An Americana song from the Shetland Islands, Scotland. An original written and performed by Freda Leask with Kris Drever on lead guitar and harmony vocals. 'Mandolin Man' is a poignant and heartwarming tribute inspired by a letter discovered in the attic of an old family home. Written by a 23-year-old man in his final days, the letter reveals a remarkable and enduring spirit as he faced death with the same happiness he had known in life. Confined to a hospital bed with tuberculosis in his spine, he found solace and purpose in playing his mandolin, bringing joy to fellow patients. This song captures the essence of his farewell message, where he urged his loved ones not to grieve but to celebrate the life he had lived. Through soulful melodies and touching lyrics, 'Mandolin Man' honours the memory of a young man, who even in his darkest hours, chose to spread light and happiness. The song serves as a reminder of the power of music, strength of faith, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. This video is filmed in Aywick, East Yell, Shetland Islands, in and around where the 'Mandolin Man' lived and worked. Lyrics Mandolin Man © Freda Leask A bright and cloudless morning lies before me I can see the dawn eternal bright and fair I will hold its hand like a true and gentle friend While I still have a tune to play Well all your hymns of old are coming clear now I can hear your voice and all it came to bring You held my hand like a true and gentle friend And now I have a song to sing Oh weep not for me my brother We know this is how it should be We shall shout we shall rise We shall meet beyond the skies Will you play a mandolin for me? A bright and cloudless morning lies beside me now I can feel its breath and hear its silent song I have no fear though the end is drawing near For long ago my battle has been won Oh weep not for me my brother We know this is how it should be We shall shout we shall rise We shall meet beyond the skies Will you play a mandolin for me? Credits Lead Vocals: Freda Leask Backing Vocals: Kris Drever Rhythm Guitar: Freda Leask Lead Guitar: Kris Drever Double Bass: Seth Travins Percussion: Tim Matthew Produced by Kris Drever, Tim Matthew & Freda Leask Recording Engineer; Tim Matthew Recorded at Mareel Recording Studios, Lerwick Shetland. Artwork: Alva Sim @icnewthingis Camerawork: George Leask Video: Freda Leask

A captivating, rootsy, americana track written following a chance meeting with a man in Madison, Georgia. Whilst meandering through the streets of this beautiful well-preserved town, which could have come straight from the film set of 'Gone with the wind,' an elderly man approached. In a strong, southern drawl, he explained that we were standing in the street outside a home that had once been owned by his family doctor when he was a child. He had belonged to a slave family, picking cotton in the fields around the area and had quite a story to tell. During our fortuitous encounter he said, "I own them cotton fields now,' and went on, 'you can be something or nothing, what are you gonna be?" An inspiring conversation leading to this song about life's second chances, recognising opportunities and reaching full potential. I hope you enjoy it! Freda Lyrics Old Man of Madison © Freda Leask The view's standing clear through the tall trees of spring The bluebird's callin' and ready to sing And she's got wings, she's willing to fly As a voice in the wilderness calls Something or nothing, what will you be? Go somewhere or nowhere at all Something or nothing What will you do? Old man of Madison I'm listenin' Life's crowdin in like the leaves of July The view's obscured and times askin' why Step into the sunshine, take a dance in the rain And the tall trees of springtime Will come round again Something or nothing, what will you be? Go somewhere or nowhere at all Something or nothing What will you do? Old man of Madison I'm listenin' The view's standing clear through the tall trees of spring The bluebird's callin' and ready to sing And she's got wings, she's willing to fly As a voice in the wilderness calls Something or nothing, what will you be? Go somewhere or nowhere at all Something or nothing What will you do? Old man of Madison I'm listenin' Wise man of Madison I'm listening.' Lead Vocals: Freda Leask Backing Vocals: Jonathan Ritch Rhythm Guitar: Freda Leask Lead Guitar: Kris Drever Double Bass: Seth Travins Percussion: Tim Matthew Camerawork: George Leask Photography: Alva Sim at @icnewthings Artwork: Freda Leask Music Production: Kris Drever & Tim Matthew Music Recorded at Mareel Recording Studios, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland by Thomas Jones & Tim Matthew An early version of this song was written for, and dedicated to, my granddaughter, Cameron. A very different more childlike version but with the same sentiments.

