Didnt think I could listen to this beautiful song. My late husband proposed to me on the Banks of the river Doon. We got married on Burns Day, 25th January, 2005. He was my beautiful soul mate. Departed joy, departed never to return. Thanks Holly, breathtaking performance.
Fun Fact, When Napoleon heard this song he remarked it was "The prettiest English he had ever heard" upon being corrected and told it was a Scots song he replied he thought it sounded "Too pretty to be English"
If Rabbie Burns could come back and listen to this interpretation of his song he would be so happy, over 200 years since he wrote the song, Burns is still the heart and soul of Scotland, a true legend, ... Thank you Holly for singing a beautiful reminder to Burns.x
You won’t reach major international fame with this path, but by all rights toy should, it’s very well done, and far more touching than the drivel churned out now, well done lass
Just wanted to thank you all for your continued support and heart-warming comments. I have been inspired to consider doing more traditional songs, and have just started a small project.... of maybe 3 songs.... which, all being well, will be completed in a few months time..... other music and family commitments often mean that the wheels of industry are fairly slow in my household.... but I'm going to make this a priority! Thank you so much :O)
Holly, please do! As an exiled Ayrshireman i'm very familiar with this song, which is so dear to my heart. You sang it masterfully. Your voice is like liquid gold. Love it. Looking forward to hearing more.
For all your supporters out here Holly we would love you to bring out an album of Scots songs, you've got the voice, you've got the support , come on then let's sing.
Holly I am a Canadian born lad with very deep Scottish roots, when I heard your voice to true traditional Scottish music I am inspired. You have a great talent in our true Scottish values. All I can say is thank you.
It just took me to an eternal web of an unknown world...I felt like a disconnected kite roaming around in the sky like a remnant of a cloud...the most pleasant moment in the life...the most peaceful...we all know that this is a song by Robert Burns but there is an another existence of this song which has made Bengali song and literature immortal when the first Novel Laureate of Indian sub-continent, Robindranath Tagore being inspired by Robert Burns composed his everlasting song and poem 'Phule Phule Dhole Bohe Kiba Mrido Bay' which is now the the most popular and one of the mostly listened song of billions of listeners across the globe .
Hello Holly All the best on Robert Burns’ birthday 😊 As always I’ll raise a glass to your stunning rendition of Banks and Braes. I can’t believe how many years have passed since I first heard your beautiful tribute to Burns and it has only grown sweeter over the years. I wish you “ilka joy and treasure” Steven x
This is a beautiful song sung tenderly with heart. Her voice is lovely and never once did she sing nasally or whine.Every note was spot on- not once did she go flat and the "extra" notes you hear are common to any Scottish, Irish or Wales music. Holly's tone is a perfect compliment to this song. Not straight tone, not boring. The layers her voice brings give this song depth and color.Most artists these days are not singers. They require electronic equipment to alter their voice for recordings , to fix all their tonal mistakes and to keep them in the same key. Most individuals dream of singing this well, but simply cannot. May the road rise up to meet you, Holly.
9 лет назад
+Bel Canto .... thank you so much for your comment Bel!! It's so kind of you to take the time to write so beautifully about the performance. The actual evening was magical, especially being surrounded by the creme de la creme of Scottish musicians, and is an experience I will always remember. Wishing you all the very best, Holly :O)
I think Robert Burns would rise from the dead to hear this magnificant young woman sing this. She studied it. Understood it. And gave it her talent and emotion. It's the best I've ever heard this song sung. Holly, if you're listening....keep singing. You have an old Scottish American fan in Florida!
Thanks so much Cheryl!! Sorry I made you cry. I found it hard not to get too emotional when I was singing it, as it plays havoc with the singing voice!! ha ha.... :O)
Never tire of Holly's voice...absolutely fabulous!
5 лет назад
Awwwww John! well, it's taken me 7 months to reply - forgive!!! Thanks so much luv - really appreciate that, Hope all is well with you and Christine. Lots of love xxx
Holly Tomas has stolen my heart with her beautiful rendition of this song! I cannot imagine a more perfect voice than hers for such a lovely piece of music!!
