An Irish language ballad which translates as 'A pretty girl milking a cow', this song was reported to have been sung on the eve of Ned Kelly's siege at Glenrowan by a young boy tragically killed in the following day's cross-fire. This rendering of the song captures that tragic twist but is also a testimony to the historic presence of the Irish language in Australia and multilingualism in general. The singer, Mahesh, has been learning the Irish language in Sydney for around 5 years. To those Gaeilgeoiri out there, tá súil againn go raibh mé ag rá na focail ceart.
'Unsung Yarns' album launch will be at the Vanguard (Newtown) on 7 April 2011. Visit
www.thevanguard.com.au for bookings
from
Unsung Yarns,
released April 7, 2011
Vocals- Mahesh Radhakrishnan
Violin- Jess Randall, Alison McAlpine
Double-bass- Robin Dixon
Death drum- Dave Carr
Recorded (at Chelsea) and mixed by Greg Le Couteur (Shadowsounds)
Mastered by William Bowden (King Willy Sound)
Produced by Greg Le Couteur and Tapestries of Sound
Thanks to Nollaig Legget for introducing Mahesh to this song, to Eilín ní Bheaglaoich whose version this is loosely based on and to Judy Pinder for help with pronunciation.