Karen Matheson with Paul Brady - Ae Fond Kiss

[LargeTurn1p]

The name of the tune is "My Love Today As Heretofore"

[pattipie100]

Such a wonderous song. Done so beautifully................xxx­

[siliconglen]

You're right it's not Rory Dall's Port but this later tune used for the Ae fond kiss lyrics is more or less the same as Hi Horo ’s na Horo Eile, whether this came before the lyrics by Burns or not, I don't know: Translation here: sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiHIHO­RO.html

[TheSheenaWellington]

@siliconglen I love this version. IIRC, Karen first sang this song at the Celebration of Women concert at Celtic Connections 1996 This tune resembles 'Hi Horo ’s na Horo Eile' but is in fact another Gaelic air which appears in the Simon Fraser Collection, the English title being "My Love Today as Heretofore" or, in some translations "as Yesterday". .

[TheSheenaWellington]

It is believed the lyrics were set to this melody by a European composer whose name at the moment eludes me. George Thomson had already detached the lyrics from Burns' original choice "Rory Dall's Port", and set it to a quite attractive tune called "The Secret Kiss".....He did that a lot!

[ktunvey3223]

"Fare thee weel my first and fairest". Agony...!

[liosalan]

Can not watch without tears......Simply, stunningly, beautiful....

[breffnipark]

Beautifully sung !

[couthyband]

cannot match the heart felt comments that i have been honoured to read here and think how an age old song can be moved to such a modern medium as the internet...truly humans span a wide spectrum of sensibilities and invention

[Bruchag]

As seasons lose their shape,s colours and illuminations...

there are some compensations in living in a shoitey little Country with views beyond our navel fluff

[godwit7777]

a sad song exquisitely sung and accompanied. doesn't get much better.

[iainmacmhathain1]

Brings a tear to my eye.

[VeroniqueCG]

Beautiful - my husband seduced me with this wonderful song. The tones got to me and I was a goner!!!

[LochMeikle]

The legendary missing Transatlantic Sessions Series Two is at long last available on DVD

[Caledon1314]

When my mother died in Lanarkshire in 2006 I kissed her forehead and the first line of this poem came to my mind.

[Wolfeblayde]

@Caledon1314 I recently lost someone who was like a daughter to me. When I kissed her goodbye, that same line came to my mind, too. May she and your mother rest in God's peace.

[lynnsaoirse]

Love Andy M Stewart's version even more, though this is lovely too...

[cardigan3000]

paul bradys voice - one word - underrated

[kennyfraserdotcom]

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

[JOCK532]

what a stunning looking lady

[plemochoe]

I can understand some people saying the dobro disturbs them. But even they should understand: I guarantee you Paul and Karen ASKED Jerry to work out a part and play it. As for harmony: examine the tune. There is no continuous harmony line b/c the melody is too rich. Also note the multiple key changes (not chord changes). Again: musicians work these things out to suit themselves - or don't you think so?

[Campbellfordian]

Great version. A bit rough at the end, but the two-way rounds it out nicely.

[gaz141]

this is lovely but I prefer Eddi's version, she tugs my heartstrings more

[DasHearach]

@gaz141 your comment directed me to Eddie's version. I have always been a keen fan but found her rendition of this a bit too stage managed. Beautifully sung as one would expect of Eddie but I reckon Rabbie would have voted for this one even though Paul's harmony is sometimes a bit iffy! Please do not take this as a criticism of your oppinion - simply a response. Have Karen and Eddie ever done anything together? I reckon that would be perfection!

[despinne]

Delightful on all scores.

[Olentzaro]

Tis sad that I am so far away from where such great music doth arise. Thank the lucky stars for what the net can bring one in America.

[Nkerklaan]

Read this for the first time in class (yeah, I know, I'm perpetually behind on shit) and came on YouTube to hear it sung. Found this beautiful version.

[iamthechosenscone]

The words of Burns, the piano, the violin, the whistle, Karen and Paul touches my soul. The dobro touches my sciatic nerve.

[awnok]

@iamthechosenscone Nice comment.

[malches]

My favourite rendition of this song ever. Karen has the voice touched by an Angel.

[Wolfeblayde]

This is my favorite rendition of this heartbreakingly beautiful song. Every time I hear it, I remember all the ones I've loved who are no longer with us.

[cameranzo1]

Beautiful

[Scriptor13]

Carson a bu chòir dhomh gabhail na slighe ceart, lom, fada? Is gràdhaich leam thu, Draughn...Is thu m'annsachd.

