[Azure]

After hearing this song for years and only recently discovering its name, I'm wondering what are the best versions of it (Both instrumental and vocal versions)? I haven't found a good instrumental only version, but I did find a decent vocal version:
Blackmore's Night - Greensleeves
I'm sure there are much better versions than this (As the technique/general direction of this take on the song sounded familiar, but I'm sure I've heard a better version in the past); what are they?

 

[TMHBAT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure I haven't found a good instrumental only version

Easy: the last track on Hesperion XXI's recording Ostinato (which is a fabulous disc all-around, I might add).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005QST4

 

[KJ_Palmer]

Morris On / Ashley Hutchings etc. instrumental version:

http://www.grunthos.demon.co.uk/morris_on.htm

 

[xtr3me]

Stratovarius' instrumental version?

 

[GanChan]

Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote perhaps the most well-known orchestral version. You can find it on many classical CDs. this is the recording I have:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...Fencoding=UTF8

 

[BillC]

Not sure what style you're looking for, but I'll vote for Jeff Beck's version on "Truth"

 

[zotjen]

I'm guessing Bill Mumy's version from Lost In Space wouldn't interest you.

 

[Coltrane]

Obviously it's John Coltrane's versions.

 

[enjoi_rootbeer]

how about the one played by Dwight K. Scrute on the Office last thursday? eh?

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by enjoi_rootbeer how about the one played by Dwight K. Scrute on the Office last thursday? eh?

Heh, that's what I was watching when I finally found out the name of the song

Any good vocal versions?

 

[Vicious Tyrant]

I don't know if its the ~BEST~ as such, but Loreena McKennit sings a lovely version on "The Visit". (I think its the Visit, anyway).

Good question.

 

[raisin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanChan Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote perhaps the most well-known orchestral version. You can find it on many classical CDs.

That's good, but not the tear-jerker it could be.

 

[gratefulshrink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coltrane Obviously it's John Coltrane's versions.

I'll definitely second that.

I love all of Coltrane's covers, but I think Greensleeves was special in combining the soulfulness of his playing with the melancholy melody of the song.

 

[catachresis]

It's not a great favourite, but it's worth mentioning. Leonard Cohen's final track on New Skin for the Old Ceremony.

 

[lmilhan]

Gary Hoey does a great version of it IMO.

As a matter of fact, all of his work with Christmas music is pretty amazing (especially if you are into rockin' guitar virtuosos). You can't go wrong with this guy.