Wild Mountain Thyme - Dick Gaughan

[Gunshy13]

The Silencers

[Gadge87]

This song makes me want to cry, and I am a hard person, but just such a beautiful song, I am not ashamed to tell yous.

[KITCHENOFDISTINCTION]

Wow that is one hell of a group of some of my favourite talented people singing one of the great songs.Thank you for posting.

[kgarvey68]

Brilliant Video and one of the greatest folk songs of all time.

[makemeateeshirt]

ken

[TheMopete24]

Just finished a summer of touring western Canada with Dick! A world class musician, but more importantly a true prince of a man! More people in North America need to check this guy out!

[gdwillie]

How can some one get a hold of the Transatlantic Sessions (is that the name of the session that this song is a part of?)

[2011bente]

The most wonderful version of Wild Montain Thyme ever heard. Bless you all,you are giving so much !!

[daverigby23]

Isn't that Emmylou Harris doing the second verse?

[quitchawhining]

@daverigby23 Yes, that's Emmylou.



[bluelagoon10023]

Search 'Planxty Little Musgrave'  in youtube. Christy moore is amazing. I just heard Dick Gaughan for the first time today and can't get enough of his voice

[kaja66]

has emmy lou written her bio yet ... it'll be better than keith richards

[wolvie14]

what saddens me is that we no longer will be able to get new songs from the Mcgarrigle sisters. What rejoices me is that we can listen to their marvelous harmonies on sites like this .

[elliehjemmet]

@1000magicians

Thanks so much! Attributions are important. That's how I find more fine music, knowing who's singing/playing!

[3tangle3]

@MrArratoon no need to be harsh to yer cultural brothers,,,,this is why you lost your land in the first place...infighting is so pointless.......its a great song, and the truth of its origin will be out...so dont worry

[3tangle3]

aw alot of the old caledonian forest was cut down for the english navy :(

[LintonGypsy]

Aye they dont get much better than this, 

[elliehjemmet]

Is it Aly Bain, the other producer, on the fiddle? I see TWO fiddlers... have gone searching and can't find attribution. They play such a beautiful line on here.

Dick Gaughan's vocals are just the most wonderful I've ever heard. As the comment above, and meaning no disrespect to the other superb performers, Gaughan by himself would be transporting. What an interpreter!

[1000Magicians]

@elliehjemmet The two on fiddles are Aly Bain and Jay Ungar

[elliehjemmet]

Is it Aly Bain, the other producer, on the fiddle? Dick Gaughan's vocals are just the most wonderful I've ever heard.

[elliehjemmet]

Rufus is also the son of Loudon Wainright III... he comes from fine lineage.

Who is that wonderful fiddler?

[baldybates]

Saw Dick Gaughan at Bridgwater Arts Centre last night. He was magnificent!

[DonegalRaymie201]

@baldybates

Yes he is! I've been going to see him for 20 years now, & every time has been worth it! Dick is what live music is all about: you're actually seeing a genuine performance!

[lexker]

Kate and Ann McGarrigle I believe it's one of the sister's son Rufus Wainwright

Of course we all know Emmie Lou

[ghostofchat77]

Very inspiring, from a feller from the Ozarks with heritage from every part of England, Scotland and Ireland. And my blue eyes speak for it. Peace

[Brocksongs]

nice version...I was turned on to this by van the man...hard nose the highway album...saw tom paxton and judy collins do a fine version of it to open up the museum inside the martin guitar store in nazareth...then sat with tom and had butternut squash soup..homemade :)

[baldybates]

I first saw this on the Transatlantic Sessions back in the mid 90's and I thought it was wonderful then and still do. For me it's the definitive version of this song and beautifully performed by all the musicians involved.

[revwjh]

might you know which video/dvd that this is from ? i am haunted by this version tho' I have heard it done by others. Blessings, rev.jon

[jaanaS1711]

@revwjh This is from the original BBC Transatlantic Sessions (series one, vol 3), 1995-1996.

