS 1 & TS 3 are currently on the market - one can only hope TS 2 will soon follow.  Aly Bain was suggesting TS 1 & TS 2 would be imminently available when plugging TS 3 last autumn, but he's a musician, not a marketing guy.

[Drubee52]

Brilliant !!!!

[verdi37]

what a great performer Maura oconnell is ,this series was filmed in Scotland and is worth following up as it is full of gems from various artists.

[rlegear19]

I just watched a 2 hour documentary on the "black blizzards' of the "dust bowl". My heart goes out to the victims of that prolonged drought. This song stands as a nice tribute to their fortitude and courage.

[anartgrey]

My god - just gorgeous.

[banjoeoghan]

haha, funny, seems like that song could have been written today! deja vu! hard times breeds good music!

[ohyeahhm]

if allan lomax was recording today she'd be on his list

[LadyAstoreth]

It makes life better to find another beautiful something.

[40sSonggirl]

She has such a wonderfully rich, soulful voice. I just love listening to Maura and of course, Nanci too!

[rlegear19]

I love this version, Ihe power of Maura`s voice adds another layer of depth to this song.Nanci sounded great and looked like she was having fun doing the harmonies.

[pluke0]

hey rlegear19, (last message)

pleased to get your friendly response. I agree with your view of the evident mutual pleasure in this jam session, wouldn't you just have loved to have been there.

[rlegear19]

I had the pleasure of seeing Maura 20 years ago when she was a guest vocalist for Phil Coulter and she was outstanding. She was funny cuz she was wearing a nice dress and looked great but she clomped onto the stage like she was headed for the milking parlor. I heard that she was bound for Nashville but never heard another thing about her until this video. I am delighted that she has befriended Nanci and is still performing. You bet that i would have loved to have been there. So talented.

[colmc21]

Beautiful. This song is as meaningful and as powerful today as it ever was.

[magnusbirk]

Thank you :)

[patagoniaesvida]

I`ve discovered this voice this week, I`ve shared with my friends; After work, It´s special to take peace.

[ingvey]

wow I never stop being amazed by her and crew

[NSResponder]

I love the way Nanci sings this, and I never expected to hear another version that was as good. This is great.

-jcr

[seresfam]

Just beautiful, l always play this song just before retiring to set my mind at rest.

[colincoby]

This reminds me of my wife and I on our honeymoon in Ireland 13 years ago. We listened to this album the whole time.

We named our youngest daughter Maura. Love this song.

[cocrcici]

this maura is good

[teafather5]

Lovely! Many Thanks, mnemonyxx . .

[skcorder]

astridthedarkeyed...no one, and it is a gift to us all! Take the present and live it -- each moment is a gift; that's why it's called the "present"... :)

[astridthedarkeyed]

This song is part of my dreams. Who else can sing like this woman?

[Remmington2006]

Loved this! Thanks for posting. They are both so wonderful.

[andrewshere]

ooohhhh...breathtaking

[jaqmart]

Maura O'Connell was born to sing this, just as Nanci wrote it - what an interpretation of her backing singer's song!!

[NSResponder]

I'd have paid plenty to be the cameraman or any of the crew on that gig. What a great, great show.

-jcr

[niamhm572]

This songs so sad :( i lisntd abt 40 times on the way to newcastle from glasgow

[bpc1960]

id be sad if i was headed to glasgow too!

[gourdonboy]

bpc - wanker

[bpc1960]

truth hurts dont it scotty......give us a few lines from your national anthem.hows it go something about saving the queen??

[weeweelegs]

what a voice, beautifull, love it.

[B0n3rf13d]

Every time I see Maura live I end up crying...her voice is just so beautiful.

[enilegnave21]

I discovered this artist and had a great album of hers that confirmed for me what I still know today. One of the best voices ever!

I was lucky enough to take my boyfriend to see Nanci in L.A. back in 1990 and had most of her albums. Though Nanci's voice can grate on you after a long while, she is such a talented songwriter and gift interpreter of other people's material, that you can forgive.

And together with Maura, they are magic.

[bubbleno]

beautiful voice , we need to hear more from Maura.

[jtixtlan]

Lovely! I've always known this as a Nancy Griffith song, but love this performance with Nancy singing background vocals. I don't recall who wrote it, but this version is beautiful.

[mnemonyxx]

Oops - remembered this as a Nanci original myself, but on digging out my old Lone Star State Of Mind vinyl to check, I find I'd forgotten a co-songwriter credit to one Rick West.

Thanks for the incentive to check - I'll add it to the description.

