Rufous Nightjar, "Sunday," & "Red Robin," // GemsOnVHS™

A special double feature today from Ireland here for y'all. Anthony, me, went to Ireland and heard through the grapevine about this incredible three piece harmony group, Rufous Nightjar. They really knocked my socks off with the vocal control, the timing and precision. I have enough trouble singing random harmonies in the shower, so to hear them flawlessly blast through entire songs together really inspired me. Accapella groups like this are seriously lacking in America. Contemporary groups actually making a go at just using the human voice as an instrument are largely vanished from the scene. Still out there of course, but generally relegated to some corner of obscure nerdom like a barbershop quartet. In a world where voices can be "fixed in post" with the push of an autotune button, its still incredibly impressive to hear people using their natural voices to record stuff like this. Real human interaction, three people doing it the natural way, collaborating and creating in the moment.
My friend Luke Brabazon, the Irish filmmaker who has been helping me film a few different sessions from Ireland ( • DUG, "Jubilee," // Gem... ) assisted me on this one. Can not thank him enough! Y'all got any Irish acts i'm missing out on? Who should I have recorded by now? Scold me!
You can find Rufous Nightjar on Instagram at @rufousnightjarband. Preorder their new record at rufousnightjar.bandcamp.com/a....
Our undying love and gratitude go to our executive producers for making this project possible: Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, VJ Arizpe, Mr. Free, Rusty Shackleford, and Joshua Taylor.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
/ gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
We're on instagram (@gemsonvhs or @anthonysimpkins)
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www.gemsonvhs.com

[@GemsOnVHS]

We're getting our field recordings on Spotify for y'all! Check 'em out at open.spotify.com/artist/7t78CwAbQIA6DKAKUKBYgl?si=V6VTcLxtQWupz0QpvbZYSA. You can check out what Rufous Nightjar is up to on Instagram at @rufousnightjarband. Presave their upcoming single, "Red Robin," at distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rufousnightjar/red-robin.

[@brewmastermonk9356]

Neil Gaiman should hire these ladies to write the next soundtrack to whatever he's working on. Their voices are magic.

[@saskiakramer850]

How many times have you watched this? Yes. . . ❤❤❤

[@goosegirl4557]

My little baby girl, Robin, adores these beautiful songs. She goes into a calm trance whenever I play them and is totally mesmerised. Thank you! Such a lovely bonus that both songs include a Robin! ❤

[@forest_moonlight]

Chills, these harmonies are so precise

[@CapraObscura]

This is good, really good

[@megangray7769]

First time I clicked I listened on repeat for the next 2 hours. 💚 Love you gals, thank you for your art

[@didgit6495]

I keep coming back to this. Talent. God gifted womerns.

[@ssituationist]

They really remind me of Mountain Man. Not just the three harmonies, but the way they sing together. Beautiful video

[@Arauge1981]

Oh man this is so good. I listened to it 4 times in a row. I love how they're able to layer their vocals and play off of each other, just awesome.

[@ericthomas2920]

Oustanding, delivered in all simplicity and honesty. My son sent me this link because your harmonies really touched him. Now I am touched (in a good way Red Robin)!

[@maireadheffernan9943]

What beautiful harmonies, these ladies voices are so pure.

[@kanewilliams2919]

Very beautiful, this song brings me to tears every time

[@spudelrudel2979]

everyone of them brings so much individual feeling

[@AlwaysLookingUpUFO]

Voices of Angels ❤❤❤

[@bouncehaus_]

certified banger

[@alexgray8804]

rad. always dreamed of having an acapella group but its hard to find motivated friends.

[@ruadhbran]

This is so wonderful, organic, and haunting. Thanks for bringing us these songs!

[@GemsOnVHS]

Thanks for listening

[@jdh152]

Absolutely captivating to the point that I pre-order their debut album, Songs for Three Voices, after seeing this... Can't wait. As far as other Irish artists I think would the GemsOnVHS Team should capture next, Muireann Bradley comes to mind immediately. Crossin' my fingers! Thanks for all you do, Team!

[@redhotama]

Gorgeous. I’ve listened to your harmonies repeatedly. Sending wishes from California for a smashing album launch

[@t_empest_]

this is perfection

[@harmsdesign]

Each more lovely… Thank you for the treasure of your voices.

[@petroulalabrinakou1218]

Very touchy! Beautiful!

[@Codex064]

You are constantly introducing me to amazing artists.

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks codex. more always comin. make sure you hit the notifications bell for new stuff.

[@theghostofsabertache9049]

This is beautiful.

[@cobwashington]

Whatever the opposite of the witches from Hamlet are, this is it, i think. ❤

[@myirishmurder]

Love this so much, love the glimpse of my home town too. Top Class 💜

[@michaelposey2186]

Sounds absolutely beautiful, such a cool style, overlapping voices, man...sitting outside listening to the frogs and the sweet smell of flowers in the evening air...❤

[@Tmendler]

I need more of this in my life

[@sethmountain]

Superb! Thank you Rufous Nightjar and thank you, Anthony. That was incredible to watch and see! The human voice really is the greatest instrument.

