from My Love is like a red red rose by Robert Burns.
Happy New Year from Ferryview!
The village is like a winter wonderland with snow to welcome us into 2021!!!
In January north of the border and worldwide many celebrate the birthday of the Scottish bard Rabbie Burns with his songs and poems .. and a wee dram with haggis neeps and tatties 😀. Robert (Rabbie) Burns was born on 25th January 1759 and was blessed with a good education which fired his poetic talent. His passions of poetry, nature, drink..and the ladies provided inspiration for his works.
I already have my haggis from an award winning butcher. Time to rekindle some of those famous songs. Everyone has a favourite.....My top 3 are..
My Love is Like a Red Red Rose. Here Robert Burns is at the height of being head over heels in love....His love is at its peak - like the rose is in June. This must be one of the world's most famous love songs.
Ae Fond Kiss. The words are breathtaking. A heartfelt ballad about parting. Ae fond kiss and then we sever Ae fareweel alas for ever.... Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee
The toe tapping You're Welcome Willie Stewart. Robert visited him frequently on his Excise business. He cut the song on a crystal tumbler which was later acquired by Sir Walter Scott and now preserved at Abbotsford.
If you want to treat yourself to something a little different about Burns, I can recommend "Touched by Robert Burns" By Andy Hall.
Andy asked 60 well-known people how the works of Burns have touched their lives. Accompanied by beautiful pictures.
Text from Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Cox, Midge Ure and Alexander McCall Smith to name a few
My Love is like a Red Red Rose....
In 2018, it was a joy and honour to play at our son's wedding. For the occasion, I arranged "Wild Mountain Side" ( beautiful ballad by John Douglas) and 'My love is like a Red Red Rose for Flute, Oboe and Bassoon. Here is a short sample video of the arrangement. Note to self.....Never wear a big hat then try to play bassoon!!!
Ukulele players will be able to download and print off
an arrangement of
"My Love is like a Red Red Rose" from this month's newsletter.
More January Birthdays.....
January also brings 2 other notable male birthdays...
Firstly, one of the world's most popular singer-songwriters, the charismatic Neil Diamond who will be 80 on 24th January. I have been blessed to see him perform live twice - a treat. A charming and gifted artist....and not an ugly boy. Here are a few interesting facts about the man:
He was a skilled fencer. He attended NY university on a fencing scholarship
He went to school with Barbara Streisand. Their duet "You don't bring me Flowers" was released in 1978
He danced with the Princess of Wales in 1985 at The White House ball
He wrote "I'm a Believer" made famous by The Monkees then used in the film Shrek
Sadly, due to Neil suffering Parkinson's Disease, we will no long be able to see him perform live.
My favourite song? - Has to be 'Songs of Life" from the Jazz Singer. Listen to the words
What is your favourite?
Happy Birthday Neil Diamond
- and for those that have heard my talk on
American popular music - I am free to come to your party Neil!!!! 🤣
The second iconic artist.....
Elvis Presley.
Born 8th January 1935 died 16th August 1977
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