What happens when songs are written with the backdrop of moss covered trees, hillside cottages, and ravens on top of stone walls? And what happens when people play tunes together for hour after hour? (Hint, they need to eat…). Travel with host Shannon Heaton to the charming crow-filled Scottish town of Thornhill. And meet Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan, whom you’ll hear in later IMS episodes.
Episode 28 – Travel Update from Thornill: Supernatural and nutritional music topics from Scotland
This Irish Music Stories episode aired April 15, 2019
https://shannonheatonmusic.com/episode-28-travel-update-from-thornhill/
Speakers, in order of appearance
>> Shannon Heaton: flute player, singer, composer, teacher, and host of Irish Music Stories
>> Emily Smith: Multi award winning Scottish folk singer from Dumfries and Galloway
>> Jamie McClennan: New Zealand-born fiddler and guitarist, now based in Scotland
—
>> Shannon: I’m Shannon Heaton…
[ Music: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton guitar ]
… and this is a special travel update from Irish Music Stories, the show about traditional music and the bigger stories behind it.
I’m in the Lowlands of Scotland this week, in the lovely village of Thornhill.
>> Emily: Good afternoon. This is Sunday the 14th of April 2019. Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway. It’s a very cold afternoon, but dry!
>> Shannon: That’s Emily Smith. Great singer, great piano player/accordion player. And she and I are going on the Mostly Ghostly Ballad tour tomorrow
[ Music: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton guitar ]
There are traditional music and dance events going on here in Thornhill and in nearby Dumfries. And up the road, well that’s where Robert Burns wrote Tam O’Shanter, an iconic poem about a guy who’s chased by a party of witches and ghosts. And even though there’s a posh gift shop across the street, and blindingly fast internet, the many old ghost songs associated with this region still seem to fit in.
With massive gnarled trees swallowed by moss, and big crows perched on stone walls, and 250 year old cottages tucked into hillsides, at times it’s all shapes and shadows. And you can imagine that’s how a lot of these old supernatural songs took shape.
>> Emily: The imagery used I think is often really beautiful in these songs. And they’re stunning pieces of work. But I think it’s important to keep them alive. I think they’re still a really strong aspect of our song tradition in Scotland, and farther afield. So I hope they never die out.
[ Music: “Three Ravens,” from Three Ravens
Artist: Malinky ]
>> Shannon: That’s Malinky’s version of the “Three Ravens” song. And there are plenty of creepy ravens like that still in Thornhill today. But there’s also plenty of warmth. All the drivers still wave as they pass. There are kids out playing. There’s a wonderful chocolate shop. And there’s old in this little town. Tradition lives here. At least, if you’re looking for it.
So this week, I’m on the lookout for magical music and supernatural symbols. And I’ll explore any connections I find later this year. And of course there’s plenty of common ground between Irish and Scottish musicians and dancers.
[ Music: “B Minor Fantasia,” from Living Room Session
Artists: Matt Heaton guitar, Jamie McClennan fiddle ]
It’s been a great week with Emily Smith and her husband Jamie, who’s noodling on the fiddle with my husband Matt. We’ve talked music. We’ve visited lots of castles with our kids And of course we’ve had a lot of meals and tunes together. They usually go hand in hand.
>> Shannon: That breaking bread, sharing tunes, it’s kind of a big thing?
>> Jamie: Yeah it’s a big part of my life. I love cooking. Absolutely adore cooking. Both for me and for people that come visit. So the more time I can spend with people, the happier and healthier you are, the longer you can play tunes for!
>> Shannon: Exactly!
[ Music: “Rose in the Heather,” from Living Room Session
Artists: Matt Heaton guitar, Jamie McClennan fiddle ]
And if you’re looking for a great place to log some miles, may I recommend getting vaguely lost in the Louther Hills? It’s a terrific place to run. And to spot lots and lots of crows.
>> Emily: The washing is out. It’s gonna be clean!
>> Shannon: No residual…
>> Emily: …raven droppings? No! Hopefully not. Been feeding the ravens this afternoon!!
[ Sounds of cawing birds ]
Related videos
Related essays
Reflections from Irish Music Stories Podcast episodes 01, 30, 31
Episode guests in order of appearance
SINGER/ACCORDION/PIANO
Award-winning Scottish folk singer and accordion/piano player from Dumfries and Galloway
FIDDLE/GUITAR
New Zealand-born, Scottish-based fiddler and guitarist with awesome hair and great design sense