- 01. Bellshill Tune
- 02. Bob
- 03. Mr. McGuire
- 04. Everything's Right
- 05. Past, Present And Future
- 06. Wee Auld Man
- 07. Shilling And Sixpence
- 08. Lafferty's Place
- 09. Isn't It Grand Boys
- 10. Pigs In The Stream
- 11. The Irish Rover
- 12. Billy
- 13. Spanish Moon
- 14. A Tuppenny Stamp
- 15. Take A Chance
- 16. Star Of The County Town
- 17. Morning Walk
- 18. Carrickfergus
- 19. Jersey Girl
- 20. Parting Glass
Download this album!
August 2007 saw the release of Lafferty's Place, the 7th KMQ CD. The title track was recorded by Davy in Bellshill and mixed by his old friend Tom Grierson. There's the usual recipe of self-penned and traditional material here. This time their guest singer is Tuomas Laitila on Past, Present And Future. He also plays double bass on The Parting Glass.
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Lafferty's Place review by Greg
Lafferty's Place is the seventh out of ten Kvester Melkk Quintet CD's if my count is correct. A wonderful mix of traditional Celtic and Jore and Davy's own songs to make you want to dance, drink, laugh and shed a few tears in your next whiskey. Brilliant musicianship, great vocals and honest to God great music here.
01. Bellshill Tune (McGowan)
One of the best songs on the CD starts us right off, ready to have a few drinks down at the local before the barman calls, "time please". Sounds like a traditional drinking song, but listen closely to the lyrics, it's more autobiographical. The mandolin playing on this is stupendous, running from a nice rhythm at the top to a wonderful lead midway through. Nice, bright stringed guitar and the bass drops in at about a quarter 'til and weaves us right through closing time. Great vocals and backup vocals. Who knew drinking could be such fun?
02. Bob (Heikkilä/McGowan)
A delightful short science fantasy tale, sung in that whimsical way that Jore does so well. Delicious strange theremin-like sounds haunt the background, while simple plucked guitar steps us nicely through this cute tale.
03. Mr. McGuire (Traditional)
Nice version of a funny, traditional folk song. The fast paced lyrics overwhelm the music, which is as it should be, but there are some very nice licks on mandolin and guitar going on just at the edge of your hearing.
04. Everything's Right (McGowan)
Gorgeous song, a glimpse of a beautiful fantasy world, that only children and lovers can see. The bass and the percussion is amazing on this, weaving a hypnotic spell with the guitar before the lyrics start. The lyrics are stunningly elegant, full of ethereal beauty that breaks your heart. Another stringed instrument does some wonderful fills at the end. Just about as perfect a song as I can imagine for this genre.
05. Past, Present And Future (Heikkilä/McGowan)
Another delightful song, a fanciful vision of life and time sung by Jore. Dual guitars and mandolin plait a nice stepping stone intertwined groove that is perfect for this beautiful, delicate song.
06. Wee Auld Man (McGowan)
Fantastically fun song, with that traditional feel that Davy does so well. Can't help laughing along with the lyrics. Love the Irish whistle that comes in for the instrumental. Extremely danceable if you aren't laughing your arse off.
07. Shilling And Sixpence (Heikkilä/McGowan)
The instruments are overlaid in this by the backing vocalizations, that feel like superb cello intonations and add just the right touch to the breaks in the song. Another quirky lyric that makes you smile and feel nostalgic for simpler times. Utterly delightful.
08. Lafferty's Place (McGowan)
Exceedingly beautiful guitar instrumental. Has a little medieval dance feel to it, but it's really in it's own genre. I'd love to hear more of this kind of music.
09. Isn't It Grand Boys (Traditional)
Another album favorite, I dare you to listen to this once and not sing along. Traditional lyric, wonderfully morose, interpreted fantastically by Davy and Jore. The whistle and percussion complements perfectly the marching feel of the lyric. Wonderful vocals that make you want to sing along. I wish someone would sing this at my funeral.
10. Pigs In The Stream (Heikkilä/McGowan)
Quirky, funny little song, interesting lyrics and fine musicianship and vocals. I like the lead work on this, not sure what instrument it is.
11. The Irish Rover (Traditional)
Goddamn, I love this song! Another great traditional song wonderfully interpreted by the boys. Superb! The drinks are on me!
12. Billy (McGowan)
Great dance tune. Lyric gymnastics performed by Davy, while light percussion fills in and a mandolin and whistle come in. Very Celtic and a lot of fun to listen to. Half the fun is listening to Davy dance through the lyrics like a leprechaun.
13. Spanish Moon (Heikkilä)
Excellent little instrumental, with dual guitars - a flamenco type Spanish dance. This could have been extended by another minute or two and still would be outstanding.
14. A Tuppenny Stamp (Heikkilä/McGowan)
Sweet lyric sung by Jore, with excellent instrumentation. Guitar and mandolin and keyboards blend so wonderfully, it's like a small orchestra. The music breaks between verses have a lovely walking feel to it that is part carnival music and part children's marching song. Charming song, pleasing to the ear and to your tapping feet. Another favorite.
