Freight Train on the wonderful Waterloo WL -14 X TR

This is my take on Libba’s signature tune played on the wonderful Waterloo WL-14.
I’ve always loved this song and have been fascinated with Elizabeth Cotten since I was a little kid and my dad gave me a children’s book by Michael Wenberg & Cornelius Van Wright called “Elizabeth’s song” all about how the young Elizabeth learned to play in secret on her brothers guitar, eventually got her own Stella and wrote Freight Train at age 11. My dad told me the rest of Libba’s story about how she became famous in her later years, and played me her music and I was hooked. I’ve been playing this one for quite a while now, but I was never really happy with the vocal, I’ve tried to find ways to put some forward movement into it and make it actually go somewhere as a tune. I don’t think I’ve totally failed… Let me know !
Please feel free to Like, share, comment and subscribe if you haven’t already… Thanks

[@AcousticGuitarMag]

Wonderful!

[@MuireannBradley]

Wow ! Thank you ! 🙏☺️

[@jamesantkeegan83]

Great job kid!

[@guitar1977man]

Awesome Elizabeth Cotton song! People don’t understand how much practice it takes to keep your thumb moving while you play the melody and then sing on top of it! Wonderful playing!

[@michaelcummins3253]

Beautiful and brilliant

[@kevinmorrow2788]

Years and years!chris smither said it took 7 years

[@bobbrush1709]

Awesome when you consider that Cotton was left handed and played the melody with her thumb.

[@bingusbingus7860]

Cotten*

[@dieselman7453]

Oh yes we do 😀😀took me two years to master that style songs like this and windy and warm . It’s very frustrating at the start that’s why people give up .. but you have to bull on through and it gets better .. she is a wonderful player 😍😍🎸🎸🎸🎸🇮🇪

[@NoviJimB]

Something tells me Elizabeth Cotton would be proud. I just watched your appearance on Jools Holland. It brought tears to me eyes, and I'm not even a huge blues fan. You pulled it off like a veteran performer adn blew that crowd away. Keep it up. You have something special. Hopefully you're starting to try to write, or will soon. It doesn't happen over night, but if you keep trying you never know what you might be able to do.

[@user-bv9hd9vw8f]

Oh my! I've just discovered Muireann, she's brought a tear to my eye! Candy Man - Wow! Freight Train- Wow! Love the guitare playing and the beautiful, gentle singing style

[@martinmcdonald4207]

It is perfection to the ear. Muireanne`s voice and guitar playing are gifts from a higher ground. Godspeed to all involved in this great journey.

[@erikkibler3466]

It’s awesome to not only see someone young keeping Elizabeth Cotton alive but doing it really well at that.great job

[@segovia5758]

An amazing father gave rise to an amazing young musician.

[@peggyseeger7363]

Absolutely stunning, Muireann! You got it just right. Libba would be proud of you but would probably correct just one little stray note ... as she did with me in 1951. Take it forward for us oldies.

[@dieselman7453]

Is that really Peggy Seeger that Libba lived and played music with 😮😮cheers from Ireland id say she was a joy to play with .. 🇮🇪🎸

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you so much Peggy that means a lot coming from you, your so lucky to have known Libba. 🙏

[@southsidejohnny5624]

Holy moley, folks. That’s yer actual PEGGY SEEGER there 😍😍😍. She, like the rest of us mere mortals, knows a sublime talent when she hears it.

[@Paulk276]

And a big nod to your dear dad for sharing not only the music but the stories and history surrounding it. You are a true and wonderful musician Muireann!

[@ClaireOMahony-kc8ox]

A pure delight. What an uplifting start to 2024 to discover you Muireann. Thank you 💖

[@robryson]

I've been playing this 'Piedmont' style for 20+ years but you've got the edge on me. Love it, well done.

[@VAdu56]

Super Bravo ...!! très bien joué dans l'esprit de Elisabeth Cotten...!! c'est parfait...!! Super Bravo...!! very well played in the spirit of Elisabeth Cotten...!! it's perfect...!! From France...!!

[@rdstroud1]

One of my favorites performed to perfection! I agree with others who have commented about how difficult it is to do the Travis picking or Mother Maybelle style and also how proud Elizabeth Cotton would be to see this!

[@macfunkey]

Sometimes known as 'Cotton picking'.

