Ahoy! This episode of Folk Files explores the strange history of Mingulay, the island at the center of the Mingulay Boat Song. The episode also delves into the difference between sea shanties and fo’c’sle songs and discusses the tradition of naming songs “[Scottish Island] Boat Song”.
Host: Olivia Harding
Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton, Asia Lupo, Marc Mills, Arne Parrott, Joseph Maurer, Cherie Hopton Albert, and Michael Albert
Musical excerpts:
ARTIST: ARRR!!!
WORK: Mingulay Boat Song
SOURCE: Scourge of the Open Waters
ARTIST: Tom Sullivan
WORK: Paddy Lay Back
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLLf4eC5pRA
ARTIST: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival demonstration on the Joseph Conrad
WORK: Blood Red Roses
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syAn2xv5HSU&t=48s
ARTIST: The Longest Johns
WORK: Mingulay Boat Song
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDt81x1B8nk
ARTIST: Robin Hall & Jimmy McGregor with the Galliards
WORK: Mingulay Boat Song
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF3CpSf7NxQ
ARTIST: Harbottle and Jonas (from Folk at the Corner House)
WORK: Mingulay Boat Song
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecuxgrISx0A
ARTIST: The Kilt Lifters
WORK: Queen Mary’s Escape
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7XpB1I-FSk
ARTIST: Mairi MacInnes
WORK: Cuachag Nan Craobh
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=298ngsE8dTY
ARTIST: Bear McCreary (feat. Griogair Labhruidh)
WORK: The Skye Boat Song
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsVFslhy6I
ARTIST: Music the Gathering
WORK: Mingulay Boat Song (WIP)
SOURCE: Soon to be released on LVL 3. Check here for updates: https://www.musicthegathering.com/