[@gnarlyroots]

Captivating and enchanting

[@isaiahbasaldua924]

a beautiful three piece harmony group a treat to listen to some old school folk accapella music. Something sadly a dying tradition but truly worth keeping alive like all great folk music

[@GemsOnVHS]

its alive and well in ireland!

[@rodriguezang28]

You ladies sound so mystical and refreshing! Fantastic job and great talent,I love it!

[@rsouder953]

AMAZING!

[@moonshinewilly01]

Magical, thank you!

[@maryjane_03]

Magic!! 🙌

[@365DaysOfFolk]

Love this 👏

[@ersp1]

Thank you! Such a delight!

[@elielfuentes]

Beautiful ❤

[@tylerrichman9]

Excellent! Bravo 👏

[@scottkidwell3601]

Amazing and beautiful! So well done! Thanks, y'all 🙏🏻🤍

[@Ztownmusic]

This is absolutely incredible…mesmerizing

[@mferjames]

Absolutely beautiful music. Bravo

[@samsham8218]

BADASS.

[@jevanthompson9979]

Absolutely beautiful, great work on the artists and the folks capturing it.

[@bealiobealio]

boith are amazing, that Sunday song is insane!! what a vibe!!

[@Starla_Music]

Absolutely spectacular ❤

[@GemsOnVHS]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@anndraxler1225]

So beautiful!

[@andrewhaas5626]

Brilliant!!

[@ericthomas2920]

Totally brilliant and uplifting!❤

[@ArijanaLukic]

Simply Amazing

[@kitpinesND]

I can't get enough of this my God

[@trainmydogberney]

so soothing

[@TheSawdustJacks]

Lovely blend of voices

[@Faecaloma]

that was lovely

[@Shawnkroachphotography]

This is fantastic! Thank you for capturing such an environmental session. In the US, a song I found recently for those that are looking for similar - Starling Arrow & Ayla Nereo - Wild Sweet (feat. TIna Malia, Marya Stark, Leah SOng & Chloe Smith) But now I'll be looking forward to more Rufous Nightjar!

[@GemsOnVHS]

cheers and thanks for watching

[@capricorntwenty]

Superb, and I think my Robins here in Cornwall were singing along too...

[@dtinagliastudios]

Wow.

[@TTt-666]

Great to see Anna Mieke, all so Good.

[@fazzzoli]

On point.

[@neo-eagles5088]

Lovely

[@jeffripley9062]

Hooooo weeeeeeeee!

[@BastuGubbar]

Such cottagecore vibes!

[@jcwhiskey1041]

❤❤❤

[@Freedirtrecords]

the best

[@didgit6495]

"you guys should do smashmouth" -"yeah or wagon wheel!" 😂😂 Too much

[@GemsOnVHS]

lol it would slap tho

[@didgit6495]

​@@GemsOnVHS sounded like tongue in cheek

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@didgit6495 haha it is of course but also... smash mouth cover would ROCK!

[@Thelancepants420]

Ive heard this melody. Not the lyrics but the tune of the song the way the make the rhythm. This is an amazing song

[@twinheadedwolf]

Both songs were written by Branwen who is the one wearing the blue coat!

[@debee1544]

💚

[@megangray7769]

👏👏👏👏

[@ando5899]

Anna Mieke, even in harmony you can recognize that great voice. Fantastic upload 👌 Even if it wasn't live recorded 🤣

[@GemsOnVHS]

it was recorded live. there might be a clip from a previous take used in the video portion - i can't remember. but it's all live, right on the street. thanks!

[@ersp1]

@@GemsOnVHSOn Sunday, are the audio channels reversed from the position of the singers? Could make it seem like the video and audio weren't shot at the same time.

[@westernlynx396]

🎶

[@ShapeyFiend]

Heard Branwen sing a few times always fantastic stuff. Junior Brother might be a fun one record perhaps?

[@shanegooding4839]

Erin go bragh!☘️from Australia 🦘❤️!

[@christopherbates6825]

Wow

[@ThisBurningGhost]

[@waylonk2453]

How fortunate the passerby are!

[@GeorgeZeaiter121]

is it just me or does the lady in the red pants have like, the most magnificent hair? it's giving me freya from god of war, but also mixed with beorn from the hobbit

[@estherfreitag3602]

does anybody know where to find or has the text of those songs? ❤

[@saskiakramer850]

Are the lyrics of the Red Robin song available anywhere?

[@dylanmanning1092]

Don’t miss out on Amble while you’re in Ireland

[@Clomwellschimdt]

Next time you’re in New Orleans you should do a video with Trenda Filka

[@belkysmayrenaandradeklinge8486]

Me podrían decir si esta melodía está en español?

