ISLE OF ISLAY - (Donovan) sung by Alun Rhys Jones

Do leave a comment if you like this one - I loved this from the first time I heard it, around 1970. I recall it was on a vinyl album "HMS Donovan" - Again, for me, it's the pictures conjured up in my mind that count, from some simple lyrics plus a plaintive tune (and a modicum of Rubato). Lots of reverb for atmosphere (probably too much reverb on reflection.... get it?) ) I play my old Takamine guitar in standard tuning here, plus penny-whistle. I'm not sure how close this version is to the original Donovan recording, since I haven't compared them for years. I think it's always interesting to take a song you really like, then work at it yourself in your own style, but don't listen to the original for quite some time after. This way, you can avoid doing a "cover version" and instead, do YOUR version of someone else's song. I've never been to Islay (been to Gigha which is nearby) but it looks lovely from these photos I found. If this pleased you, do leave a comment. If it didn't please accept my humble apologies...!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ISLE OF ISLAY
• Islay
• Donovan
• Folk
• Acoustic Guitar
• Hebrides
• Western Isles
• Islands
• Chillout
• Acoustic

[allisonforfornsed]

It's very lovely. It has a very medieval sound.

[jonesthephones]

@allisonforfornsed Thanks Allison for your comment... hadn't thought of it as "medieval" but, now you come mention it... perhaps it is. Do have a listen to some of my other tracks. Regards, Alun

[kidderminsterbro]

hi alun

this is such a beautiful version of isle of islay

one of the finest that i have heard to date

and the whole montage of lovely vistas from islay

itself makes for visuals beyond words

thank you for making it a video response to

my very simple,but from the heart version

peace,rich

[jonesthephones]

@kidderminsterbro Thahnks Rich. Glad you liked it. I reciorded it on a simple 4-track (cassette) portstudio about ten years ago. Can't be doing with Donovan's ego and arrogance, but love some of his songs, Cheers, Alun

[zgr8zlimee]

I listened to this with a heavy heart, lost and so very low. There is so much beauty here, it fills my soul and eases the pain. Thank you...thank you...what a beautiful voice.

[jonesthephones]

@zgr8zlimee Thanks for your comment. Nice to know this version of Donovan's song is touching the heart

[jonesthephones]

@Mojave888 Thanks for your comment. You're very kind. If you like the track, why not share it with friends and push my viewing total up. Thanks

[Mojave888]

Awesome version of an awesome song.

[bpvdd]

Great version and beautiful video.

Bernard

[folkmusicgirl]

I am a hugh Donovan fan for many, many years. I usually don't like covers of his songs, but you really did a great version of this beautiful song. Nice vocals and nice arrangement.