Happy Birthday to Caledonia’s Bard

10 p.m. to Midnight Host: Steve Winters

Today marks the 254th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns — "Caledonia's Bard," the "ploughman's poet" and, as Scottish musicologist Francis Collinson describes Burns, "the greatest compiler, restorer and editor of all" and the man "who changed the whole face of Scottish music." He was born on Jan. 25, 1759 in Alloway in Ayrshire, Scotland.

This year's birthday celebration features several recent recordings of Burns' composed songs and tunes and those he captured, restored and saved — testimony that his legacy continues without wane as it’s embraced by still yet another generation of folk musicians. The program is designed to underline the variety of Burns’ work — from his treasured love songs to his memorable and inspiring political songs. Tucked in this year are a few works that touch on cold winter weather (such as our WSHU coverage area is currently suffering through) and the beautiful tunes he recaptured for posterity.

  • Artist, "Title", Album, Label

  • Battlefield Band, “Rantin’ Rovin’ Robin”, Stand Easy & Preview, Temple

  • Karine Polwart, “My Heart’s In The Highlands”, Robert Burns: The Complete Songs/Vol. 9, Linn

  • James Malcolm, “Caledonia”, Robert Burns: The Complete Songs/Vol. 5, Linn

  • Dougie MacLean, “Scots Wha Hae”, Tribute, Dunkeld

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  • Ian F. Benzie, “The Wintry Wind Extends Its Blast”, Robert Burns: The Complete Songs/Vol. 1, Linn

  • Kirsten Easdale, “Where Braving Angry Winter’s Storms”, Robert Burns: The Complete Songs/Vol. 9, Linn

  • Jean Redpath, “O Wert Thou In The Cold Blast”, First Flight, Rounder

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  • Shona Mooney, “The Haggis Medley”, Heartsease, Foot Stompin’ Records

  • Ian Page, “Westlin Winds”, Folk Music Of Scotland, Classical Communications

  • The Amber Quartet, “My Love She’s But A Lassie Yet/The Atholl Highlanders”, Folk Music Of Scotland, Classical Communications

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  • Ian Bruce, “A Man’s A Man For A’ That”, Alloway Tales, Linn

  • Eddi Reader, “Ye Jacobites By Name”, Sings The Songs Of Robert Burns, Compass

  • Ed Miller, “McPherson’s Farewell”, Lyrics Of Gold, Wellfield Records

  • Dick Gaughan, “Such A Parcel Of Rogues In A Nation”, Gaughan, Topic

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  • Mae McKenna, “Ae Fond Kiss”, Robert Burns: The Complete Songs/Vol. 8, Linn

  • John Morran, “Green Grow The Rashes O”, Robert Burns: The Complete Songs/Vol. 8, Linn

  • Blackeyed Biddy, “Ae Fond Kiss”, Peace Enjoyment Love & Pleasure, Greentrax

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  • Ossian, “Logan Water/Pennan”, The Carrying Stream, Greentrax

  • Deaf Shepherd, “Logan Braes”, Ae Spark O Nature’s Fire, Greentrax

  • Dougie MacLean, “Auld Lang Syne”, Tribute, Dunkeld