'Co-writes' come about in many different ways. This song, 'Another Coat of Black' had felt incomplete for some time. It had taken on a few different guises and I had even performed it with a slightly different melody and lyric. I always thought it could do and say something else, something more and didn't want to give up on it. Literally 'lost for words', I headed to writer Gina's remote Shetland croft house one night in hope of inspiration. Gina is an extremely talented creative and I wasn't disappointed. After talking very briefly about what I was looking for, I was directed to the bridge of the song which was already sitting, waiting on her computer for the right time and the right place. Patiently waiting amongst the many more already cleverly crafted words and phrases. "It's a heart of coal thats turning black, dark and cold But a heart of coal when its burning Is brighter than a heart of gold" My thoughts for the song were about individual paths through life, the judgement and reputation gained or given, and how wrong we can all be. These words were perfect! I left Gina to complete the song and pull it all together. We have both recorded our versions of the song. Both are very different. Gina's version here takes on a folky vibe and the accompanying video is simple and quite brilliant. Take a few minutes to watch and listen. If you like this sort of thing, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. ANOTHER COAT OF BLACK © Freda Leask & Gina Paola Ritch Took his place behind me, travellin' time I was alone, he was with you Now I don't know where to hide The sea shone all around me Waves beat hard on the shore Sunlight broke through silence Another coat of black was what he wore Took his place between them, borrowin' time A cold, whisper a cold, cold call Now I don't know how to cry The world breathed on around him Heart beats out of tune Wears another coat of black Underneath a coat of blue Its a heart of coal thats turning black, dark and cold But a heart of coal when its burning Is brighter than a heart of gold Took his place before me, playin' for time Painting oceans with colours he'd stolen From a sunset of mine With every heartbeat spoken Before the broken light Wore another coat of black Underneath the veil of night Its a heart of coal thats turning black, dark and cold But a heart of coal when its burning Is brighter than a heart of gold Took his place behind me, travellin' time Freda Leask

A Midder's Boy © Freda Leask 2023 This is a Christmas Carol sung in the Shetland dialect. The lyrics and translation are below. Many thanks to Gregg Arthurs for his assistance in recording and piano, and Joe Leask for the timelapse video footage. It's a dark and staary night We can see da nordern lichts Dancin in da heefins ower da saands An wan staar ida sky Gies a licht itae wir eye A heefinly meid at taks wis by da haand And owerby ida byre Wi da sheep an aa da kye A wearied homliss faimly büls dem doon Fur a bairn wis boarn dastreen Looks intae His Midder's een Shö keens her peerie infant wear a croon Shö nuns Him as He greets Hads Him closs as soond He sleeps Shö dusna want ta tink aboot da vaige at lies aheed It's a dark an staary night Can you see da nordern lichts Dancin ida heefins ower da saand An wan staar ida sky Gies a licht itae wir eye A heefinly meid at taks wis by da haand An wan staar ida sky gies a light itae wir eye A heefinly meid at taks wis by da haand Translation It's a dark and starry night We can see the aurora Dancing in the heavens over the beach And one star in the sky Shines a light in our eye A heavenly point that guides our direction Taking us by the hand And over there in the barn With the sheep and all the cattle A wearied homeless family settles and rests For a child was born last night Looks into His Mother's eyes An she know her little newborn wears a crown She sings quietly to Him as He crys Holds Him close as He sleeps soundly She doesn't want to think of the journey that lies ahead of Him Its a dark and starry night Can you see the aurora Dancing in the heavens above the beach? And there's one star in the sky Shines a light in our eye A heavenly point that guides our direction Taking us by the hand

A living room rehearsal version of Freda Leask's 'Stranger' prior to the Shetland Folk Festival 2022.. Playing here are David Boyter on guitar, Seth Travins on double bass and backing vocals, Renzo Spiteri on drums and Freda Leask on acoustic guitar and lead vocals.

This live version of Freda Leask's original single 'Magdalene' was recorded by Shetland Arts and performed at the fabulous Shetland's Art centre Mareel for Hogmanay 2020 celebrations. The band - lead vocals: Freda Leask, electric guitar/backing vocals: Seth Travins, fiddle/backing vocals: Tim Matthew, double bass/backing vocals: Gary Smith and drums/backing vocals: Isaac Webb (Isaac Webb Trio) Magdalene is available for streaming here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2PTuqVN9T03dKbA3J1pYZU?si=1-_kXCe4TtKN5pI_QvzJ6A Magdalene can be purchased here; https://fredaleask.bandcamp.com/track/magdalene

