Kenneth McKellar, a celebrated name in the world of Celtic music, invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of his artistry with "The Decca Years." Released on January 1, 1999, this comprehensive collection spans a staggering 2 hours and 34 minutes, offering a deep dive into the soulful and evocative sounds that McKellar is renowned for.
The album is a treasure trove of 50 tracks, each a testament to McKellar's vocal prowess and his ability to breathe life into both traditional and contemporary pieces. From the lively "Kishmul's Galley" to the hauntingly beautiful "Will Ye No Come Back Again," the tracklist is a journey through the heart of Celtic music. McKellar's repertoire extends beyond traditional Celtic tunes, incorporating classical pieces like "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse" and operatic arias such as "Una furtiva lagrima" from Donizetti's "L'elisir d'amore."
Kenneth McKellar's voice, with its distinctive timbre and emotional depth, is the centerpiece of this album. His interpretations of classic songs like "Ae fond kiss" and "Ye Banks And Braes" are particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to convey the essence of each piece with sensitivity and nuance. The album also features lesser-known gems like "Faery Song" from "The Immortal Hour" and "I'll Walk Beside You," demonstrating McKellar's versatility and his knack for discovering hidden treasures in the musical landscape.
"The Decca Years" is not just a collection of songs; it's a celebration of Kenneth McKellar's enduring legacy in the world of Celtic music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the best of McKellar's career. With its diverse range of tracks and McKellar's unparalleled vocal talent, "The Decca Years" is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty and depth of Celtic music.
Kishmul's GalleyTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples & His Music
An Island Sheiling SongTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples & His Music
Wi' A Hundred PipersTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples & His Music
The De'il's Awa' Wi' The ExcisemanTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples
There Was A lad Was Born In KyleTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples
Mary MorisonTraditional, Kenneth McKellar
The Christ-Child's LullabyTraditional, Kenneth McKellar
The Peat Fire FlameTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples
To People Who Have GardensTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples
Country GirlRobert Farnon, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples
Think On MeTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra
Dream Angus - arr. RobertonTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra, Peter Knight
O Sole MioEduardo di Capua, Alfredo Mazzucchi, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight, Orchestra
Serse, HWV 40 / Act 1: "Frondi tenere...Ombra mai fu"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49 / Act 1: "Love In Her Eyes Sits Playing"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Serenade from "The Fair Maid of Perth"Georges Bizet, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra, Robert Sharples
Dream Song from "Manon"Jules Massenet, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra, Robert Sharples
This is my lovely dayVictor Herbert, Kenneth McKellar, Patricia Cahill, Orchestra, Peter Knight
Ae fond kiss - arr. KnightTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Patricia Cahill, Orchestra, Peter Knight
Ye Banks And BraesTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples, Orchestra
Skye Fisher's Song (Tir Nan Og)Traditional, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
Sleeps The Moon In The Deep Blue SkyTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
KalinkaTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight, Orchestra
The Longest DayPaul Anka, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
Trottin' To The FairTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
By The Short Cut To The RossesTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
Down by the Sally GardensTraditional, Kenneth McKellar
"Una furtiva lagrima"Gaetano Donizetti, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra, Peter Knight
On Wings of SongFelix Mendelssohn, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight, Orchestra
Faery Song (from "The Immortal Hour")Rutland Boughton, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight, Orchestra
I'll Walk Beside YouAlan Murray, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
On The Road To MandalayOley Speaks, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
My Lagan LoveSeosamh McCathmaoil, Kenneth McKellar
She Moved Through The FairTraditional, Kenneth McKellar
Sunrise, SunsetJerry Bock, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight, Orchestra
Maria ("West Side Story")Leonard Bernstein, Kenneth McKellar, Bob Sharples
Ca'the Ewes - arr. SharplesTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
An Eriskay Love LiltTraditional, Kenneth McKellar
Roamin' In The Gloamin'Harry Lauder, Kenneth McKellar
Song Of The ClydeIan Gourlay, R.Y. Bell, Kenneth McKellar
Uist Tramping Song (Come Along)John R Bannerman, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight and his Orchestra
Hame O' MineMackenzie Murdoch, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
Hail, CaledoniaHugh Ogilvie, -- Stroud, Kenneth McKellar, accompaniment directed by Bob Sharples
Great is Jehovah (Arr. McPhee)Franz Schubert, Kenneth McKellar, Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
I to the Hills (Arr. McPhee)Traditional, Kenneth McKellar, Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
God Be in My head (Arr. Davies)Traditional, Kenneth McKellar, Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
My Ain FolkLaura G. Lemon, WILFRED MILLS, Kenneth McKellar, Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Lewis Bridal SongTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight and his Orchestra
Skye Boat SongTraditional, Kenneth McKellar
Will Ye No Come Back AgainTraditional, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Knight and his Orchestra