For the Winter Solstice, Michael Tanner (Plinth, United Bible Studies, The A. Lords) has very kindly put together another fine Solstice Mix…
This is another collection of hymns, carols, folk standards and field-recordings from the past 800 years. Many of these artists carry over from the previous FRUK mix put together a few years back – which made me wonder why, despite several attempts, so few artists manage to evoke winter particularly well? In my opinion, these are the select few that stand up to scrutiny. Whether it’s the pointed, bird-like quality of Jean Ritchie’s bare-branch voice or the hollow, reverent filigree of Dolly Collins portative organ, something about their use of minimalism perfectly captures the stark landscape, stripped of colour and commotion. A place which, when fortified and protected, is not an unpleasant place to be.
Michael Tanner
Tracklisting
1. Maurice Jarre – Carpe Diem
2. Shirley Collins – I Sing Of A Maid That Is Makeless
3. Jean Ritchie – Wintergrace/Mourning Tears
4. Dick Gaughan – The Snow They Melt The Soonest
5. John Fleagle – Blow Northerne Wynd
6. Anonymous 4 – Videntes Stellam (The Star)
7. John Renbourn – The Moon Shines Bright
8. The Martin Best Ensemble – Miri It Is
9. Sourdeline – La Reine Blanche (The White Queen)
10. Luciano Berio – I Wonder As I Wander
11. Martin Carthy – Cold Haily Windy Night
12. Mike Waterson – The Black And Bitter Night
Photo from the Alderley Mummers Play.
http://iamplinth.bandcamp.com/