[iampergamos]

great stuff!!!!!

[bnojammymulligan]

Good memories of Maura O'Connell playing The Blue Lagoon is Sligo...great nights.

[WhiteTiger333]

Oh, damn - this really did bring tears to my eyes and I know this song. The song of their voices and the sound of their hearts. :)

[dinnerbucket9]

It is how this music slides with ease into the best instincts of American country music......and her voice, so exqusisite, leaves the hardest man in tears.

[aimurray]

lol that was sposed to say 'sound of her voice' ^.^ lol

[aimurray]

Aw i just love the song of her voice! Im hooked!

[thespicester]

Breath taking

[austinitesince1979]

Dear lord! I don't know if you could make any better music. What an ensemble! Every part of the group is fantastic, from the bass and guitars to the dobro and piano to the two awesome voices and the lyrics. It doesn't seem that you could make any better music to fall in love with.

[irl96]

cud someone post more songs from maura oconnell... class

[LochMeikle]

Good news for all fans is the release of the DVD "Transatlantic Sessions: Series 3" bringing together the best of Nashville, Ireland and Scotland to perform what has been called "the greatest backporch shows ever".

All of the six half-hour programmes from the BBC/RTÉ TV series are included, recorded in a beautiful old converted farm steading in the Perthshire Highlands.

[guitar49]

A very beautiful song!I hope you post more.

[dorisboy52]

Fantastic work by a room full of talent...

[susankh4]

I love both of these ladies soooo much! They have truly enriched my life.

Nice to see them together!

Amma

[jintag]

The tempo is too slow.  I like the version that Nanci does by herself.

[KGuy4U2Hugg]

An absolutely gorgeous duet. Brava!

[tug32]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[CamillaNorwayHell]

This one is SOOO beautiful.

[Thealleygators]

I can't get enough of listening to great singers, performers and great songwriting like this.

[specialk1988]

Yeah, you'll find JD on pretty much everything. He is THE guy to get in to play the dobro. He also produced quite a few, in not all, of Maura's albums. He's a god among men!

[blondesugarfly]

Who is the guy on the slide guitar?Remember him from an Atlanic Session a few years back with Iris dement and Mary Black

[Bellers9]

That's Jerry Douglas on dobro.

[jmccooe]

This is such a great song, love Maura, she has such a beautiful voice, I have to say I like Nanci's version much more. Nanci must be the best folk singer/ songwriter around today.

[WhereAmI321]

Love love LOVE this song!

I'm going to see Nanci live this summer! Can't wait!

[negligiblepond]

Lucky you... you're in for a fabulous experience. Nanci's just about the most emotive performer I've ever seen. Enjoy!

[Older1Wiser1]

Magnificent. I have been trying to see Nanci in concert for years. I've even considered timing a vacation to Ireland to catch a show ;<) Come to South Florida Nanci. And bring Maura with you!

dd

[zenn22]

Maura's voice is so beautiful it doesn't even sound human and Nanci's warm background vocals complement Maura's voice. They should do an album together.

[zenn22]

I can't believe it!! A duet by two of my favorite singers!

[passionmusic]

Nanci is such a wonderful singer. Her voice could melt an iceberg.

[cuzinkevin]

That's not fair blaming Nanci for climate change ;)

[Blaze8439]

Yeah, Everyone Knows it's Bush's fault.

[UkuleleBart]

This is just beautiful. Thank you for putting it up here.

[copergirl]

I have lived this song. Lost our farm and lost my husband of 30 years through this .

[ghostwriter11]

I saw Maura sing with Van Morrison in L.A. (along with Solomon Burke and members of The Chieftains) a couple of months ago. Great show at a very small venue.

[tinoxmvsx]

Maura is on the cd womans heart 1 and 2.......very good!

[cuzinkevin]

Just Awesome

[midcenlen]

You think this is great..you should see them live! If folk music has soul....it all went to Maura O'Connell.

[RudigerVT]

Her phrasing is apt, thrilling. This is just marvelous, in all directions.

[katmariezz]

Powerful voices propelling warmth spiced with wisdom and friendship. beautiful.

[bernthaa]

One of those songs where everything else seize to exist, for a while...

[llarian18]

Wondeful - I loved Nanci Griffith's original version and this is just as good

[peregrine11]

Beautiful.

[greygland]

did they ever release the transatlanic sessions on DVD?

[om92555]

Excellent video. Two really fine female voices together.

[clydecooter]

boy ain't that a good video

[jeanhoel]

Powerfull duet , mean it ... two GREAT voices together !!!