I will always love you, Blood of My Heart, come what may...



[Tphilpott1]

Karen Matheson doesn't just take ownership of this song; she inhabits it.

Lost in the words; lost in the messenger. Lovely.

[mocroi]

Voices of angels and the backing is pretty angelic as well.

[TheSoulboy90]

@Ranjeeb

Sorry to hear of your loss!

I'm glad however that there is some solace in this wonderful music for you. God bless you brother, and may you find happiness.

[raleighsquare]

I've always enjoyed Eddi Reader's version, however this is so sweet and gentle and anyway Karen ranks number one in my book. Thanks for this song, thanks to the great artists.

[InsaRose]

Thank you Karen and Paul. Most beautiful version I have heard.

[ceobruco]

un angelo

voce che dona passione ad ogni nota

grazie karen

[whgwz]

Heart-wretchingly beautiful. Can't stop looping.

[keppoch10]

remember when it was on telly,so good

[keppoch10]

one of karen;s best,love it

[rnr5682]

Great singing and I love Jerry Douglas but the dobro does seem out of place here. Didn't Burns go to Jamaica? How 'bout a Reggae version w/ steel drums? -just kidding folks

[DonegalRaymie201]

@rnr5682

Aye. but "Jerry Douglas"? Could he be of mair Scots descent?

Actually love his playing on this, and how many Scots did go to US? Thank God they took their music wi' them!

[4catwoman]

@rnr5682 I agree about the dobro. I first heard this on a National Geographic record a million years ago. I t was sung by a single singer and the only music was a flute - it was awesome

[hEireannSeanan]

Grá mo chroí!!!!

[BillAtl88]

Great performance by two wonderful artists - May this performance, as well as the poet's words, stand the test of time as a shining light of what is truly good in this world. Thank you Paul and Karen.

[Jewsharpgirl]

Paul Brady's singing is wonderful

[be8nice]

Beautiful song, beautiful singing, but the Hawaiian guitar almost ruins it for me. Leave the Hawaiian steel guitars in Hawaii or Nashville or, better yet, get rid of them altogether.

[XiOjala]

@be8nice I think the slide Dorbo works.

[burgesmate]

Karen Matheson has the voice of an angel. Singing as its meant to be, pure and soulful.

[josephonwhidbey]

It brings tears: truly it does.

[whitsthatsmell]

This is the way it should be played and sung. Perfect !

[deghitan]

I love listening to Karen Matheson and am so pleased she sung this song. I wish it to be played after I have passed on.

[DonegalRaymie201]

I love Karen Matheson fir this! May God bless her, she is special!

[TLS5226]

My stepmother died last week after 47 years with my Dad, I tried to sing this but just couldn't handle it - far too emotional!! But how beautiful the song and this rendition!!!!

[nacho1560]

A wonderful song, TL, and a wonderful memory for your step mum who must have been very special to you. God bless you and yours, especially your dad.

[jpsspark]

a true love song ,if you are lucky enough to have long term partner (40 yrs) this truly says what many men think but cannot say about there love

[DeeArr]

The span of time matters not. It's the depths & heights you both transcend. It could be a week, a month or an all too short few years before the farewell that lasts forever. Time is a gift but not essential.

[jpsspark]

@DeeArr  how sweet to be enlightend by a thoughtful soul ,your words are as graceful as the song.

[locheelad2]

I disagree, with time, one never notices aging, one point only.

[Chastalard]

Karen's voice is one of the most beautiful on

the Mother Earth,

[uomidoido]

Divino!!

[carrhighlander]

This brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. Beautifully sung by Paul and Karen. Thank you for sharing.

[BardofCornwall]

I love the slight lag in Brady's harmonies, which suggests the lovers drifting apart. Brilliant!

[KavanaghGrainne]

A beautiful ballad, and what a combo Matheson/Brady... I first heard it on a movie called 'A Love Divided'. Check out the version on my channel if you so wish...

[ZoEnEiLl]

Beautiful I love it I'm am singing this on burns day at my school I'm nervous :-/

[fatapeth]

i,ve been after transatlantic sessions 2 for ages!! does anyone

know how to get it? i,ve got 1 , 3 and 4 but was lead to believe

2 wasn,t available on dvd. help please!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kenjude1]

The liner notes for the Season 4 DVD suggest there's a possiblity that Season 3 may be coming in the near future. Fingers crossed.