[revwjh]

@jaanaS1711 Thank you so much, am ordering it from musicscotland off the net, again this version has an effect that others cannot touch, at least for me. My grandparents came from Scotland and I was a member of a pipe band for years, till losing my rt leg to blood clots. Many fine memories tho', many... Blessings, rev.jon

[jaanaS1711]

@revwjh I´m glad that I could help. I have had this Transatlantic Sessions DVD for years, and I really like it. These fine musicians really seem to love to make music together, to sing and play in harmony. It again makes me happy (even if I am not a musician myself).

[kaja66]

douglas again .... hmmmm ...

[TheSoulboy90]

@BueyBuey

Nah, it's a Scots' song! The tune is "Braes O' Balquiduer", an auld piper's tune frae the 16th Century! Lyrics are by Robert Tannahill! And "Lassie"? Since when was that Irish speak mucker?

(Cannae blame ye fir wantin' tae claim it, but it's no gonna wash pal!)

We have oor ain, we dinnae need tae be knickin' other folks tunes tae!

[crimlinwest]

Just google it and stop wafflin. Its an Irish song. Written By William McPeake in 1957. Hes from Belfast Ireland.

[TheSoulboy90]

@crimlinwest

Yeah, he tried to claim it as his own creation when it was so obviously plagiarised! His family even tried to claim royalties LOL. Lost in court when the defence produced the old tune & Tannahill's lyrics, predating McPeake by a couple of centuries!

Google that then!

[crimlinwest]

Most trad tunes are borrowed for new later songs. But the tune is markedly different from Tannahills and only a few words are the same. I do agree Tannahill was his inspiration though. By the way I hope this is all taken light hearted sir. The Irish and Scottish are brothers as far as I'm concerned.

Nathin wrong with a bit of Banter. I'm Belfast man meself now livin in Galway. My Favourite singer after Luke Kelly is Dick Gaughan. Peace out ;-)

[TheSoulboy90]

@crimlinwest

All in good craic/ banter always! And as a Donegal man now living in Glasgow, not even sure who I'm batting for?

One can't be too precious with folk tunes, as they've been back and forth forever between Eireann & Alba, and any folk musician will tell you about such & such a tune known here by this name and in Scotland as that. Same tune of course!

McPeake's mistake was failing to credit his inspiration.

You have good taste, So luke or Dick's version of "Song for Ireland"?

[crimlinwest]

Ah now thats a tough one. I actually listened to both just now and tried to pretend I'd never heard the song or the singers before. Firstly I'll say that honestly I left patriotism out of it though i can't speak for my subconscious lol.

Disregarding the arrangement, I think Lukes is better. You can feel the love and the pride in his voice were as in Gaughans version, though still very good, you can feel a sadness.

Its difficult to be objective though.

[TheSoulboy90]

@crimlinwest

I've always preferred Gaughan's, couldn't put my finger on why before. But your mentioning: "can feel a sadness"? That may be it, I must like a touch of melancholy in my ballads! I definitely prefer Gaughan's simpler arrangement though. And he did it first.

Ironically, I much prefer Luke's "Freedom Come All Ye", it's got all that pride & passion you note in his delivery, tinged with just a hint of anger. Peerless in my view! If you don't know it, treat yourself!

[Ismaithsin]

What a great version of a great song !! No Irish party would be complete without everyone singing this classic.  Greetings from Ireland.

[godstargodstar]

It's a Scots song!!

[lawsonbob]

Well, some of West Scotland and the islands might better be considered as East Ireland!

[godstargodstar]

WHY?

Should England be considered as West Germany then???

[lawsonbob]

Well, I guess you could make that argument. All I'm saying is that I get a kick out of the comments on tomt's channel from those who say Karen Casay of Ireland sounds more Gaelic than Mary Ann Kennedy, who's from Scotland. Skye and the west part of Scotland was where the Stuarts took refuge from Presbyterian Scotland.