MERCY © Freda Leask (Official Video - Live Version) This live video was filmed by Shetland Arts at Shetland's fantastic Arts Centre 'Mareel,' in the main town of Lerwick. Thinking of 'sails catching the wind, dreams beginning to fly and life hitting the breeze' this video was released to coincide with the spectacular TallShips Race 2023 as the ships began to arrive at Shetland shores. The original performance video was recorded as part of an online Hogmanay event during the pandemic Despite the restricted COVID times, Shetland Arts managed to put together an amazing concert in 2020 comprising of a variety of Shetland acts. The full show can be viewed online. Freda Leask performed this original, 'Mercy,' for the original event, with the amazing line up of: Seth Travins: lead guitar/backing vocals, Gary Smith: double bass/backing vocals, Tim Matthew: fiddle/backing vocals Isaac Webb: drums/backing vocals. Many thanks to Shetland Arts for this official video footage. Lyrics Mercy © Freda Leask Sails catch the wind, dreams begin to fly Old enough to know, old enough to cry The words you say, chip away, Breaking the heart you're breaking now Born to be between the devil and the deep blue sea Love young and true, lost on you Life hits the breeze and I'm down on my knees At the mercy of the wind Starlight's for believers to guide the way I'm in no place and I cant face to either walk or pray Then love shines down like some big, old crazy moon And I'm at the mercy of the wind Ravens fly in a big wide sky and the lilies grow as years go by And none of us could ever dress like them Well dreams may blow where the wild flowers grow How they're dancing no one knows At the mercy of the wind Starlight's for believers to guide the way I'm in no place and I cant face to either walk or pray Then love shines down like some big, old crazy moon And I'm at the mercy of the wind The raven's fly in a big wide sky and the lilies grow as years go by At the mercy of the wind

'Magdalene' is the first single as part of a project towards a full album of original material written by Shetland Islander, Freda Leask and produced by Kris Drever (Lau) and Tim Matthew. (Isaac Webb Trio) Freda's work varies from folk songs inspired by Shetland's environment and history to compositions with a more rootsy, americana style, drawing influence from Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Gillian Welch and the likes. You can stream Magdalene here: https://open.spotify.com/track/3cuPzswVM2xazlisG5auGM Available to buy now from https://fredaleask.bandcamp.com/ For further information from https://www.fredaleask.com/ Video filmed by Jonathan Kerr Lead vocals - Freda Leask Backing vocals - Joyce Wark & Donna Smith (from Shoormal) Acoustic Bass/Drum Machine - Kris Drever Lead Guitar - Isaac Webb Acoustic Guitar - Freda Leask  Percussion/Drum Machine - Tim Matthew ​Produced by Kris Drever, Tim Matthew and Freda Leask Recorded at Mareel Recording Studio, Shetland Islands Photography and Artwork by Maholi Diaz  Many thanks to ​Mandy Tait and Gregg Arthur for artistic advice and contribution Follow @fredaleaskmusic https://www.instagram.com/fredaleaskmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/fredaleaskmusic/ https://twitter.com/shoormalmusic?lang=en https://soundcloud.com/freda-leask MAGDALENE © Freda Leask A rose is here before me with its beauty and its thorns Dying in the cold You were my beloved and I was yours But where are you now? ​I took the perfume and I poured it on your feet Dried it with my hair They all turned away but I didn't really care You loved more than anyone could love ​But where are you now? The fragrance has faded Where are you now? Where have you gone? ​I took the perfume and I poured it on your feet For I know God is in your blood Red as crimson, whiter than the snow You loved more than anyone could love ​But where are you now? The fragrance has faded Where are you now? Where have you gone? ​A rose is here before me with its beauty and its thorns Standing in the rain Red as crimson, whiter than the snow You rise. you live again

'Ghost Notes' is the second single forming part of a project of original material written by Shetland Islander, Freda Leask and produced by Kris Drever (Lau) and Tim Matthew. (Isaac Webb Trio/Lord Rochester) Freda's work varies from folk songs inspired by Shetland's environment and history to compositions with a more rootsy, americana style, drawing influence from the likes of Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Gillian Welch and Fist Aid Kit. You can stream Ghost Notes here: insert spotify link Available to buy now from https://fredaleask.bandcamp.com/ For further information from https://www.fredaleask.com/ Video filmed by Joe Leask Lead vocals - Freda Leask Backing vocals - Joyce Wark & Donna Smith (from Shoormal) Lead Guitar - Kris Drever Acoustic Guitar - Freda Leask  Upright Bass - Seth Travins Percussion - Tim Matthew ​Produced by Kris Drever, Tim Matthew and Freda Leask Recorded at Mareel Recording Studio, Shetland Islands Photography and Artwork by Joe Leask and Jonathan Kerr Many thanks to ​Mandy Tait for artistic advice and contribution Follow @fredaleaskmusic https://www.instagram.com/fredaleaskmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/fredaleaskmusic/ https://twitter.com/shoormalmusic?lang=en https://soundcloud.com/freda-leask GHOST NOTES © Freda Leask Colours move in a midnight sky The dawn of a northern night I used to fly Now it's not for me Fly with the fickle wind To restless heights where dreams begin Only to realise Only to see Colours move in that midnight sky Stage lights and dreams gone wild I used to try Now it's not that way Take my dream beyond the night Where silent echoes harmonise And voices on the wind can rise And hear Your ghost notes play Colours fade in that midnight sky Stage lights have dimmed your eyes But I hope you realise Go play your ghost notes well I'm not a fickle friend I'm here until the end I hope you realise Go play your ghost notes well ​ ​ ​