Kenneth McKellar, the renowned Scottish tenor, invites you to explore the rich tapestry of his illustrious career with "The Decca Years." This two-disc compilation, released in 1999, spans over two hours and thirty-four minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through McKellar's recordings from 1955 to 1975. With a diverse tracklist of 54 songs, this album is a treasure trove of traditional Scottish folk songs, classical arias, and beloved ballads.
Kenneth McKellar's velvety voice shines through in timeless classics such as "The De'il's Awa' Wi' The Exciseman," "An Eriskay Love Lilt," and "Will Ye No Come Back Again." The album also features beautiful arrangements of popular songs like "O Sole Mio," "Maria" from West Side Story, and "On Wings of Song." McKellar's versatility is evident as he effortlessly transitions from traditional Scottish tunes like "Skye Boat Song" and "Hail, Caledonia" to operatic arias like "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse" and "Love In Her Eyes Sits Playing" from "Acis and Galatea."
"The Decca Years" is a testament to Kenneth McKellar's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the world of music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this compilation offers a captivating exploration of his artistry and the enduring appeal of Scottish folk music. The album is a perfect addition to any music lover's collection, showcasing the timeless beauty of Kenneth McKellar's voice and the rich cultural heritage of Scotland.
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