I always think of this song when mornings are filled with mist and the end of October slips into Celtic winter. It's a rough copy - I've lost the original around here somewhere but was anxious to share it. Thank you to dear friend Lesl Harker for adding her whistle. Lyrics are from a Welsh poem of the same title by William Jones of Bala, Wales (1896-1961). The melody is a variant of the Irish tune used from She Moved Through the Fair - and both with a haunting theme.
Taken from the Welsh legend telling of a mysterious boat full of women washing up upon the shore of the island of Anglesey - whether they were really witches i have no idea but seems there was a lot going on back then with the fairie folk, giants and ladies of the lake, this just another day in the life of beloved Welsh folk tales.
I recorded this awhile ago. The wind was howling the night I wrote it and the same wind was howling when I recorded the guitar part - I was able to use that for the wind in the background. Thank you to my pal Jake Conte for accompanying me on bass. A link on the bottom right corner brings you to the lyrics.
From the ancient Welsh tale found in the Mabinogion - the story of Owain, a beloved knight of King Arthur's court and the wondrous Lady of the Fountain, as told by her handmaiden Luned.
Words and music by Jodee James/Halo Moon Creations, copyright 2017.
As I walked out one May morning so pleasantly among the trees, there I spied a dove complaining....
A big thank you to Gina Tlamsa (flute), Arlene Muzyka (percussion) and Don Jennings (guitar). Based on a traditional Welsh folk song xxx
One of the first Welsh folk songs i learned back when I lived in New Jersey and was taking a train back and forth to Welsh classes in NYC . i think i first heard it sung by Siwsann George of Mabsant and just knew I had to learn it <3 I've played it several different ways since then. Here is a free download of the latest recording of it.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! Happy St David's Day!! The daffodils here are still sleeping, and the day sitting mostly in a cloud, but i want to be sure to wish you all a Happy St David's Day. Pssst, March 1st is the feast day of St David, the patron saint of Wales - don't forget to wear a leek, a daffodil, or your fine checked shawl and remember do the little things xxx
In coming across an article yesterday while doing family research, combing through old copies of the South Wales Daily News, April 1887, i came across "Death of the Welsh Burns" and knew it had to be John Ceiriog Hughes (1832-1887) the beloved poet of Wales. It's been awhile since i sang this song, but decided to feature it here. My lyrics are mostly an English translation of his heart filled poem "Aros mae’r mynyddau mawr" (Still the mighty mountains stand) and compared to his powerful words in Welsh, does them so little justice. Alun Mabon is a shepherd who appears in 26 of Ceiriog's songs/poems (Morning Hours 1862). In looking for a photo to post with it, i came across this one of my father-in-law standing there, looking out over the hills in Brecon Beacons, and knew it just had to be this one x
Good people all, this Christmas-time....
This song is a track from my album Welcoming Winter.
Bless the Creatures - MP3 free listen
Jodee James
Such a chilly night tonight, the coldest night since last winter - whenever the temperatures drop i can't help but think of the woodland creatures - bless them all x
The picture is my sweet deer neighbor from life at the cabin -
Bless the creatures big and small. Bless them all, bless them all As they howl beneath the moonlight haloed in an icy shawl As they watch from nestled places and then close their eyes in rest Oh bless the woodland creatures, bless them all.
As we see wisdom in the smallest things, carried on the lightest wings Bless the woodland creatures, bless them all
Part of this song was recorded while walking along the stream in the backyard. This song is a track from my album Lady of the Fountain.
