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    Castlebay

    • Home
      • Recordings
    • Schedule
    • Press/Programs
      • BIO
      • Photo Gallery
      • EPK
      • Robert Burns, Man, Myth, Music
      • Irish Bards & Blarney
      • Music of the Maine Coast
    • Contact
    • News
    • The Grand Design
      • Grand Design Audio
      • Grand Design Video
    • Weddings
    • Song of Ships & Sailors

     Come to turbulent 18th century Scotland with Castlebay

     

     

    The poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) collected and wrote new lyrics for hundreds of traditional Scottish folk tunes which he felt were falling into obscurity. Working in both the Scots language and in English he produced many masterpieces of 18th century poetry and song. Among these are My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Comin' Through the Rye and Auld Lang Syne, popular even today at New Year's celebrations. His short but colorful life has become the subject of both legend and scholarly documentary.

    The duo Castlebay (Julia Lane & Fred Gosbee) have studied the man,the myth, and the music. They have presented lecture/performances for concert series, elder hostels, libraries, and schools in New England, Maritime Canada, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Florida. In their program romantic love songs are interspersed with lively dance tunes as well as poems and anecdotes about the Scotland's National Poet.

    Much of Burns's work is in the Scots language of the lowlands. While related to English there is quite a different vocabulary. Castlebay performs some of the songs in English but most of them in Scots. They have received compliments from American audiences on their ability to make the lyrics understandable and from native Scots speakers on the authenticity of their presentations.

    Castlebay is well known for their sensitive arrangements of traditional Scottish music. Both Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee are fine vocalists and support their singing with a variety of instruments including Celtic harp, 12-string guitar, fiddle, Irish flute and tin whistle. They have toured the British Isles annually since 1993 playing at folk clubs, art centres, and festivals.

    How does it sound? Try the audio files or watch the concert video on this page.

    For information about our touring schedule and fees please contact Castlebay.

    Castlebay are members of AFM Local 1000 and are eligible for grant funding from the New England States Touring Roster. Contact NEST for more information.

     
       

    Rantin', Rovin' Robin

    Aye Waulkin-O

    Of All the Airts

    The De'il's Awa' Wi' the Exciseman

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Quotes & Reviews

     

     

    "Thank you so much for coming to the Ridgefield Library to share the fascinating life and work of Robert Burns with our audience. What a wonderful evening of music, poetry, and song. You can't get a better combination than that!

     

    Everyone I spoke to afterwards really enjoyed the show, especially the Scottish contingent. I think you probably made a lot of people yearn for the "old country!"

     

    Good luck and thanks again,

     

    Leslie Lambton
    Adult Programming Director
    The Ridgefield Library and Historical Association
    Ridgefield, Connecticut

     


    Your Performance at Crandall on April 7th was everything I hoped it would be – delightful, entertaining and inspiring. It seemed to me you invited us into a world of music and poetry that was very special. We all had a wonderful time with you, as you shared your knowledge of the life and times of Robert Burns.

    I can't remember when I heard a person's life described so truthfully and with such sympathy. Burns is a completely human and flawed character, yet you helped us warm to him and admire him. Your own enjoyment of the music and poetry is infectious. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us.

    Many people in the audience that night came up to me later to thank me for this program, but the thanks goes to you. Let us know when you are next playing in this area."

    Katherine Chansky
    Crandall Public Library
    Glens Falls, NY

     

     

    Newsletter and concert summary

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    Newsletter and concert summary

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    Concerts in Brief

    Castlebay - Songs of Ships & Sailors

    Castlebay - Songs of Ships & Sailors

    Wednesday, April 26 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PMWed, Apr 26 @ 7:00PM — 8:30PM

    Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT 06897

    We'll be performing songs from Julia's book of traditional maritime songs from Maine. We'll be in the Brubeck Room, so we'll be sure to include some songs with unusual meters

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    Apr27

    Castlebay

    Thursday, April 27 @ 7:00PMThu, Apr 27 @ 7:00PM

    Seabury, 200 Seabury Drive, Bloomfield, CT

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    Apr29

    Castlebay Concert

    Saturday, April 29 @ 7:00PMSat, Apr 29 @ 7:00PM

    Dickey Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5112 Whethersfield Road, Baltimore, MD

    We're part of a new concert series at Dickey Memorial. We've been there before. It's a nice space with welcoming people. We'll be doing our favorite songs and tunes - whatever that turns out to be in April!

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    1. 1
      Bound Away 3:15
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      Bound Away

      Fred Gosbee/Castlebay

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    2. 2
      The Winter Moon/Huron Carol 5:26
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      The Mary L. McKay 4:57
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      John, Come Kiss Me Now 4:37
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      The Banks of Newfoundland 4:45
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      The Dark Eyed Sailor 3:26
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      The Boxer and the Enterprise 5:04
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      The Irish Rover 3:58
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      The Green Bed (or Pretty Polly) 0:30
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      If I were a Blackbird 5:38
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      The Schooner Fred Dunbar 4:29
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      Mary's Dream 5:31
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      The Capture of the Crown 3:55
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      Blow Ye Winds Aye-O 4:36
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      McLeod's Welcome 1:03
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      Miss Hamilton 1:17
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      March of the King of Laois 1:06
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      All In a Garden Green 1:01
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      Castle of the Faerie Queen 1:38
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      Arms Around My Jo 1:48
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