[@user-ii8sm7qs1e]

What a Fabulous talent in one so young, I’m absolutely astonished.

[@tacmason]

Such a sweet combination of great guitar , and beautiful voice , wonderful technique , and heart felt tunes. I wonder how she can remain humble ?

[@Frankybroadcast]

I pray she stays that way 🙏🏽

[@paulbohling5785]

You are absolutely amazing young lady! Please don't change what u are doing. U are an inspiration and a badass!

[@HollowayIP]

Wonderfully done! It may interest you to know just how important the train was to the music of that era. It wouldn't be far wrong to say that the music came from the train. That generation and the generation ahead of them were the ones who laid the tracks across America. MJH worked on the railroad "lining the tracks." They were the first generation to ride on a train and experience the rocking, hear the nicks and knocks, all incorporated in the music.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Muireann, I really really enjoyed listening and watching you sing and playing so beautifully and you are so natural too. Next time I see you will be on the stage at Nashville 🎉. I really love your music and love you too xxxx Please stay safe and well too xxxx Mags ❤❤❤❤

[@user-pf6cc9jp6u]

Your rhythm is so lovely. All the picking as well but the groove is what gets me!

[@tomculleton8884]

Go Muireann , Keep listening to the old masters, you have great talent: voice and guitar skills and you clearly “get” this music Just keep going you can do anything !!!

[@dirtysoles]

Thank you for keeping the Delta Blues alive…

[@brew1138]

Wouldn't this be Piedmont style blues??

[@MuireannBradley]

I love the blues of the Delta, and I do play some but it’s not really my thing, but if MJH teaches us anything it’s that location doesn’t make styles. I do play some delta songs too but like I say it’s not really my thing at the moment anyway… thanks for listening

[@Messihippi]

You are always a joy to listen to. That was an incredibly clear, clean rendition of a classic song. I really admire the way you respect the original recordings of the songs you play while adding that slight twist that has become your signature; just enough to put your own stamp on what you play without making it all about you - I find it exciting discovering what slight spin you are going to put on each recording. Absolutely love it! ❤❤

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you so much Messihippi, I always enjoy reading your comments and I love that you get what I’m trying to do and enjoy the videos so much. I think when it comes to playing the music of Elizabeth Cotten you should try and be as faithful as possible to her playing even though it’s impossible to sound like her. You can get very close to that sound when you drop the guitar down a step but I can’t sing way down there. I’ve never liked any of the famous fancy instrumental versions of freight train, if it’s not broke !

[@dieselman7453]

@@MuireannBradleyvery true if it’s not broke 👍👍keep her lit muireann I hope to see u in Whelans I’m on the limited availability list 🙏take care from crossmaglen

[@memoryhero]

It's hard to believe someone is that good.

[@jtoddbrown]

Brilliant! You sing this so well, and the way you play the guitar part complements the vocal just perfectly. It's quite an accomplishment to make such a familiar song sound this fresh and interesting.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Todd ☺️ that is what I was hoping to achieve but this performance could be a bit better, but I think I’m improving all the time… 🙏

[@nancydawe735]

Great job young lady just seen you playing now thanks for sharing

[@7vanzzy7]

Discovered her on a Spotify playlist while visiting Yellowstone. Excellent playing and vocals.

[@bunkerman99]

Libby Cotton loves this girl.

[@mettsmusic3460]

I come back to listen every time you post something new. I am never disappointed. Thank you. I like the motion that you have added to the melody. In my humble opinion, Muireann, everything that you do should have you signature boldly placed where everyone can hear it. You are pleasantly unique. Best of luck.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks so much William, it makes me really happy to see folks like yourself who’ve been subscribed since I started doing these videos still coming back and leaving likes and comments, glad you enjoyed it🙏

[@lev11able]

Superb. I had never heard your wonderful playing and singing until tonight. Fabulous

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you ☺️ 🙏

[@keithrisk5476]

Delightful! I too have been fascinated by this song since I heard it over 60 years ago; and by Elizabeth Cotten and her story. You have paid great tribute to her with this, lovely playing and singing. You've caught the feeling and sense of the song really well. Thank you.

[@daviemcf]

An amazing country blues guitarist for one so young, you rock Muireann!