[locheelad2]

Karen is the best female singer no doubt, so this is better than Edii or Gemma, who are also good, Karen puts more into it, look at her eyes as she sings. I too wanted to hear her sing it all, but don't be hard on Paul Brady, if he sang it alone he'd be great.

[DonegalRaymie201]

Yes Karen is the best pro-singer here, but Mr. Brady does a fair job of accompamying her in this! I thinkk he does wonderfuly well too!

[rgadave]

Simply stunning !.

[graeme0309]

Brady's key is way too high.

Grimace when he tries for the top notes.

Should have brought it down one.

Murdered.

[DonegalRaymie201]

Brady is singing this in Karen's key, not an octave below as you would expect of a male singer. That's why he struggles for the high notes. Perhaps so as to bring the harmony closer.

[DonegalRaymie201]

Maybe. It's certainly pitched in Karen's comfort zone, not Brady's! An average baritone man would sing the part an octave lower, but Brady has always had a high voice, just not this high!

[tarzanlordofthe]

Not as bad as you're making out

[JonnyTTV]

@graeme0309 think he was just being a gentleman-otherwise she would have had to sing the whole song a tone lower just for his little bit(the key change wouldn't have worked otherwise)-i like what he's doing but they could have gotten away with him not singing at all

[TheBobconnelly]

Beautiful

[catbaloosh]

Ae Fond Kiss....Beautiful

[NorthLimitation]

Karen Matheson is so good!!

[georgiatavira]

Absolutely beautiful--both voices!

[cardigan3000]

if u think karen carried this all the way you obviously didnt listen 2:35 - 3:07

[nickmcgivney]

I'll grant you the accompaniment is an experiment that doesn't quite work, but don't write off Paul Brady's vocals. He's an unassailable songwriter anyway, but his vocals can be outstanding too. Any song off his album Hard Station gives him a place with the greats, and listen to The Island for a stunning lesson in simplicity.

[chikinzz]

Absolutely beautiful. Even more lovely than I was led to believe x

[DonegalRaymie201]

Incredibly beautiful! Love Karen too much to be neutral I admit!

She has the best voice in Alba tho'? God bless her!

[wellwell1212]

Think Karen should do a version on her own, she carried this all the way.

[fenris910]

The tune, for those who have been wondering, is "Hi oro 's na horo eile".

Anyone got a link to the Rory Dall version? For comparison. This is wonderful, as anything with Karen Matheson usually is.

[MacEachaidh]

O, mòran mòran taing, fhenris!

I'd been trying to place the tune in my (limited) Gaelic repertoire - sounded so familiar, but couldn't catch where I'd heard it - thanks indeed for the reminder.

And I reckon KM could make almost anything sound wonderful.

[tarkus1232003]

My father passed away last year and we played this at his funeral. My favourite Burns poem but can't listen to it now without bursting into tears silly old sod.

[VeroniqueCG]

@tarkus1232003 Oh tarkus! Na silly old sod. I have cried every time I have heard this throughout my loving smiles for Burns and every love I have had and will ever have.

The tears are also joy for a person who was able to transcribe our feelings and for this beautiful exposition of Burns work. Go Burns and go Karen. I can even write amidst my tears; that's good!!

[curatorsam]

@tarkus1232003 Not silly at all. It's beautiful.

[locheelad2]

trad. is all, we forget BURNS was not just a poet, the lyrics lead one to make a tune. He was saving the Scots dialect from extinction he has no equal ! Thanks for posting.

[DonegalRaymie201]

Do you know that "Ulster Scots" has special protection in ireland? But seemingly the parent tongue will be left to die on the vine back in Scotland?

i cannot understand why!

[symphusion]

thats a strange comment. this aint Ulster scots. this is a Robert burns song.... written in an old scots dialect... as is so called ulster scots. Ulster-scots is a dialect and NOT a language, so I fail to see how a dialect spoken in a small corner of county antrim should have any great relevance in scotland, never mind you suggesting it was"left to rot n the vine" in Scotland . Seems you are hugely misinformed as to the nature of this "Ulster Scots" language myth.

[DonegalRaymie201]

Symphusion,

I know that. Hence why I described Scots as the parent tongue! My point is simply that "Ulster-Scots" has the same protection and promotion as Irish Gaelic in N.Ireland, and as a result there has been a huge resurgence in interest in it! People are learning and speaking in again.