[godstargodstar]

Tá Albain agus Éire tír amháin

Is iad na Albanacha ar Éirinn clan

[godstargodstar]

Tá Albanaigh agus na fir Uladh amháin daoine

[godstargodstar]

And I thought it was France . The name Stuart comes from either the Flemish Staeyart or the the French Steward meaning "lackey"

[jamesthepiper]

@godstargodstar The origin of the nama Stewart is before thew 12th century and is spelt Stuibhard in the gaelic. It was not spelt without a "w" until the family of king Charles Stewart had to escap to france. As the french have no "w" in there language

this is how they had to spell the name. This in turn would let people kmow if they were a catholic or protestent by the spelling of the name.

[josparkes1]

Very lovely song !

[joeygsmom]

really great version ;-)

[mollificent]

RIP Kate :(

[sawabojo]

RIP kate.....

[coreolis7]

does anyone know who is the third woman, singing alto ?

[DonegalRaymie201]

@coreolis7

Well the 3 women are Emmylou Harris, and Kate & Anne McGarrigle!

So surely you mean one of the McGarrigle sisters?

[GriffonKeeper]

Thank you! Emmylou is such a lovely mammal!

[Susq15]

One of the nicest versions on YouTube!

[clintonio23]

Grey hair is a G.I.L.F. ........sorry.

[hamlethedane]

That young guy in red is Rufus Wainwright

[tamsarian9]

Dick Gaughan, Jerry Douglas and Emmylou Harris in the same room? Divine. Transcendent. Doesn't get any friggin' better.

[DanPat121]

Beautiful version. Does anyone know who the dobro player is? He plays almost as well as Jerry Douglas.

[EmilGuyot]

It is Jerry Douglas, surely!

[voodoobaby405]

Dick Gaughan puts such a beautiful personal touch on everything he sings. Even songs I don't normally like are worth a listen when he does them.

[66KAJA66]

dig those fiddles

[NorthLimitation]

That's Aly Bain - i.e, an absolute legend :)

Search 'My luv is like a red, red rose' and Aly Bain should be on the first page, what a musician!

[celtica99]

This makes me cry - so beautiful and poignant

[michaelginsberg3]

This is absolutely the most beautiful version of this song I have ever heard. It gives me goose bumps...and very watery eyes.

[CarlosMacMartin]

I love this song!

[kaja66]

Dig that dobro

[lowemk]

Anybody know who the young guy in red singing harmony is?

[tomtscotland]

Rufus Wainwright

[NorthLimitation]

Rufus Wainwright, a.k.a, guy who sings Hallelujah in Shreck :D lol

[cragsterama]

Dick Gaughan, Emmylou, and Kate and Anna. Lordy!

[simpler43]

does anyone know when will be another transatlantic session program,wondeful

[cosette2193]

Like "Dixie," "Go Lassie Go" is a song which is happy and fun at fast tempo and mournful at a slow one. It's such a great tune it's hard to screw up. It will be sung long after I'm gone.

[davyladd08]

Too slow and mournful!!

[NorthLimitation]

Do I spot Rufus Wainwright?! Or a look-a-like?

[DonegalRaymie201]

No that's him, with his ma' & aunt!

[NorthLimitation]

Excellent :)

[fwad23]

amazing harmonies

[bulbheadmyass]

Pure perfection, the singing, the instruments, just magnifiicent. Thanks for this and your other great postings. If you don't mind my suggesting, I think Emmylou Harris should be in the video title along with Dick Gaughan..

.

[banjodawgg]

I swear, nobody can sing it like Dick Gaughan!!! And such wonderful "backup"...Emmylou, etc!!!!

Thank you so much for the great vid!!!

[downanddirtydave]

It's a great song. you nabobs of negativism should really stop being so anal

[lowemk]

That was great. Written by the great William Safire for the not so great Spiro Agnew (nabobs of negativism). Great song and post. This is a great site.

[viperpiper1991]

brilliant, 5 stars, makes u proud to be scottish

[WinterlightSnow]

This song was made for the haunting, melodic voice of Dick Gaughan.....if Dick had sung this on his own, with a light accompaniement by Jerry Douglas....it would have been perfect

[Junglemad1]

nice

[clamchowdercrayfish]

Beautiful ,beautiful and beautiful......Thank you..........

