Songs From The Hearth
From the Hearth/Change for the Better
There are often people and events which turn up in our lives when we least expect them and they can have a life altering effect. We have the choice whether or not to be affected. And from there...
Farewell My Lassie-o
Originally a variant of The Nova Scotia Song (Farewell to Nova Scotia), I have kept the sentiment but altered many of the words and given it a new melody.
This House
Maude Lewis was a true Nova Scotian Folk Artist, living in poverty most of her adult life. The entire house she lived in with her husband Emmit is now located in the Maude Lewis wing of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. This song was written not only for the opening of this portion of the art gallery but also for the strength of spirit Maude displayed.
Queen Upon the Water
Inspired from chapter eight of Dr.Helen Creighton's book Bluenose Ghosts, "So Many Wandering Women". After several failed attempts throughout the years, this song finally coalesced on an October 31st 1999, the perfect day for a ghost song.
Pirates of Penzance/ Three Fishers
A Cornish pipe tune, (or so I am told), to set the mood and accompany the Charles Kingsley poem which was set to music by Garnet Rogers. The two were made for each other.
Nova Scotia For Sale/Sold
This song was written at two o'clock in the morning after I learned that the Canadian Coast Guard was considering selling off Nova Scotia's Lighthouses and advertising them to German and Dutch buyers as prime ocean-front real-estate. Which apparently shows that in Canada, our heritage is for sale but not to Canadians.
Canadee-i-o
An old traditional song arranged by one of my heroes, Nic Jones. It is not precisely Nic's arrangement for he used percussive techniques in his playing which I do not. However, I attempt not to stray from Nic's beautiful adaptation. (I also use Nic's C Modal tuning which makes it much easier.)
Sea of Change
Originally written for a documentary celebrating the centenary of National Sea, now Highliner Foods. The small inshore fishermen, however, are still suffering while the corporate giants have recently had catches increased. It is almost ironic to know that some things don't change.
When the Under-run is Done
Again, written for the documentary Sea of Change but in this song I have encapsulated 100 years of fishing into three verses, concentrating the chorus on one of the most difficult jobs on the "Banks" - that of the dorey fishermen, strong-hearted men working an extremely difficult job.
Simple Things
I have been blessed with close friends unexpectedly turning up when I needed them most. Hopefully I will be able to return their kindness. And may you also be blessed as I have been.
From the Hearth (instrumental/ reprise)
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.danmckinnon.ca
Track List:
1. From the Hearth/Change for the Better
2. Farewell My Lassie-o
3. This House
4. Queen Upon the Water
5. Pirates of Penzance/Three Fishers
6. Nova Scotia For Sale: Sold
7. Canadee-i-o
8. Sea of Change
9. When the Under-run is Done
10. Simple Things
11. From the Hearth (Reprise)
Other Genres:
From the Hearth/Change for the Better
There are often people and events which turn up in our lives when we least expect them and they can have a life altering effect. We have the choice whether or not to be affected. And from there...
Farewell My Lassie-o
Originally a variant of The Nova Scotia Song (Farewell to Nova Scotia), I have kept the sentiment but altered many of the words and given it a new melody.
This House
Maude Lewis was a true Nova Scotian Folk Artist, living in poverty most of her adult life. The entire house she lived in with her husband Emmit is now located in the Maude Lewis wing of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. This song was written not only for the opening of this portion of the art gallery but also for the strength of spirit Maude displayed.
Queen Upon the Water
Inspired from chapter eight of Dr.Helen Creighton's book Bluenose Ghosts, "So Many Wandering Women". After several failed attempts throughout the years, this song finally coalesced on an October 31st 1999, the perfect day for a ghost song.
Pirates of Penzance/ Three Fishers
A Cornish pipe tune, (or so I am told), to set the mood and accompany the Charles Kingsley poem which was set to music by Garnet Rogers. The two were made for each other.
Nova Scotia For Sale/Sold
This song was written at two o'clock in the morning after I learned that the Canadian Coast Guard was considering selling off Nova Scotia's Lighthouses and advertising them to German and Dutch buyers as prime ocean-front real-estate. Which apparently shows that in Canada, our heritage is for sale but not to Canadians.
Canadee-i-o
An old traditional song arranged by one of my heroes, Nic Jones. It is not precisely Nic's arrangement for he used percussive techniques in his playing which I do not. However, I attempt not to stray from Nic's beautiful adaptation. (I also use Nic's C Modal tuning which makes it much easier.)
Sea of Change
Originally written for a documentary celebrating the centenary of National Sea, now Highliner Foods. The small inshore fishermen, however, are still suffering while the corporate giants have recently had catches increased. It is almost ironic to know that some things don't change.
When the Under-run is Done
Again, written for the documentary Sea of Change but in this song I have encapsulated 100 years of fishing into three verses, concentrating the chorus on one of the most difficult jobs on the "Banks" - that of the dorey fishermen, strong-hearted men working an extremely difficult job.
Simple Things
I have been blessed with close friends unexpectedly turning up when I needed them most. Hopefully I will be able to return their kindness. And may you also be blessed as I have been.
From the Hearth (instrumental/ reprise)
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.danmckinnon.ca
Track List:
1. From the Hearth/Change for the Better
2. Farewell My Lassie-o
3. This House
4. Queen Upon the Water
5. Pirates of Penzance/Three Fishers
6. Nova Scotia For Sale: Sold
7. Canadee-i-o
8. Sea of Change
9. When the Under-run is Done
10. Simple Things
11. From the Hearth (Reprise)
Other Genres:
- FOLK: Gentle
- FOLK: Traditional Folk
- SOLO MALE ARTIST