Oh Diana, that's lovely of you :) thanks so much..... there are some wonderful singers out there still, with voices rich from life experience - they're harder to find though, eh? thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment, xxx
@@michaelangelo2980 apnar gyatarthe janano hocche, ei banks and braes' er tune tao 'foggy dews' er ekta version theke neoa, jar tune ta ekta folk song er theke inspired. to ekhane copy onekbar hoeche, jetake inspired bole, not plagiarism.
Robert Burns for ever and the great voice of Holly Tomas. Even i hear this song, i must remember my first great love, more than 40 years ago. I´ll never forget her.
8 лет назад
+Armin Gorius thank you so much for your lovely comment ;o)
I'm on holiday in Thailand and listening to beautiful songs I haven't heard for years. I used to sing this in school 60 plus years ago. It wasn't as good as this version. This is stunning I would love to see you live. Thank you.
Thank you so much Alf!!!! It's such an evocative song isn't it, it seems to have so much meaning for a lot of people. I think that's why I was drawn to it. Very simple and emotional, plus I love the songs which are based in nature :) thanks again for taking the time to reply Alf. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!! lots of love xxx
Sung so beautifully and with such feeling. I’m not sure many realise just how sad this song really is. Burns wrote it about Peggie Kennedy, who was abandoned by her partner of several years when she had a baby girl and wanted to get married. He was of much higher status, being a Captain , later Colonel, in the army, and also a member of parliament. Interestingly Burns knew Peggie when she was younger, 18yrs, and was so struck by her at that time that he wrote the celebratory song “Young Peggie” in her honour and sent this to her. Burns obviously heard what had happened to her later in life and wrote “Ye Banks and Braes” , reflecting poor Peggie’s heartbreak and grief as she walks beside the river Doon.
Absolutely the best rendition of Ye Banks and Braes. Whenever I feel like listening to this song, I come for Holly Tomas' version of this song. You don't know how much we love Tagore and through him the great Robert Burns.
What a gorgeous voice: such arresting tone and tasteful ornamentation. There's a "thickness" to Holly's tone that arrives surprisingly from such a sweet, bonny face. Like Alexander below, I have loved this beautiful melody all my life and never more moved.
Hi Holly No kid on my knee 😂 but I can’t celebrate Burns birthday without listening to your lovely version of Banks and Braes - still so beautiful and still touches me after all this time All the best Steven
Hey there!! Awwwwww, it's so lovely to hear from you again, Steven! I feel so thrilled that we have these little moments of connection each Burns Night! THANK YOU. Sending all my love, H xxx
Hi Holly The guy with the kid on his knee again (kid now 26!) it’s getting close to that time of year again and as always I have to listen to you. I’ll never convey just how much your version of Banks and Braes means to me - it is the most perfect rendition I can imagine - thank you so much Steven
Oh My Gosh, Steven! 'The Guy With The Kid On His Knee'!!! How amazing to hear from you again! I totally remember your beautiful comment.... my eldest is practically the same age as your kid, so I remember it really meaning a tremendous amount to me, plus I still have the image in my head of you sat with your kid. Though, that can't be right?! 26 now!! haha. Having someone welcome my singing into their lives, and for it to provide moments like this, is why I'm a singer and it is the highest honour. It's hard to get that across without sounding crass, but it means the world to me that you get such joy from Ye Banks and Braes. Take good care of yourself my friend xxx
This performance of Holy Tomas is just awesome. We are listening this song almost last 2012. Everytime we love this. Request to upload some more if available.
As a 25 years fan of Burns songs, I listened to many others, performing Burns. And this version is just great. Such a full voice with a warm touch and velvet in the throat. Last, but not least in the best way Burns conducted his life. Just watch the sweet woman.Wow. Keep on. Regards from Frankfurt
Holly I am in the RAF and spend so much time away from home. Nothing brings it all back to me like listening to your amazing voice. I lost both my parents while serving away, when it gets to me I play this wonderful video. You have a voice of an angel so soothing and warm. You take me home and make life a little easier.