[alderbaran1]

Could it possibly get any better?

The answer is: no.

The BBC needs to release this series in a format that can be played in the U.S.

[jen8infinity]

Ditto!

[slightlygrouchy]

I appreciate the effort but this rendition sounds as if they all are trying too hard. Also, there are too many people singing to give the song an individual touch. And the way all of them sing is rather kitschy. I prefer the Corries or Kate Rusby.

[dianathehuntress1]

completely agreed. the corries are so much better. this version is very try-hard melodrama, im not getting that they actually feel the song at all.

[rickmag321]

I hope you're joking! I guess there are some die hard purists still about

[slightlygrouchy]

I am not joking. Their interpretation bears no relationship whatsoever to the content and the lyrics. They seem to be singing about something completely different. Also their rendition is full of self love. You can sense how much they are in awe of themsleves. And they are trying to outdo each other. All in all: great vocalists, terrifyingly awful interpretation. This has nothing to do with purism. Just listen carefully to the song and don't let the names blind you.

[66KAJA66]

slightly grouchy???? youre nuts ... they can sing the sing any damn way they please and piss on what the 'original' was supposed to be ... its called artistic interpretation .. and one other thing ... i happen to LIKE IT...if thats ok

[slightlygrouchy]

The term melodrama hits the nail on the head. Actually, this interpretation is really sounds like the theme song to a soap opera. And you are right, I think, their interpretation has nothing to do with the lyrics. Great analysis. And before I get more thumbs down, from everybody else: listen carefully and compare. And then judge us.

[ellisatc]

This is one of my favorite songs but this is by far not my favorite version of it. They make it sound so depressing...they tried to do too much with a simple beautiful song...

[DrummerBoyJason]

Dick Gaughan, Emmylou, the McGarrigle sisters, and Rufus singing... Not to mention Aly Bain, Jay Ungar, and Jerry Douglas playing. It would strain the brain to devise a better combination of musicians.

[charliemusic]

There are some terrible renditions of this song about, thankfully this is not one of them. The best version I've seen/heard by a million miles, absolutely beautiful.

[brother1ray]

I know! This is wonderful, I think a now famous Mr. Rufus Wainwritht showed his musical intelligence by doing so little in this. Clever man! You can over guild the lily!

[rhroach]

This guy knows how to sing!! The timing and inflection are terrific.

[emdermarketing]

25 years ago I listended Dick Gaughan the first time. Now I´m 50 and I still love his voice and his guitar playing.

[zengravy]

That's how you do it then... Beautiful, beautiful song.. Beautiful performance.. Sublime.. Folk music is the only real music xx

[DonegalRaymie201]

So, this is how it should sound? Thank God, I've heard some real dross here on Youtube attempting this song! Finally, Mr. Gaughan and Co do it justice!

[gultzauudden]

Viva Alba

[lilibet939]

touches my heart so, thank you

[chantdelouve]

Very beautiful song!

[JaiMaJames]

SO BEAUTIFULL!!

THANKS

[gonzostew]

Sceal Eile

[JSCWhistler]

Ha, I find it so funny to see a very young Rufus Wainwright... Dick Gaughan is as awesome singer!

[Moireach1]

For starters Dick Gaughan is Scottish, and the song, well the person below got it right, braes o balqhidder is the original Scottish song which McPeak altered ever so slightly, I think an extra verse is the only true change! There was a court case a few years ago where the McPeak family tried to claim royalties for the song and obviously the case was kicked out of court due to the afore mentioned fact that it is a traditional Scottish folk song!!

Alba gu brath!

Soar Alba!

[mac2166]

Robert Tannahill the braes o balqhidder very similar dont u think

[celtmusic]

Francis McPeak of the famous McPeak family was the first person to record this song. He sings about the Black Mountain in Belfast. Every summer you can see the heather blooming all over the mountain. It has been attributated to a Scottish song but I believe it's roots lies in Ulster and the afore mentioned mountain and was passed on by tradition albeit Francis's lyrics modernised it but stayed in the traditional field.