[@cedarriver]

Chords and lyrics for Sunday below Standard tuning, Capo on 1 Obviously, this is an acapella song. But you can play those chords to accompany yourself. Verses Am / G Am / Am / G Am Chorus Am G / Am G / Am G / Am G Am [Verse 1] Sunday it was a Sunday and I Went a walking down the moor Followed a brown hare ge’d never been there Where I’d never been before [Chorus] The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again [Verse 2] Sunday, it was a Sunday And I went a walking through the mist Followed a robin she sang a sorry song I’ve never heard before or since [Chorus] The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again [Verse 1] Sunday it was a Sunday and I Went a walking down the moor Followed a brown hare he’d never been there Where I’d never been before [Chorus] The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again [Verse 2] Sunday, it was a Sunday And I went a walking through the mist Followed a robin she sang a sorry song I’ve never heard before or since [Chorus] The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again [Verse 1] Sunday it was a Sunday and I Went a walking down the moor Followed a brown hare he’d never been there Where I’d never been before [Chorus] The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again The things that I saw I never saw before And I hope I never see again

[@tommyburkepainter]

Great stuff, how many mic's ?

[@GemsOnVHS]

I think just two

[@murphyyoung2310]

Keep your secrets...

[@cedarriver]

Chords and lyrics for Red Robin below Standard tuning, no Capo Obviously, this is an acapella song. But you can play those chords to accompany yourself. Chorus C Dm C Dm / Dm C Dm / C Dm / Dm C Dm / C Dm Verses Dm C Dm / C Dm / Dm C Dm / C Dm [Chorus] Oh, sweet Red robin, red robin, red robin, Oh where do you go in the spring And where do you sleep in the winter What sorrowful songs do you sing [Verse 1] Oh I tore my skirt on the briars And I made my bed in the ditch And I bathed in the bog waters And I found the house of the witch And I found the house of the witch [Chorus] Oh, sweet Red robin, red robin, red robin, Oh where do you go in the spring And where do you sleep in the winter What sorrowful songs do you sing [Verse 2] And when I was young I was wicked And when I was old I was wise A rose grows so red in the thicket A medicine weed in the wild A medicine weed in the wild [Chorus] Oh, sweet Red robin, red robin, red robin, Oh where do you go in the spring And where do you sleep in the winter What sorrowful songs do you sing [Verse 3] And when the moon glows in the grasses The birds all asleep in their trees The hawthorn is ringed round with dances And music lilts out on the breeze And music lilts out on the breeze [Chorus] Oh, sweet Red robin, red robin, red robin, Oh where do you go in the spring And where do you sleep in the winter What sorrowful songs do you sing Oh, sweet

[@rubrumastra4999]

Это. Просто. Охуенно! Безумная гармония❤

[@spudelrudel2979]

Thanks again Anthony for bringing us just the best experiences;) Outdone yourselves on the recording quality as well! And this band will be on my permanent radar from now, their first release Red Robin already sounds incredible, just bummed the physical copy is already out of stock🥲

[@reubenco]

I really hate that corny college choir/Pentatonix-style a capella, it’s one of my least favorite kinds of music. But this is not that, this is cool! like you said, the harmony is so precise. But how dare you tease us by mentioning an All Star cover and not providing it.

[@GemsOnVHS]

indeed. the culture of accapella singing is much different in ireland, i've found. at the pub you'd find many more folks willing to sing without instrumentation. in america this is nearly unheard of, except in the rare cases of appalachian ballad singing. accapella singing in america is associated with choirs at best, barbershop quartets at worst, and a lot of it ends up being very cheesy.

[@samjohnson2801]

Sirens dude

[@Quasime42]

Love it but description needs to say who they are and if they have an album (songs for three voices?) then where can we get it? Also to those who may not know just a warning, this is not the singing you will hear in the average pub in Ireland.

[@GemsOnVHS]

mate, can you please respond to this and help me out? when people comment with stuff like this im SO confused. The name of the band AND the songs are in the TITLE of the video, a link to buy all their music IN THE DESCRIPTION, and the pinned top comment has links to their music?? What more could I possibly do? Please let me know if you have any more suggestions? Also, what part of Ireland do you live in? I guess if you're in some pensioners pub with football on the TVs then yes, you won't find this. But there are plenty of great trad nights you can visit!

[@Quasime42]

I'm not actually a moron. But at times like this there seems to be good evidence to the contrary. My apologies. I just hadn't read the details correctly. I had thought you were the nightjar. Having looked at other examples of your vids, your doing a great job. Very impressive and the collection of new found music may just bankrupt me!

[@Quasime42]

There are great trad nights, but these three are a bit special!

[@GemsOnVHS]

ah you're all good man i just had seen comments like this on some other stuff and was genuinely confused lol like maybe im the one missing something! glad you dig it thanks for the kind words@@Quasime42

[@ksleep5715]

How do you even find out this is your thing?

[@GemsOnVHS]

i guess you just get into singing with your friends lol go to some trad nights at the pub and jam

[@loganjonus1]

She may have said it jokingly, but I, for one, want to hear the Wagon Wheel cover.

[@didgit6495]

Logan, that is gay.

[@josechavez6823]

This feels like an extended jingle for Red Robbin.. absolutely unfortunate.

[@GemsOnVHS]

thank you for watching, sorry it wasn't for you. i hope you find some music you love today.

[@ersp1]

That probably says more about your state of mind (and the general assault of advertising) than the song.