Mally Leigh (Transatlantic Stringband)

  1. Marcelyn
    Marcelyn
    The latest from the Transatlantic Stringband is a wonderful Scottish song called Mally Leigh.
    In this arrangement Hendrik sings lead and plays guitar, Michael plays mandolin, Jeff is doubling on banjo and upright bass, I'm on fiddle, and Hendrik's wife Ina and I get to sing along on the choruses. Hendrik and Ina recorded their tracks in the Netherlands, Michael added his from sunny California, and Jeff and I contributed our parts from Tennessee.
    Credit goes to Hendrik for the wonderful mix and video.

  2. JLewis
    JLewis
    You've done it again. I've gotta' learn that one. What source/notation/tab/recording did ya'll follow for that?
  3. Marcelyn
    Marcelyn
    Thanks so much. For fiddle, I took my inspiration from Allen Barty who played with Archie Fisher on a 1970s recording. Here's a live version from Mr. Fisher.



    You're not alone if you find Mr. Fisher's accent a little tricky to understand. Here's a site with lyrics and a translation...
    http://sangstories.webs.com/mallyleigh.htm

    Here are the lyrics and chords Hendrik sent for us to go by...
    D G A D F#m
    When Mally Leigh came down the street, a wind blew mightily
    D A G A
    And flew the hat and cloak and all from bonny Mally Leigh
    D G A D F#m
    And down along the Canongate were lads of all degree
    D A G A
    Who sighed to see the comely shape of bonny Mally Leigh

    Chorus
    D G A D F#m
    And we're all gone East and West, we're all gone, aye, ajee
    D A D A G
    We're all gone East and West, a-courting Mally Leigh


    D G A D F#m
    She wore two ribbons in her hair that flaunted gallantly
    D A G A
    And ribbons at the back and breast of bonny Mally Leigh
    D G A D F#m
    And with every bob her ribbons made, each lad thought, That's for me
    D A G A
    But ne'er a one was in the thoughts of bonny Mally Leigh

    Chorus

    D G A D F#m
    And when she reached the palace porch, there stood lairdies three
    D A G A
    And each one turned him round about to glance on Mally Leigh
    D G A D F#m
    The dance went through the palace hall, a comely sight to see
    D A G A
    And none was there so bright and fair as bonny Mally Leigh

    Chorus

    Mandolinbreak on full couplet

    Chorus

    D G A D F#m
    The Prince came out from among them all with garters at his knee
    D A G A
    And danced a stately minuet with bonny Mally Leigh
    D G A D F#m
    Though some wore jewels in their hair that shown so brilliantly
    D A G A
    Yet, Mallie did surpass them all with a red and rosie cheek

    Chorus

    D G A D F#m
    But Hieland Brodie floored them all with a proud and glancing eye
    D A G A
    He's won for aye the heart and hand of bonny Mally Leigh

    Chorus 2x
  4. JLewis
    JLewis
    Thanks Marcelyn. That's a big help.
  5. Hendrik Luurtsema
    Hendrik Luurtsema
    I've listened several times to our mix Marcy, and although all the instuments were played wonderfull, that fiddle playing and singing from you is extraordinary. I'm always astounded by your musicality. Michael thinks his mandoplaying was too American but I love his lively playing and after all ;we are Transatlantic! Jeff is also amazingly fast with his mission. When I ask for a doublebass track, he sends his perfectly played track within less then 3 hours. I will thank you all for your contribution and hope that The Transatlantic Stringband is a good example for any internet band. I can recommend it to anyone....

    I know the tune was played by the Mccalmans on their cd Tangled Web (2004). Several groups played it but there is not much to find. The nicest version I have on cd is from the formerly dutch folkgroup Selkie, who combined it with St Annes reel.
  6. Tavy
    Tavy
    Really nice playing - very well done folks!

    Hendrik needs to work on his Scots accent to be authentic though
  7. gortnamona
    gortnamona
    it had the desired effect.... a big smile, well done all
  8. Hendrik Luurtsema
    Hendrik Luurtsema
    I first have to try singing without my Dutch accent.. but thanks for the compliment Tavy and gortnamona..
  9. woodenfingers
    woodenfingers
    I missed this one a few weeks ago. Very well done!! Just amazing how such great music can be created across the ether.
  10. Bertram Henze
    Bertram Henze
    Hendrik needs to work on his Scots accent to be authentic (Tavy)

    I wudger he'd din it aaricht gin he tried
    As for the American touch - since Ewan McColl & Peggy Seeger recorded songs with 5-string banjo accompaniment, everything is possible.
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