[FolkieOne]

I went to school by the Black Mountain... don't remember the bloomin' heather though. I reckon McPeak collected this song, in the same way that Lomax was attributed with many early American folk songs.

[moominpic]

Attributed to William McPeake but a bit too similar to Tannahill's Braes of Balquidder:

Let us go, lassie, go

Tae the braes o' Balquhidder

Where the blaeberries grow

'Mang the bonnie bloomin' heather

Whar the deer and the rae

Lichtly bounding thegither

Sport the lang summer day

On the braes o' Balquhidder

[moominpic]

I will twine thee a bower

By the clear silver fountain

And I'll cover it o'er

Wi' the flowers o' the mountain

I will range through the wilds

And the deep glens sae dreary

And return wi' their spoils

To the bower o' my dearie

[DonegalRaymie201]

@celtmusic

Eh, you're wrong! First of all, the tune is an ancient Scots air, 2nd, the words were so obviously Plagiarized by Mcpeak from Tannahill's published "braes o' Balquidder" 150 years before!( Trying to pass off the work of a dead poet as your own is incredibly low!) And 3rd, when McPeak family, tried to claim royalties from Rod Stewart of all people for his recording of the song, they were ran out of court with their tails between their legs, when Tannahills words were produced!

[zodiacbluesbaby]

If you Google 'Transatlantic Sessions DVD' there are dealers who have it. I got the whole first series on 2 DVDs from an obscure site specializing in rarities.

This song is one of the highlights, by the way.

[gorby1952]

Could you share the name of that "obscure site" with us so that we can find it out further? Thanks!

[Lordlako]

wow this was surprisingly great! Was sceptical in the beginning with the dude doing the off beat singing of doom thing but with the women and steel guitar it really took off. Nice irish meets bluegrass sound to it. Anyone knows if Alison Krauss done this song?

[bagpipeplayer]

anyone know where I might find the lyrics to his version?

[jthaw]

Try Wikipedia. Also, I suggest James Taylor's version which is far superior to this. Also, there is a group called The Silencers who also do a wonderful version.

[CarlosMacMartin]

Wow! Amazingly Beautiful! You can't help but

feel this song hit you in the chest!

[MandyMayzy]

Emmie Lou ruins it,find her voice too shrilling here.she needs a powerful voice to offset hers.Just my opinion

[66KAJA66]

i think youre in the minority

[SHOSALOSA]

Mandy, I am inclined agree and think you have a _very_ valid point. Even though I am guite a big ELH fan. It is a lovely version but her individual verse certainly does grate rather... against the gorgeous husky softness (like mountain heather or thyme!)of all the other voices, though I feel she is more or less ok in the choruses and final ensemble verse.

So you are not alltogether in a minority - and even if, so what?! Stick with your own judgement - it is pretty sound.

[Abbaodin]

The Scottish Folksinger at his absolute best!

[goodirishman]

This is a tune I found on a friend's CD, only to find my mother knew the tune from her childhood.

And I love the sessions, given mine own transatlantic roots.

[Chewbaxter]

Love this tune.

Used to go regularly to a local folk club and this was alays the tune that we finished the evening with.

Great vid, great song, and you've brought back some great memories for me - many thanks.

:)

Neil.

[Strarnin]

wow, this is wonderful - especially Rufus! i would love to hear him sing this on his own. Thankyou for posting :)

[mitoguitarman]

A great recording, but far too few shots of Jerry Douglas, on dobro guitar, who held it all together so beauifully. What a great treat to see this. Thank you for posting it!

[UISTMAN59]

Superb. *****

[abrahamjacobfriedman]

could i please have some more information on these sessions? at least a link to some? i've treasured this song forever but can't find much.

[tomtscotland]

This came from a TV show broadcast in 1995.