[@user-fu3zw3ps6g]

I grew up with Skiffle and remember the popular version by Chas McDevitt & Nancy Whiskey. Yours is very good too!

[@RyanPeterNoonan]

I saw this a while ago and forgot about it, then it just popped up in my head. I admit, I didnt realize how freaking good this is until now. Perfectly executed.

[@africadreamin]

Absolutely beautiful rendering of one of my favourite songs.

[@pc7339]

These songs are so beautiful. I discovered Muireann a few days ago and cant get her voice and her beautiful songs out of my mind. I was so proud to find out she is from Donegal Ireland. My mother, who came to America in 1958, was from Ardara, and my cousins are still in Letterkenny. I hope you come to The USA some day, or maybe I will take my wife to see you play in Donegal! We better do it soon before you become a super star! Patrick Carr - New York USA

[@deejayjonez599]

Incredible playing for your age! Ahead of your time! Keep going....

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Nice. Those hammer-ons add a lot of character. ❤

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Lowell ☺️🙏

[@darnick54]

I’ve loved the country blues for a long time, so it’s great to see a young person coming through with this music. Everything she does is flawless

[@bertwoodshack6617]

Beautiful rendition so lovely to hear you playing these tunes.

[@martincummins8528]

Thank you Muireann, as always, a mighty rendition. Ms. Cotton would definitely approve. 😊

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Martin❤️

[@mamaduhalyan6006]

Had heard of her performing on Jools and the Late Late show and dismissed her on back of assuming she was another identikit warbler. Found this video and dear god, as musician and blues/folk obsessive she is the real deal! Seen Tommy Emmanual doing this song and showing people how to play this wrong and she plays it just as Lizzie Cotton played it. Her hat is tipped to the root that all modern music grew from-the blues and she does it impeccably! Fairplay Muireann, Lizzie Cotton would approve wholeheartedly!

[@tonyhennessy5934]

Unbelievable some serious picking pure delta vibes 😊

[@FlathersCreations-bl8xp]

Elizabeth Cotton is smiling right now and so am I. So happy to learn of your passion for the early blues artist. Looking forward to hearing your own music when it comes.

[@paulroutzon6424]

Her voice is perfect for this song

[@brianbarrett5987]

She's back!!! Muireann , another great rendition. Thank you!!!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Brian☺️

[@AntonMuller]

I used to love this song when I was a teenager...you made me rediscover it in a wonderful manner, thanks !

[@Frankybroadcast]

20 seconds in and I'm already blown away. ❤

[@martinevans4010]

Absolutely amazing ! Thank you. . Just got it technically but need many, many hours to make it smooth

[@Maddog-tb3bp]

So happy to hear someone as young as you enjoying classic basic down to earth music!!!

[@dieselman7453]

Super job I love it great job .. can’t beat a bit of frieght train to warm up the fingers .. class 🎸🎸🎸Brian

[@stevefranklin6041]

Another winner, Muireann! Keep it up!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Steve☺️

[@thomassimone3515]

Beautiful voice and amazing guitar 🙌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@ledaswan5990]

Very beautiful. I’ve been playing guitar professionally for almost 50 years. You are an inspiration Muireann.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you ☺️

[@quirtdrozario856]

Amazing young girl. Love it.

[@kamikaze2613]

What a great way to start the week off right Thanks Gal

[@DerrickClaar]

That Mona Lisa smile at the beginning made this just perfect (along with the great pickin and strummin and singin ; )

[@type3864]

素晴らしい演奏有難う！

[@Ratguitar58]

Wow! That was really good 👍 Thank you❤

[@Tutankhamen210]

Wonderful! It's so heartwarming to know that younger generations honor and carry on folk and other genres of classic music. Bravo!

[@jamescassidy5852]

Yes I love that story, where there is awilll there's away an inspiration to us all.

[@SlimDavenport]

A classic done right.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Slim ☺️🙏

[@MrPvgo]

Beautifully done. I can't imagine the work you put into doing these. Well done!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks MrPvgo 😊

[@jamesbrown55]

Thank you very much. That was wonderful. Nice to see and hear new music 🎶 from you.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you James ☺️🙏

[@toffee96]

Indescribably beautiful performance, sheer perfection!

[@ronsmith4434]

Absolutely awesome

[@CrawfishParish]

Great Job!

