Dougie MacLean has given a thumbs-up to a Dundee band’s version of his contemporary Scottish classic Caledonia.
Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher (AMWWF) have recorded a new version of the song with its Perthshire author after their take on the much-loved song was used in a commercial.
The Dundee five-piece’s version of the song has proved popular since it debuted in an advert for Caledonia Best in December, leading to the new collaboration.
Dave Webster said: “I’ve yet to meet a single person from Scotland who isn’t familiar with the song Caledonia.
“Often people are put off by the idea of ‘cover versions,’ especially when it’s such a well-known song, because there’s the risk you could upset a lot of people if you get it wrong.
“Since recording the advert I’ve met a lot of people with their own story attached to the song and the feedback they’ve given our version has generally been great.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-skrVk5TYWU%3Frel%3D0
“During the recording process it did play on our mind a wee bit what Dougie would think as we’ve a lot of respect for him and his music. The very fact he agreed to have us collaborate with him was a huge compliment and a wonderful experience.”
Dunkeld-based Dougie MacLean who plays Dundee’s Gardyne Theatre tonight has had his songs covered by artists including Cara Dillon, Paolo Nutini and Ronan Keating. He has received two prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame and a lifetime achievement award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and an OBE.
He told the Courier: “It’s great. The song has this incredible life of its own and it’s become part of the common culture.
“It’s nice that these young lads have done a version of it.
“The guys came to visit me at my home near Dunkeld, and we had a great time recording a new version of the song. They’re very talented musicians and I think they’ve really put their stamp on the song it was great to work with them.
“They are certainly into my whole philosophy musically as well, so we hit it off straight away. One of the members is the son of Mick Ward, who I replaced in the Tannahill Weavers in 1974, so it was quite uncanny.
“It’s quite refreshing. Next year will be my 40th year as a touring musician and it’s always been that kind of accoustic thing done with more integrity.
“It’s nice to see that younger musicians are realising this and connecting with it. These guys are making a very good job of it.”
Dougie said he was not ruling out a song with the band if they were in the Gardyne Theatre audience tonight.
He said: “I haven’t played in Dundee for many years and they might pop along tonight. I went to college in Dundee, and I love the city, the people and its music. It’s a fantastic city for music.
“There are 40 years between us but we still speak the same language. Because of the music we play, it’s natural and a pleasure to play with other people.”