Music Commentary
The traditional definition of folk music (i.e., "music originating from the common people of a nation or region passed down orally") implies old tunes describing the culture of the years gone by; however, new folk music in the traditional styles continues to be penned today. One listen to Dave Gilfillon's Rosslyn tune will change your perspective. The tune is inspired by the DiVinci Code and describes the Legendary Scottish history of the Rosslyn Chapel. Gilfillon's tune takes a lighthearted look at some of the events he found amusing while he was studying its history.

North Sea Gas' Rosslyn project continues to support traditional Scottish Folk music at its best. The songs they choose to sing are so rich in Scottish history. The selections are enriched with lyrical color, filled with humor, and sometimes portray the hardships of life. Some of my favorites on this project are Torn Screen Door which is a sweet ballad sung a cappela describing the demise of another farm house which now stands empty and worn. The lyrics could just as easily be portraying America's farm heartlands as it does Scotland economic conditions.

I Will Go is a battle tune with a twist conveying the spirit of Scottish men willingly leaving their homes to serve in the King's army, only to return to find their homes burned and their families gone. Dave Gilfillon, on Bodrum, is the only instrument that compliments their harmonies on this powerful tune.

Follow the Heron offers a sweet melody that takes you soaring with the Herons in the spring. Classy Lassie has a catchy tune and lyrics and tells the story of new love blooming. Mac gives us another sweet ballad, reminiscent of my perennial favorite Dark Island, in Jamie Raeburn with vocals that can make your heart melt. You can feel Mac's passion for the tune as he sings. A sad tune, Jamie Raeburn tells of a man's exile to Australia and his longing for the hills of Caledonia.

Grant Simpson – newest member of the band on fiddle – has relaxed into his role with North Sea Gas. The Rosslyn project has two sets of fiddle tunes showing off Grant's talents.

What you will find on this CD is a mix of Scottish folk tunes featuring well blended harmonies, some a cappella and some accompanied by instruments, all with a touch of tongue in cheek humor. Don't miss this project or pass up a chance to see these guys in a live performance.

Project Title:		Rosslyn
Artist:		North Sea Gas
Released:		2007
Produced by:		North Sea Gas
Record Label:		C&P MCPS

Dedication: Cameron Gaskell

Song List/Credits

Rosslyn		(D. Gilfillan/Garron Music)
Congress Tunes Set: Wee Michael's March, NSG Reel, The Congress Reel		(John McCusker/Eric Allan/Traditional)
Barnyards O'Delgaty		(Traditional – Arrangement by Gilfillan/Simpson/MacDonald/Garron Music)
Follow the Heron		(Palwart/Bay Songs Ltd)
One of Those Days		(D Boultan/J Parton)
Birnie Boozle		(Traditional – Arrangement by Gilfillan/Simpson/MacDonald/Garron Music)
Classy Lassie		(D. Gilfillan/Garron Music)
Jamie Raeburn		(Traditional – Arrangement by Gilfillan/Simpson/MacDonald/Garron Music)
Aberdeen Set: Irene Meldrum's Welcome to Bon-Accord, Asleep at the Wheel, Break yer Bass Drone		(Traditional/Gordon Duncan/Gordon Duncan/Grian Music)
Torn Screen Door		(Dave Francey)
Killiecrankie		(Traditional – Arrangement by Gilfillan/Simpson/MacDonald/Garron Music)
I Will Go		(Traditional – Arrangement by Gilfillan/Simpson/MacDonald/Garron Music)
Tramps and Hawkers		(Traditional – Arrangement Gilfillan)
Too Far from She		(Ian Bruce)
Bonnie Lass O'Fyfie		(Traditional – Arrangement by Gilfillan/Simpson/Garron Music)

Guest Artists/Musicians
Gerry McKenna, Keyboards and Bass guitar; Tim O'Leary, Whistle

This copy of was purchased at a North Sea Gas performance.

The CD is available on North Sea Gas' website.

North Sea Gas booking agent:
Linda Zelenski
P.O. Box 1953
Woonsocket, RI
508-883-7972
Cell 508-410-1872
booknsg@quik.com