15. Take A Chance (McGowan)
Definitely a Davy song, with its rolling and infectious rhythm and stylishly literate lyrics. Absolutely beautiful instrumental and wonderful accompaniment on accordion or keyboard throughout.
16. Star Of The County Town (Traditional)
Everybody does this song, even me. But this is a great version dominated by bodhran and a droning instrument. The compressed vocals are unusual and add a brilliant element to this traditional song.
17. Morning Walk (Heikkilä/McGowan)
Finally a banjo tune! Lovely song, enchantment and love of the simple life, nice walk in the warm springtime morning sun and biscuits and tea when we get back. Wonderful banjo playing lead over guitar. Well done, lads.
18. Carrickfergus (Traditional)
Beautiful, simple version of this lovely, sad, Irish song. Davy's vocal is perfect and has me reaching for me handkerchief and a glass of whiskey every time I listen. Another nominee for the Best of KMQ.
19. Jersey Girl(Heikkilä)
Excellent instrumental piece, again with a little flavor of a medieval dance. Double guitars playing beautifully together.
20. Parting Glass (Traditional)
Great vocals from Jore on this traditional Irish tune. The orchestra is back on this one (and the banjo, thank you), a half dozen instruments blended into wonderful textures of sound. A perfect ending to an excellent CD as we lift a parting glass to the company, but not to this CD which will remain in top rotation on our play list.
Greg
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Jore
SONGS COMMENTS byDavy
01. Bellshill Tune (McGowan)
lyrics | download
Bellshill Tune should be Bellshill Toon - but I couldn't heard the difference from Davy's speech. He found it funny and not tried to correct it later.
I told Jore this was called Bellshill Toon - but he must have thought I was talking like an American - so I just kept the title as 'Tune'. The Coach House is the pub in Bellshill where Tom and I usually go for a few pints. I think I played the strummed mandolin and sang all the vocals and Jore did the rest. I'm very happy with the way it turned out.
02. Bob (Heikkilä/McGowan)
lyrics | download
This was one of those poems Davy wrote after I gave him 5 words to build it up. It was so good I wanted to make music for it. It took tens of takes but I liked what I heard, especially the slides.
Is just a crazy poem I made up when Jore sent me 5 words and asked me to write a poem - I think he gave me Smoky Mountains, robot, Wednesday, coffee and Bob. He made the melody and did everything on this - all I did was write the words. A short, sweet track.
03. Mr. McGuire (Traditional)
lyrics | download
Davy left this to me. It had his vocals and guitar. I added echoed mandolins and bass and shaker.
Is very much based on The Clancy Brothers version. I heard Tommy Makem had died while I was in Finland - so there are probably more Irish songs than usual on this CD as he was a big hero of mine. I always like this funny lyric. I think I just play guitar on this - or maybe I don't play anything - sounds like it's Jore and not me on guitar.
04. Everything's Right (McGowan)
lyrics | download
Great song by Davy. I'm not very proud about that electric sounding bass (it's flat bass hit by bow, with some strange echo). I should have kept it steady and not so loud. At first I was just so happy with founding a new sound. Too late now to do anything! But the mandolins (not marimba) at the end sounds ok.
A pleasant enough little ditty. A bit of a lullaby I suppose. I can't remember what tuning the guitar is in - but I play guitar and sing and the rest is all Jore - nice touch at the end with the marimba effect. Very effective.
05. Past, Present And Future (Heikkilä/McGowan)
lyrics | download
Funny - both Tuomas and I can sing about "3 kids, a wife and a mortgage" with its literally meaning...
What the hell are The Mescaline Smugglers doing on this CD??? Oh - but of course I'm not there - I only wrote the words. Everything else is Jore - with Tuomas on vocals. A philosophical trip down the windmills of my back passage. I think I've lost count of the songs where I write I have a mortgage, 3 kids and a wife - just goes to show how big a liar I am... as I don't have any of those things!
06. Wee Auld Man (McGowan)
lyrics | download
I added later some banjo and keyboards, without Davy's permission, of course.
I sing this in the voice of a 'ned' - check YouTube for Mossend or Bellshill ned and I'm sure you'll find a fair selection. This seems to be the same whistle solo I played on Banks O' Clyde from Reizegger Blues - but I'm afraid my whistle playing ability is very limited so you'll have to excuse me. The song moves along in quite a sprightly fashion and it's just a bit of fun - and I like it.
07. Shilling And Sixpence (Heikkilä/McGowan)
lyrics | download
This is the new melody for the poem. First melody ended up being used for Going To California on Mescaline Smugglers album Take 'Em Off!
Finds me skipping down the lane and stuffing my face with food again! I think I must have 'Peter Pan syndrome' or something. Jore somehow makes this incredibly insipid poem sound innocent and fresh! What a voice! 'Mmmm lollipop - yummy!' Jore plays everything on this track.
