Our Song of the Day comes in the form of a new video from one of our favourite duos Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin.
They learnt Elegy & Whitsun Dance from the singing of Shirley Collins but really make this their own. The intro (Elegy) on mohan veena and violin is one of the most beautiful instrumentals I’ve heard in a very long time and sets the whole mood for the song perfectly.
They had this to say about the song: At the centenary of the First World War, it is humbling to think of the women left at home, preserving traditions that would otherwise have died, as a whole generation of young men were killed. Austin John Marshall, who wrote these lyrics, (to the traditional tune of “The False Bride” ) commented, “Country dancing kept the memory of their young men alive”.
The video was filmed during the recording of their new album Live at Calstock on which it is combined as an extended track with Banks of the Nile. You can read our album review here.
Live In Calstock is Out Now, Order via Bandcamp: http://philliphenry.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-calstock
For their latest news and tour dates visit: http://www.philliphenryandhannahmartin.co.uk
Also for those that follow on Facebook they now have a duo page which you can visit by clicking here.