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks ☺️

[@papaukes2309]

Simply brilliant 😊

[@jimmymullen7825]

Class....one of my all time favourites.............

[@chrischarlesworth4408]

Saw you on Jools' show, just bought your LP. Wonderful. I had this song by Chas McDevitt & Nancy Whiskey but now I know its roots. Thank you.

[@HenryParedez]

Your interpretation and execution is superb!

[@danointo1425]

Brilliant! love your rendition of this tune. Thank you.

[@ColonelNickSteel]

I just can't believe how good you are.

[@felicezaccheo5135]

Wonderful job, it's always a pleasure listening to your new executions: your playing is great as we all know, but you're singing better and better, brava! Ciao da Roma

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Felice ☺️

[@martinmcdonald4207]

What can you say?.....Just perfect.

[@charlesmcquaid5892]

Wow!!

[@Wobbz9413]

A favourite of mine. Elizabeth Cottons "Freight Train". Did you know she was completely self taught and played a right handed guitar upside down in the lefty manner. So quite an achievment if you think about it. Anyway, I just discovered you, and enjoy your playing and singing, so thanks.

[@jonathangill6678]

Nice! Great work, Muireann.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Johnathan ☺️

[@333joemc]

Beautiful playing and singing, keep em coming.

[@MuireannBradley]

Cheers Joe ☺️

[@anthonyw5261]

Absolutely beautiful and fantastic!!!! Those bends are sick👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@anthonyalfredyorke1621]

Thanks for the wonderful music, the ten thousand hours have been worth it, congratulations your an inspiration for everyone " PEOPLE NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM " . PEACE AND LOVE TO EVERYONE ❤❤.

[@madeleineswords704]

Absolute perfection Muireann, just a flawless performance One of my favourites!

[@365DaysOfFolk]

This is so great well done!!!

[@sporranheid]

Aye, wonderful. 👍

[@MrMassivefavour]

Beautiful!! EC was a hired hand for the Seeger family and guess what... turned out she was a blues goddess! The Seegers tried all they good to have her talent recognised

[@_stardust62]

I've only watched a couple of your videos but youtube needs a new button feature that thumbs up all your videos at once!! Very very nice 👍

[@THELONIOUSMONstertrucK]

Solid, impressive. The Waterloo is just candy.. your performance is the real jem

[@martinevans4010]

I love the way you emphasise the D string , it makes it so hypnotic and confusing to do ! 😊

[@Givingitashot]

This is sufuckingperb ❤️ congratulations on Jools Holland last night! One love from Tyrone😊

[@MrEd-kk7uj]

Magical. I could listen all day.....❤

[@gregmaryhughes6830]

Always great to hear you. Love both the guitar playing and the voice.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you guys 😊🙏

[@outtathyme5679]

I live in Washington DC and I’m very familiar with the story of how Pete Seeger’s family “discovered” Elizabeth Cotton in a department store here. Amazing story

[@MuireannBradley]

A wonderful amazing story & an amazing woman..thanks☺️

[@GulliversCovers]

Outstanding presentation, MB👍93 Everything looks excellent! Keep up the awesome work! See you soon! All the best!

[@kevindunleavy4532]

Well worth the wait. Great stuff.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank Kevin ☺️

[@carperlacy]

Superb as ever 👌

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Lacy 😊

[@Nirabulator]

So nice!

[@barrytcook1]

great great music Muireann ... wishing you all the very best for your future ... you are a rare talent keeping some wonderful music going ....

[@Labdunum]

That is a wonderful tune, and, your share it wonderfully. Wonderful guitar and voice. Thank You...

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you 😊

[@michaeldonaghey]

Beautiful

[@MuireannBradley]

Thanks Michael 😊🙏

[@Mitchell_Gates]

My sister died this Christmas Eve In a car accident. I’ve been pretty “out of it” as they say, but your voice and skill has been a source of a few smiles. You’ve certainly won me as a fan! I’ll definitely keep track of you in the years to come.

[@newriverratsam]

She sings for the sake of the song. Love the picking.

[@stephenvickers4480]

Love everything about this !absolutely brilliant.

[@eddiediamond434]

Wonderful as usual.

[@MuireannBradley]

Thank you Eddie 😊🙏