Jim Gear - ‘Oh come ta da hills wi me dearie’

‘Oh come ta da hills wi me dearie’ words James Stout Angus put to music by Jim Gear, Foula. Recorded in along Kenneth Gear’s in January 2019. Kenneth Gear also playing guitar.
Sadly Jim recently passed away. He was a good friend and I’ll cherish many fond memories of trips to Foula, and Jim’s generous sharing of knowledge, yarns, tunes and songs. So many good times and always such a warm welcome. He’ll be a great miss. Thoughts wi his family and friends.
I have put together a Foula playlist that features Jim throughout at the various Foula Fest weekends.
• Foula Playlist
Whenever in Foula no session was complete without a number of Foula traditional tunes, songs composed by islanders, and ‘da Shaalds’ danced in da hall. Jim was a great musician, but he also appreciated the playing of other folk and always welcomed folk to join in the session. My two nieces, were just young lasses when we visited Foula and they got to sing along with Jim and his family. They really enjoyed being part of the sessions, and Jim encouraged their harmony singing and joining in the tunes. Something they will always remember I am sure.
Jim sings this song in Shetland dialect and it was a favourite of his. It was a very informal impromptu recording as we were waiting for the islander aircraft to arrive. Jim recorded it down for me so ‘da lasses’ my nieces could learn the words before Foula Fest.

[@emilyann2663]

Uncle Jim certainly is a huge miss!!

[@MarionSutherland-u8r]

Joost love dis, very special!

[@ednastewart2824]

Aww Jim, I will miss dee singing and playing. Xx

[@richardwemyss4336]

Used to love him coming into the Marlex for a tune

[@MauriceHendersonShetland]

Jim certainly loved a good session. @richardwemyss4336