I think the Scottish government should do likewise with Scots, as well as Gaelic! Kids should be encouraged and taught it again!

[symphusion]

How can their be protection for a dialect ? It is what it is... its the same as protecting the Cavan accent by law!

Now native language is a different matter

Ulster Scots has been used by the Unionist community as a means of sourcing funds for their own cultural agenda for good or bad. Its a reactionary move to counter the need for protection of the Irish language, and in itself a sad reflection of politics in Northern Ireland.

[DonegalRaymie201]

So you think Lalands is just an accent? Or a dialect?

I know many who would insist it is a language of equal weight and validity to English, just less spoken now thanks to its' persecution!

[davyladd08]

Sir Sean Connery (aka Big Tam the Co-op milkman frae Edinburgh) once said of Karen Mathieson 'surely she has a voice kissed by God'. How true!

[sayz25]

without a doubt, one of the best love songs ever written.

[symphusion]

i agree

[leaningoak]

That sucked. They been listening to too much "Celtic" and Country

[marionmcl]

and you have been listening to the trumpet of your arse.

[WinterlightSnow]

I have been in love with Karen Mathieson since I was a very young laddie....she was always the romantic lady of the mountains I would meet and fall in love with for the rest of my life! Youth is very idealistic!

[brother1ray]

You're not alone! karen is my love fest too!

[WinterlightSnow]

One of the most beautiful songs sung by the most beautiful singer....as close to musical heaven as you could ever be!

[JMD0429]

lovely!

[juanio181161]

Dios mio, que bonito. MI corazón se desgarra de oir esto. Quiero subir al cielo de una gran ciudad Europea que tiene un rio que pasa por el centro de la ciudad a coger mi estrella. Cuando llegará ese dia. Espero que pronto.

[rblack2566]

I know! Isn't Karen grand?! She's one of my favorites.

Anyone serious about music knows this precious Bard and respects his work. Even though I was born in the US, I'm extremely proud to have Scottish blood in my veins and am fervently praying I get to see my "homeland" before I pass on.

Peace be with you all!

[geekandangelsdad]

As Big Sean C said, "The voice of an Angel!"

[mrman88]

Burns night...not buns night. A day to remember the world famous scottish poet robert burns who wrote the words to this song.

And FYI, "erses" is denoting the Irish accent. Burns was not Irish, nor is Burns night an Irish event. It is Scottish.

Please be mindful the next time your passing comments might offend a national identity or a nations hero.

Thanks.

[DonegalRaymie201]

I live in Scotland matey! And I'm just back from the Burns celebration at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall wi' Eddi Reader, Dick Gaughan, James Grant, Emily Smith at al! You think you can tell me anything aboot the Bard? Ga'an bile yer heid! And "erse" is used widely in the Scots dialect, as in the phrase : "he looked like his erse hid fainted!"

Dinnae speak aboot whit ye dinnae ken! It makes ye look like an erse!

[DonegalRaymie201]

P.S. He's known to every Scotsman as "Rabbie Burns" or simply the "Bard"! No Scots call him Robert.

[mrman88]

Do not presume to make general statements like that and I shall trymy hardest not to patronise.

[earlsferry]

I do

[weeweelegs]

just like the harp of King David

ministered to Saul, so this does

to my soul, thank you

[mrman88]

Great version. My girlfriend and I are performing it at a gathering tonight for buns night....we didnt really know it before so please wish us luck.

The harmony just sounds like a staggered start harmony...but someone more musically gifted might disagree.

Look out for a video in a couple of days of us singing :)

[DonegalRaymie201]

Haven't heard of "Buns Night", but sounds like my kind of doo! Cakes and "erses" a plenty I should hope!

[BardofCornwall]

I love the delayed harmony at the end. Would that be syncopated harmony? Anyway, it had me a little misty-eyed!

[DonegalRaymie201]

Beautiful, simply beautuful!

[duncky64]

awe inspiring

[manatthewindow]

A real delight.

[kerstmanneke82]

She's got a voice that matches Enya, in my honest opinion...

[DonegalRaymie201]

aT LEAST AS GOOD! Look out next year, 2009 is going to be great for Burns fans if nothing else!"

[DonegalRaymie201]

Wunderful!

[GrumpyOldGeoff]

Had tried to get a copy of this beautiful and haunting song after it was accidentally wiped from a video. Thank you for making this available to all.

[NSResponder]

You'd probably like Dougie MacLean and Andy M. Stewart's versions, too.

