As I Roved Out [on Davy Stuart 22ins Octave Mandolin tuned CGDG]

[This video is part of a series I am recording to assist 'gatheringdusk' in Auckland, NZ.]

I learnt this solo version as a result of a chain of events that started in 2005, after I'd read Andy Irvine's website 'Journal' entry for May of that year, where he wrote: "... Also 'premiered' As I roved Out with my own accompaniment. It's always been a Planxty number till now with Dónal playing Baritone Guitar and me just singing it."

I have always loved the Planxty version of this song, which I learnt so many years ago (accompanying myself on guitar) and which I had even attempted to transpose for the mandola, to make it sound really 'irvinian'! ;-))

So, I became intrigued to find out how the great man himself had done it but, since I've never seen him perform it live and knew he hadn't recorded it, I simply waited until he would.

Then, in August 2008, I was browsing Andy's 'Discography' website pages and discovered, to my amazement, that he had re-recorded this song on Peter Ratzenbeck's album 'Resonances'. I therefore couldn't help wondering: "Is he playing his own version, or is he just singing it accompanied on guitar by Peter Ratzenbeck instead of Dónal Lunny?" This album was somewhat difficult to procure but I eventually obtained a copy directly from Peter Ratzenbeck himself in February 2009. [Very many thanks once again, Peter and Brigitte! ;-)) ... ]

To my great delight, it delivered the gem I had been hoping for: Andy singing the song while playing his long-scale Sobell mandola tuned CGDG! Furthermore, this was a solo effort, which was just what I wanted: there would be no other instruments 'obstructing the soundscape'!

So, I was finally able to learn it and I therefore applied myself painstakingly to this joyful task for quite a while! As usual, I couldn't figure out every nuance of Andy's fingering, but came up with this vague approximation instead! [Note to self: Must have another go at learning Andy's new version note-for-note!!!]

I am playing the wonderful 22ins Octave Mandolin (OB8) made for me by Davy Stuart (Christchurch, NZ). However, I tuned it to CGDG (5 semi-tones higher than its usual GDAD tuning) after mounting it with the following guitar (ball-end) strings: C = 2x .036w / G = 2x .024w / D = 2x .016 / G = 2x .012.

I hope you'll all enjoy it!
Patrick.

PS: Unfortunately, my voice decided to go croaky during this recording! {8-((

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------­-------------------------
As I Roved Out
Words: trad. / New music: Andy Irvine

As I roved out on a bright May morning
To view the meadows and the flowers gay
Whom should I spy but my own true lover
As she sat under yon willow tree

I took off my hat and I did salute her
I did salute her most courageously
When she turned around well the tears fell from her
Saying: "False young man, you have deluded me"

"A diamond ring I own I gave you
A diamond ring to wear on your right hand"
"But the vows you made, love, you went and broke them
And married the lassie that had the land"

"If I married the lassie that had the land, my love
It's that I'll rue till the day I die
When misfortune falls sure no man can shun it
I was blindfolded I will ne'er deny"

Now at nights when I go to my bed of slumber
The thoughts of my true love run in my mind
When I turn around to embrace my darling
Instead of gold, sure 'tis brass I find

And I wish the Queen would call home her army
From the West Indies, Amerikay and Spain
And every man to his wedded woman
In hopes that you and I shall meet again

Category:

Music

Tags:

• As
• Roved
• Out
• Andy
• Irvine
• Davy
• Stuart
• OB8
• CGDG
• acoustic
• ballad
• folk music

[diorio83]

прекрасно Патрик ;)

[pdebee]

@diorio83 Благодарност, Диорио :-D

[JossLoner]

its very niche - i wish you the very best!!! great to have you as yt friend ;)!!

[pdebee]

@JossLoner Dear Joss; Thank you for your kind comment. You're quite right: this style of music is not what you could call 'mainstream', 'commercial' or 'fashionable'. But then, I am learning these old songs only because they are so beautiful and tell a story that was once a real situation, as in the case of the two heroes in this one.

The fun with YouTube is that friends around the world can discover these songs as new, if they have the time.

Please keep well & joyful; ;-))

Patrick

[BlueAquaMarina]

How so very beautiful!! Thank you my dear!!

[pdebee]

@BlueAquaMarina Thank you for your kind comment, Κατερίνα ! ;-))

[ExclusiveVideosEV]

This is really nice and enjoyable, I like the way you sing. Gael

[helene09paris]

This is absolutely beautiful -- the playing and singing reflects the artist's deep love and unending appreciation of the tune. He incorporates his best skills to convey this.

It is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

[pdebee]

@irishlike1 Thank you for your kind comment. :-) Well, there's no video and the only recording of his own version is on Peter Ratzenbeck's album 'Resonances'. So, yes: it's listening to the CD and following in the 'fingersteps' of the great master! {8=O

It is clear from the CD that he does some really subtle and delicate stuff higher up the neck which I still need to figure out. In my video, I just repeat the same basic phrases & chords. And, of course, he's a great singer!!! ;-))

Patrick.

[irishlike1]

Great arrangement again!!! How do you work out all that stuff? Sitting in front of the video or listening it out from CD? Give us more please ;-)...