Scottish Tradition : Dark Island : American Cafe Orchestra

[MrAJK2015]

Thanks for this one, i have never heard this version before, very unique. The Dark Island was played at my great granddads funeral, great variation of a great song love it lol, thanks again.

[macrocan2009]

A very fine rendition indeed!

[UISTMAN59]

@macrocan2009 Thanks. I was beginning to fear people had had off the tune :-)

[Trillian501]

But what a guitarsolo !!!! "Dark Island" stands in a absolutely new light after the norwegian tragedy - and your basist are Norwegian ;-)

Kirsten Hofset

[Trillian501]

Best version at all - better than Mike Oldfield!!!



[reubenroo]

Unusual version...I love it!

[UISTMAN59]

@reubenroo Thanks

[accrag]

love this version great, nice dance to this

[UISTMAN59]

thanks accrag :-)

[ScotsLass10]

nice twist with the blue grass. Although I prefer the Alexander Brother's. Also love to hear Charlie Zimm Singing the Dark Island.

[pastore0506]

It's different; and it's very nice!

[Erkele]

Some my angient relatives are from Scotland and Irland. I'm finnish my self.. but my heart says i must come there someday. I never been there, YET. It's very deep feelin' - I can not explain it to anybody with words of human language. - E

[mortenalfredhoirup]

He, he... my first and probably only guitar solo ever :-)

Great pics by the way!

Morten Alfred Høirup, American Café Orchestra...

[UISTMAN59]

Hi Morten , Thanks for your note, LOve this tune and this versiom is great.

[djmontag]

I like this version& think the bluegrass twist is weird but in a good way.

[UISTMAN59]

Thanks for the comment djmontag. I had always thought if it as a bit hawaiian rather than bluegrass but I can see it your way too, must be bit of both in it.

[lewismurray1]

...no, just no...it sounds wrong like youre trying to kill the unstrument but youre trying to do it so that only someone whos heard the proper version would know

[UISTMAN59]

Each to his own lewismurray1. I have four postings of "The Dark Island" and you have commented on the one you do not like.

[PressF5forHelp]

Very nice, and sure loved the music :)

[Ayrshiree]

Not only is the arrangement fantastic, but so is the Scenery!

Go "Caledonia"!!!

I love you!!!

[noparadigm]

this is (although it sadly has no bagpipes ;->) by far the best version of this song I have heard so far! Very very well done, indeed!

[Tommo64]

Does any one know where i can find the Alexander Brothers version? Thanks in advance.

[JRneko]

I prefer the mike oldfield one...but funny to see different versions

[TommyG831]

same i prefer the mike oldfeild 1 too but im not saying this 1 is bad

[graham1281]

Maybe I should point out that the musicianship is first class, no denying that at all. In my view ( and who am I ) the dark island is possibly one of the most requested tunes EVER in the history of Scottish music. Some tunes can withstand an update, but not this one.

[UISTMAN59]

Fair enough. Each to his own.

[graham1281]

Agreed, it would be a sad old world if we all liked the same things LOL

[catherinetodd]

See also: "Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression" by Peter Harbison.

[catherinetodd]

From CD Baby:

THE AMERICAN CAFE ORCHESTRA: The Early Years 1999

American fiddler Ruthie Dornfeld and Danish guitarist Morten Alfred Høirup formed The American Cafe Orchestra in 1987 with Norwegian bassist Anders Hofset. Ruthie's fluid style backed by the European swing of Høirup & Hofset gives a fresh, energetic approach to an eclectic mix of American, Scandinavian & Celtic fiddle tunes. The Early Years combines their first two recordings, American Cafe Orchestra & Somewhere in Sweden.

[UISTMAN59]

Thanks for the above notes, Catherine. I first heard this recording on Radio Scotland on a December evening in the late 80's when Artie Fisher (I think) said that "If there there was an award for the best update of an old standard it would have to be this" - or words to that effect. Spot on.

[catherinetodd]

Thanks so much for posting this... I listened to a few other versions listed on YouTube, and you were "spot on" about this being the best one. I ended up being able to buy and download it from "PayPlay (dot) FM" and love it!

I also really love watching this beautiful video of these small islands in the sea... has given me great inspiration in this great "time of need" to explore the "heart of the world." Thanks again.

I take it you play violin; have any of your own music posted?

[catherinetodd]

This is WONDERFUL. I've never heard of this group ("The American Cafe Orchestra") but found them via google search and Amazon... wonderful juxtaposition of land, sea, sky and ear... sounds tastes and seeing follow. What a joy!

I will have to visit here before I die. Life may be worth living, after all. Thanks for posting!