This post will end with me telling you about one of my most favorite musicians in the world, who I hope you will immediately listen to and fall in love with. But in order to do that, I need to give you a little back story.
Years ago (almost 12 years ago to be exact) I went to Scotland. My family roots are Scottish (among other things) and I met up with my dad and his wife to explore the country. Here's my dad and me in Edinburgh.
And now, on to the music. Have you ever heard of Dougie MacLean? That's pronounced Doo-gie Mac-Lean. He's Scottish. He's a folk singer-type. He's kind of like James Taylor but with even more of an acoustic, soothing thing going on. His music has the same effect on me as Vince Guaraldi and A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's calming and somehow makes me breathe a little slower when I listen to it.
Dougie MacLean wrote a song called "Caledonia" about Scotland, which is his home. (Caledonia is a somewhat more poetic name used for Scotland.) The lyrics are all about missing home. Going home. How home will take you, no matter what shape you're in or what you've done. Chances are that you treasure home, whether it's Scotland or somewhere else, as much as I do, or you wouldn't be here. I wonder if the song will speak to you the way it speaks to me?
Now, seriously, don't focus on the fact that Dougie MacLean looks a bit like an aging hippie here. Or that this video is cheesy. (It's the best version I could find on YouTube.) But if you end up falling in love with him like I did, may I recommend my favorite of his albums, called "Craigie Dhu." I hope it brings you a moment of peace this weekend!
Let me know what you think!
6 comments:
I like it! Thanks for sharing. I've heard the same tune sung by the Celtic Woman group. It is calming. Your back story was very cool! :)
Now I'm going to have to check him out on iTunes! Thanks!
I'm a big fan of Dougie MacLean. I think you're the only person I've ever heard mention him. I actually saw him in concert in Sebastopol a few years ago! He's very good live -- keeps up an interesting patter between songs. Caledonia is one of my favorite songs of his.
Just Pandora'd him. Listening to him while making diner. Thanks for sharing.
Caledonia is one of my favourite songs about Scotland - makes me feel nostalgic ... and I live in Scotland! Frankie Miller also has a great version,
Liz
I have Scottish roots as well. Makes me wanna go!!
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