OTTAWA—In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns on January 25, a tribute night to the bard, born in 1759, was presented at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage on Saturday.
In a room peppered with plaid scarves, ties, shawls, and kilts, Bobby Watt of Écosse opened the set with Robert the Bruce’s (Robert 1 King of Scotland) “Address to the Troops,” as written by Burns.
Between songs, and in a strong Scottish brogue, Watt did his best to inform the audience about the life and character of Robbie Burns. Although we learned that many of the poet’s songs had a second “norty” (bawdy) version, none of them were sung that night as CBC Radio 2 was taping the show as part of its “Canada Live” series. The show will be aired at 8 p.m. on January 24.
With ample talent from violinist/bassist James Stephens, Watt went on to sing a selection of songs penned by Burns along with songs from Burns’ extensive collection.
A humourist, patriot poet, political commentator, and humanist, Burns collected 350 folksongs along with Scottish folklore to preserve the Gaelic vitality and culture that the British government was endeavouring to eradicate.
For one song, percussionist Rob Graves played two kinds of hand drums at the same time, accompanied by Duncan Gillis on the “small pipes” (bagpipes that are smaller and quieter than the Great Highland Pipes). In keeping with the authenticity of the evening, several times during the show, Gillis played a hand made hornblower, one of four that he designed and put together, as the instrument has not been available for hundreds of years.
Watt was at his best when singing the more sensitive ballads. One of the highlights was when he started reciting a poem written by Burns when he was just 16, and then finished the verse by singing a cappella.