08. Lafferty's Place (McGowan)
lyrics | download
Great track.
My friend from the Folk Club, Jim Lafferty, gave me a book of guitar tunings and I found a new one and composed this tune with it. This track was actually recorded at Tom's house in Bellshill because I knew I'd forget it by the time I got to Finland. It's the nearest I'll ever get to sounding like John Renbourn.
09. Isn't It Grand Boys (Traditional)
lyrics | download
I always push my "cello sound" to everywhere where it may not necessarily belong.
Isn't It Grand Boys is a Clancy Brothers song that long held a special place in my affections. I couldn't hope to get anywhere near their version - which is the song I'd like played at my funeral (bollocks to Universe Am I!) but I'm glad we had a go at it.
10. Pigs In The Stream (Heikkilä/McGowan)
lyrics | download
I like the idea of use natural sounds on this one but I hate my vocal! My worst mix ever - with my vocal. I didn't want to sing it at first place but probably Davy have gone offland when I got to this one. Or then he just refused to sing it. But I liked the combination of PC drums and my own drumming. One of the Davy's poems I have the melody ready when I read it the first time.
Jore doesn't like his singing on this - but I think the whole thing is great. All I did was write the crazy poem - everything else is Jore.
11. The Irish Rover (Traditional)
lyrics | download
I was familiar with all of the trad songs in this album, maybe first time. The 'bodhran' in this, as many other tracks too, is actually a tabla drum.
Is yet another Clancy Brothers song - I think we must have recorded enough to make up a double CD of them by now. I sing and play the guitar - I think Jore did the rest.
12. Billy (McGowan)
lyrics | download
I had to play the guitar on this one - four normal chords was too much for Davy! This time bodhran is a real one - by Davy.
Is a bit more serious - but trying to keep in touch with my Celtic roots Ha! Ha! Jore plays guitar and mandolin. I played the bohdran and whistle.
13. Spanish Moon (Heikkilä)
lyrics | download
Almost too difficult for me... I had to concentrate very much.
Is a great little instrumental with a strange time signature that Jore wrote. He does everything on this.
14. A Tuppenny Stamp (Heikkilä/McGowan)
lyrics | download
One of my own favourites.
I wish I could stop writing these stupid poems! I have no idea where they come from - they flit into my head for no reason at all. Jore wrote the melody and plays everything.
15. Take A Chance (McGowan)
lyrics | download
No, Davy, you play the drums... so you don't have to hate me after all!
Is one I really like. It should probably have been on the Smugglers CD - I think it would have fitted quite well on Raking The Mules. I think I play guitar and sing. Jore's on bass, drums, mandolin and backing vocals. - think he's playing an accordian as well - talented bastard! I hate him!
16. Star Of The County Town (Traditional)
lyrics | download
Blame me, I made this so gothic with dark 'cellos' and those crazy booming rhythms. Glad that Davy didn't say anything bad about this.
Is an old Irish traditional song - and NOT by the Clancy Brothers! I heard someone sing this in the Folk Club I go to and I liked it. Jore gave it a really gothic arrangement that fits it very well I think. I played guitar and sang - I guess Jore did anything else you can hear. One of my favourites on the CD.
17. Morning Walk (Heikkilä/McGowan)
lyrics | download
This was about ready in times of Cinnamon Salami but then forgotten for some unknown reason - until now.
Is short, simple, straightforward. Another poem that'll never win any prizes. Jore does everything again. Looks like I got off lightly on this CD and he did all the work.
18. Carrickfergus (Traditional)
lyrics | download
Tuomas and I sat silent with goosebumps in "front line" while Davy gave us an example of this Celtic music highlight.
Tuomas, Jore & I were in the middle of recording Smugglers stuff when I got really drunk and decided it was the right time to sing this - seeing as how it's sung by an old, dying drunk man! I make one rather serious mistake in the lyrics which should be 'To ferry me over TO my love and die' - but being drunk I missed out singing the 'TO'. Anyway - I have a soft spot for this track - and it was nice of the guys to sit there and put up with my solo drunken emotional ramblings. Another Clancy Brothers traditional song.
19. Jersey Girl (Heikkilä)
lyrics | download
I hope Cindy doesn't think this is too sad! Sometimes we seem to name tracks to some ES Donovan Fan Forum women; this time it was Cindy's turn. Many minor chords (as there have been in Cindy's life) but also some major chords reminding of hope.
Is a lovely little instrumental Jore wrote especially for our Jersey Girl - and President of the Smugglers Fan Club - Cindy. He did it all himself.
20. Parting Glass (Traditional)
lyrics | download
I wanted to add a clear rhythm on this one; and it's Tuomas who plays bass. I was not sure if the melody is correct but who cares?
Is another traditional song that Jore made a great job of - and he did it all by himself - I think he's trying to tell me he wants to go solo!