John, I am embarrassed that I didn't respond to this, and I see you posted 6 years ago! What you've written here is why I sing. I am so saddened to hear about the loss of both your parents. It is a privilege indeed to be able to bring some comfort to your life. Thank you SO much for taking the time to share this with me. Take Care of yourself, Love, Holly xxx
It takes a fine singer to add something special to one of the standards and, Holly, you are a very fine singer! Beautiful version, the warmth of your voice bringing out the poignancy of the song - just magic!
8 лет назад
Thank you Sheena - reading your kind words today has really given me a lift x
Hi Holly, fragments of heaven do not lie about us often, and in the rare moments when they do, we are fortunate indeed if we recognise them. You have the voice of an angel and so obvious it comes straight from your heart. Thank you so much for your amazing rendition.
Ye banks and braes o' bonnie doon How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair? How can ye chant ye little birds And i sae weary full o' care? Ye'll break my heart ye warbling birds That wanton through the flowery thorn Ye 'mind me o' departed joys Departed never to return Oft hae i roved by bonnie doon To see the rose and woodbine twine And ilka bird sang o' its love And fondly sae did i o' mine Wi' lightsome heart i pulled a rose Full sweet upon its thorny tree And my false lover stole my rose But ah she left the thorn wi' me
I'm very glad to comment to this song.. Very lovely singing.. I'm from India, you know Rabindra Nath Tagore was inspired from this and he wrote the song 'Phule phule dhole dhole' in the same tune..
No point in anyone ever recording this song again. Nothing will ever come close to Holly's version. I hope Holly records more traditional songs. Would love to hear her sing When Summer Ends by Phil Cunningham
Thank you James that's super kind of you - looking to post more traditional songs on my Ceòl channel in the coming months. Will check out 'When Summer Ends'. Thanks for commenting Hx
This is the first time that I have heard you sing Holly and it won't be the last. I am eighty years old and have heard this song many times, by many artists but your performance left me with a real tear. Thank you.
8 лет назад
+Alexander Stevenson thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment! So pleased you like my rendition of Ye Banks and Braes. It was a magical night! sending my very best wishes, Holly xxx
This is the nicest rendition of Ye Banks and Braes I have ever heard. Holly's voice is rich and melodious and just bursting with emotion. I keep coming back to it. Brava!
Not Scottish by birth, no Ireland beat her to it by several years, but lived in Glascow from age 15. I then moved to America to be with, first my job and later my wife. I miss the people, the scenery, but mostly the music of the Scots as well as the Irish. Can't wait till my children are old enough to travel but till then, I'll always be thankful that I have the music of both countries to remind me of home. Beautiful song and great voice.
haha, I love this comment. Sorry it's 2 years late! Very high praise indeed. To be a part of your life's 'soundtrack' is such an amazing achievement! Thank You!
I've got this lovely version of one of Burns's classics on video transferred to DVD ,brilliant tempo with just the right emotion in this wonderful song , makes for a great tune. I wish Ms Thomas would bring out an album of old Scots music especially Burns.
8 лет назад
+Ian Baillie thank you so much! Singing that song was one of the highlights of my career. It was such a great evening. I am planning to do an EP of Scots songs. Starting recording shortly. Really looking forward to it! thanks again for your kind comment. All the Best, H xxx
Excellent news Holly, I wish you every success, just wish my late mother could've heard your upcoming EP, as she used to say, stick at what your good at,, and, your good.
Amazing rendition of Rabbies beautiful song. I am sure that he would love the way that she sings every word with feelings straight from her heart. this performance really moved me. Many thanks for posting. All the best from Ayrshire.
this song and more particularly, this performance, just make me want to move to Scotland and live there and enjoy the little things in life in my small home, surrounded by nature
I moved to Scotland from England 5 years ago - best place in the world, I love it and its distinct culture and people. I recommend you live your dream.