-jcr

[anfang1912]

beautiful

[cardigan3000]

Best version ive heard.paul bradys voice is very under rated.

[PatriciaRidgeway]

I read somewhere a few years ago that Sean Connery, upon first hearing Karen sing said that 'her throat has surely been touched by God'.

I'm with him on that. Stunning.

[bmrti]

Outstanding!

[deirjon]

This version just warms the heart. Outstanding

[weeweelegs]

they are all good versions

this song is sung from the heart

beautiful words, Robbies songs will live

forever.

[ArcadianGirl]

sooo much better than eddi reader's version. Classic

[scratchy45]

I'm not sure what this tune's called, but I prefer it to the Rory Dall one (not that that's not a beautiful tune either, mind...)

Cool to hear Dobro on this: I play it on slide guitar meself!

[Phoebesgran]

The best version of this beautiful song so far. Definitely going in my favourites.

[peterhbartlett]

This is without doubt the best version of this oft "murdered" song. Karen's rendition is simply superb. Rabbie Karen and Aly....MAGIC

[the7sevens]

Marvellous.

[Tholomaios]

I never liked that yodel effect in singing, maybe except for the Cranberries, Karen adds it into her singing so gently that it lifts up hearts.

This is unspeakably beautiful!

[Winterpeak]

Karen has the best voice I have ever heard...when she sings the old gaelic songs...it's like the voice of an angel! Eddi Reader? not even in the same league...not even on the same planet!

[sheilamaclean]

and hello again Aly Bain...! What a lovely combi - am sure Rabbie would approve.

[bingbangbaby]

like birds in spring...

[M1SSMAGIC]

best version i,ve heard dont think anyone could top it

[weeweelegs]

beautiful love song, sung well indeed.

Robbie had a way with words.

[scottmumby]

Ally Bain on fiddle!

[SHOSALOSA]

Stunning!! Thank you.

[gourdonboy]

Beautiful Karen.

[helenmain]

Beautiful,am sure Robbie would have approved.

[jpsspark]

close your eyes and remember back,to your true love,now listen to your heart beat ,it should be the same now as it was then.

[Quietlydoesit]

This is a proper tribute by the Irish to a sweet Scottish song. As a Scot, I bear no illwill to anyone who sings our music so beautifully.

[moominpic]

errrm, isn't Karen Matheson Scottish, from the Hebrides? But it is beautiful

[zhskidz]

She sure is Scottish and was, I believe, born in Taynuilt in Argyll.

[psychobollox]

Paul Brady's Irish...

[verdi37]

beautiful thankyou

[NWLAstrings]

Karen and Aly -- it just doesn't get any better!

[breffnipark]

Beautiful Song !

Beautiful Voice !!

Beautiful Woman !!!

[Abbaodin]

Karen has the beautiful voice of an angel from heaven!!!!

[CheersmaDears]

Absolutely beautiful!!

I love this so much!

[madmilo1]

beautiful

[tiffyclan]

Heart breaking stuff

[BardofCornwall]

Gorgeous.

[dxhty]

Just want to say after maybe appearing negative in the discussion below, I find this a Very Fine Performance. the best ive seen. Happy Burns Celebrations to All.

[hjortshoj]

Lovely song. One of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Does anyone know the Scottish folk duo "Blackeyed Biddy"? They recorded this song as well and although I like Karen Matheson and Paul Brady, I don't think anyone will ever do a better version than Blackeyed Biddy.

[daviddkilpatrick]

Yes, they visited our club late 1990s. I have one of their albums including the track you mention. I think they are still going, based west-side (Dumfries way) and we should get them back for a gig in Kelso.

[kuusamo1992]

This is such a great version of a beautiful song. I've heard other versions, but this one's my favourite. \since I first heard this song I have been a Burns fan.

[daviddkilpatrick]

Right! I had forgotten I have a Scolar Press facsimile - I was only looking at 'real' old books. In D as well. I'm already causing problems by using the National Music dots for 'Willie Brewed a Peck o'Maut', which is rather beautiful if not turned into a rant. Might add a verse of AFK/Rory Dall to annoy more folk.

[DuncoPartner]

Lovely. And a reminder I've never seen Ally Bain and David Gest in the same room.

[jamiepaton5]

i love eddie readers version of this, but i must say this pair are the only ones to do it exactly in the order that burns wrote it. fantastic....myreside no its no just you mate, check out wee paolo nutini doin a mans a man as well. moan scotland