Greensleeves
By
Denny Rauen
Written by
Steve Sheppard
This traditional English folk song has many mysteries
surrounding it, I am of course referring to Greensleeves, and one of the biggest conspiracy theories of its day
was that King Henry VIII of England wrote this song for Ann Boleyn, you know the lady he would
have beheaded some 3 years after becoming Queen, however this is a total myth,
but the stories still float around till this day.
Here on this fluent ballad Rauen has given the time worn composition
a facelift, and in doing so manifested a colourful pastiche of folk beauty in Greensleeves. Denny Rauen is a master guitarist, and to hear him taking on this
historical classic reminded me of another such artist who did the same back in
the day namely the enigmatic Richie
Blackmore.
Like the aforementioned guitarist Rauen adds some crafted
dynamics, creates a soft bed of sound, and leaves the listener with a gentle
Christmas feeling, and indeed this song has been played in the amphitheatre of
seasonal delights ever since 1686, regardless the Rauen version is textured,
delightfully smooth, and deftly performed, and a thoroughly enjoyable listen
indeed.
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