Sorry to say no DVD is available. Pelicula films, who made the series, may be releasing a DVD this year - but I've heard that before!

[crtUK]

tomtscotland, I recently received an e-mail reply from Pelicula films saying they were planning to release Series 1 on DVD later this year. Depending on whether they obtain clearances for all the artists, it will either be a "best of" compilation or (and they are "reasonably optimistic" for this) the whole series. They also said a DVD of Series 2 is in the pipeline, but may be more complicated to clear.

[hjortshoj]

Thanks to tomtscotland for making these prizeless clips from the Transatlantic Sessions available. Everytime I listen to this song I think of the beautiful Scottish Highlands and the many hours I spent there. There is nothing in life a good walk in the hills followed by a visit to the local pub for a pint or two. This is a wonderful song and a wonderful version. Absolutely beautiful. I am forever grateful.

[tomtscotland]

Thanks for your kind comments.

There's something about the Highlands that reach into your soul.

[66KAJA66]

this is so evocative of place and season and will you go

[racine09]

This song makes one feel homesick for Scotland even if your not Scottish! It is a truly amazing place - the people and the scenery - just magical.

[liamohooligan]

Takes me not only to thre highlands of Scotland but beyond the Facade Atlantic to the west of TN, USA (where this song is yet sung in kitchens from time to time)

[WhiteTiger333]

Same here - I learned it in KY, when a child in the '50s.

[1smokie1]

I was first introduced to this gem by the 60s folk-rock band, the Byrds. Of course, the instrumental arrangement was much different, but at least as lovely. Roger (then Jim) McGuin & David Crosby's 12-string Richenbackers (Sp?) made for a very full and chiming guitar sound and the guys sounded like a choir.

[Cinders29]

Does anyone out there have recordings or video of Jeannie Robertson? Dick Gaughan names her as the best ballad singer he ever heard. It would be great to hear her. Thanks.

[seonidh]

Scotland simply stunning!

[davyspark]

absolutly beautiful

[Abbaodin]

Dick Gaughan is a musical heritage, his music, songwriting and beautiful voice express the love of generations and instill a freedom which many of us have lost.....

[m4rkyboy]

Ah!A young Rufus Wainwright no less!

[pennycarrol]

your videos are an open window on Scotland.I would love to come there one day!!!!!

[spotty1994]

we r singing thiz in our choir.

Its such a pretty song!

[reelintina]

Wonderful and so haunting...the blend of voices is so clear and fair. Ahh, Alba, I had only a small time with you. I miss you so.

[bunnichello]

just listened to this, very very lovely to listen to. Great rendition DG.

[CalumandKelan]

As one who grew up listening to that song at family parties (sung by various artistes and drunk family members) I have to sat that version was.........bloody outstanding!

[sarahsquirrel]

Pure gorgeous

[bannerman95]

Try and hear the original version. Called "The Braes o'Balquither", it is a beautiful traditional Scottish song.

[Cecilhalls]

As a big Gaughan fan this is great, but are you aware that the Dobro player is Jerry Douglas !! He is the greatest Dobro played that has ever lived and still is

[tomtscotland]

Cecihalls: Agree with your comments. He can play any style - thats why he's been on thousands of albums. Check my other Transatlantic Sessions uploads - Jerry plays on most of them. Watch out for him in the 3rd series - to be broadcast later this year.

[Cecilhalls]

Hi tomtscotland, Thank you for agreeing,any chance of getting these on DVD, I'm a big fan of Jerry & Dick. Dick is playing at Brampton Live in Cumbria my home village this weekend, should be great.

[tomtscotland]

Message sent.

[sonoffergus]

spoilt a good song

[tomtscotland]

Song is being sung in a roots "traditional" style. Not to everyone's taste - especially if you're more used to the "sing along" versions.

[scotrodg]

Gaughan puts his own slant on every song he sings and very rarely to the detriment of the song. If ye dinnae recognise a loon that can sing and pit feelin' intae a song, give up the reviews!

[Malimo2]

Isn't that beautiful...