Theoretical physicists are fond of
debating whether or not time travel is possible, but I already know it is. So
does Peter Hollens. Music has the power to transport us to a different time in
place, even if we have never been there before. Hollens helps us journey a few
hundred years back to the Scottish highlands, or perhaps a crowded pub on the
outskirts of Dublin, back before there was even a railway between Blackrock and
Kingston. He does so with his song choice.
Peter is one of
the most particular artists when it comes to covering a song, but if you are
going to put together a folk album like he is, this one is a no brainer. The
Parting Glass is a traditional Scottish and Irish folk song that predates
Robert Burns and “Auld Lang Syne.” It was first distributed a broadside, or
music and lyrics printed on one side of a single, cheap, sheet of music. Early renditions
of the song predate even the height of broadside popularity, with the lyrics
found in letters as old as 1605. Imagine a time before radio. The only way to
hear music was to listen to it live or make it yourself. The Parting Glass is a
commoner’s song, not born of nobility of court composer. Its author is up for debate, but its roots
exemplify what I think Peter Hollen’s is all about as a representative of
Independent music.
There was no commercial
force behind the Parting Glass. It never received a gold, platinum or triple platinum
rating, and it never needed a club remix. It never even had a big name behind
it. The song quite literally has a life of its own, and Hollens gives it new
life again in his own style. The song has been covered by folk legends like
Celtic Woman and Wailin’ Jennys. Recently it was also featured at the dramatic
conclusion of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.
Peter returns to
the song to its roots with a single acapella voice. The silence surrounding the
song’s introduction captures the bittersweet mood of the song perfectly. Peter
adds voices (different versions of his own) as the song progresses to its crescendo,
and even includes some traditional Scottish Style accompaniment. This accompaniment
departs as the song winds down, and the listener is left to contemplate what
the song means to them. Perhaps there are friends that need to be reached out
to. Perhaps there are loved ones who have gone on from this world. Perhaps it’s
time to say goodbye to one of life’s chapters and begin a new one. Whatever the
song means to you personally, Peter Hollen’s rendition will give weight to it.
Check out his video now on youtube or loudr to travel back in time with “The Parting
Glass,” and find yourself immersed in an example of what music is all about.
Loudr - http://ldr.fm/zF2mP