Beautiful song, sung magnificently...thank for uploading this......uplifting, brings back memories of dear departed loved ones
8 лет назад
hi Andrew.... thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment, that's really lovely of you. It's my favourite Burns song.... it was a magical night, one which I will never forget. Thanks again :O)
Sung so beautifully and with so much emotion - she has a real understanding of the lyrics. I'd like some day to hear her sing it unaccompanied by music as I think her voice is so lovely and this plaintive lament can stand on its own.
she put her heart into the song. that's what makes it moving and beautiful. otherwise it's just math. I listened to it at least 4 times just now. love it !!!
What a beautiful version of this song. I've long enjoyed Alasdair Roberts version, and this was the first time I heard anyone else sing it. Lovely, thank you.
8 лет назад
+Daniel Kittrell awww, thank you. Praise indeed! Totally enjoyed every second of singing this! So glad you liked this version of it. It's always daunting trying to interpret any Burns song! xxx
+Holly Tomás Awww, you replied! I'm star struck! You've a voice as winsome as a light in the window. I like to sing as well, but am blessed with the voice of an electric razor!
+Linda Metcalf thank you! I remember the night very clearly, as it was probably the best performance experience of my life. It was such a joy to work with musicians I had admired for a long time.... it was just one of those evenings.... very special. thanks again for leaving this comment Linda. H xxx
I think this is my favourite song ever (this version). I started to look into Burns after new years eve. You sing this so well. I am supposed to be writing my dissertation but have listened to this so many times over. I suppose it helps because I have family who live up that way (where Burns wondered) and lived up there for a little while so I know the type of beauty he is speaking of and heartache we all know. This is truly beautiful, the kind of beauty that makes life worth living.
Lovely Holly, just lovely. I found you and this lovely song by following a trail from Rachel Sermanni to Eddi Reader and many other wonderful Irish and Scottish folk singers. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent. I look forward to discovering more of your music, especially your upcoming set of traditional songs. Being from Utah in the U.S. I've not had the pleasure of experiencing Irish/Scottish folk music much until recently. I now realize how much beautiful music I've missed. But no longer, as plan to listen to as much of this music as possible. Thank you again.
Hi Doug, I know it's been a while but I've finally got around to recording something more traditional - I hope you like it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-i5vyB0pBefs.html Best Holly x
I just keep listening to this over and over again! What a beautiful voice and a beautiful song! I have been asked to sing at a burns supper and was searching for an appropriate burns song to sing. can't go past this . Amazing amazing amazing!
8 лет назад
+kerri-ann richardson Hey there, thank you so much! I'm glad it helped inspire you to choose the right song for your Burns night event. Hope it went well! Sending all my love xxx
Holly - It took me some time to find this again, I first heard your version about 15 years ago when I recorded the TV program. I had my young son on my knee at around 7.30am and played the tape back before going to work - I was in tears listening to the finest version I've ever heard of the song and maybe the finest version I've ever heard of any Burns tune - I play guitar and am always on the lookout for any new or different version of Burns tunes - you have inspired me to at least try and imitate your wonderful interpretation of Burns heart wrenching lyrics - I lived by the Doon for some years and often walked on the banks - all the times I spent there have been enhanced by listening to your wonderful singing - all my thanks
8 лет назад
+zonsieface wow! and wow again!!..... thank you so much for taking the time to share this..... I love the image of you sitting with your son on your knee.... these moments are really special. I am just so, so pleased to hear that my version touched you so much. I hope it does lead on to you working on your own rendition of this beautiful song. It's so hard to get across feeling in a comment box, but please know that what you said is very much appreciated. really. Thank you very much! Please give your son a cuddle from me! H xxx
I like your version to Holly. I have listened to others but came back to you, something exceptionally mystacle and heart felt in your voice, like you've been there God bless you lassie
8 лет назад
Thank you Gaileen - I'm so glad you keep coming back to this version x
