Taken from the forthcoming Stick in the Wheel compilation album FROM HERE: English Folk Field Recordings Volume 2, our Song of the Day comes from Newcastle’s folk maverick Richard Dawson. As with Volume 1 (reviewed here), Stick in the Wheel ask each artist what “From Here” means to them, by way of identity or place, feeling or memory: “this is who I am, this is where I’m from”. Dawson looked back to a song from a previous project which has a strong resonance with him.
In 2017 we shared the news of Richard Dawson’s project with artist Matt Stokes – This Liberty, a cinematic and audio installation inspired by the oldest purpose-built prison in England, Hexham Old Gaol.
It is from that project, he chose The Almsgiver (our Song of the Day) to share on this brilliant new Stick in the Wheel compilation. Whereas many of the songs covered on the album are traditional, he makes the valid point that whilst he loves the idea of tradition, you have to sometimes make your own, something Dawson is no stranger to.
In the liner notes for the compilation, he shares how despite the female character of this song being essentially fictional, she took on a very real presence for Dawson: “she feels to me like she wants to be sung”.
From Here offers a snapshot of the English folk scene right now – from seasoned professionals to folk club singers, everyone is equal and valid. Recorded on location, in front rooms and kitchens with two pairs of microphones, capturing immediate, intimate, yet powerful and evocative performances. This is not the collecting of songs to fit a pre-determined view of what folk music “should” be – rather, an attempt at documenting of what it is – a continuum that thrives, flourishes and persists in this country.
From old Northumbrian kingdoms, through the Midlands, way over to the Welsh border, with an expanding set of experimental and traditional musicians interpreting the music that roots them, in their own unique ways. Songs and tunes reflecting everyday life in England: from racing pigeons to lost children, domestic violence to fighting in the street about politics. This is each artist’s response to what From Here means to them, by way of identity or place, feeling or memory: “this is who I am, this is where I’m from”.
As well as Richard Dawson, FROM HERE: English Folk Field Recordings Volume 2 features Sandra Kerr (premiered here), Rachel Unthank, Grace Petrie, Nancy Kerr, Cath & Phil Tyler, June Tabor, Chris Wood, C Joynes, Kathryn Tickell and more.
ALBUM LAUNCH DATES
1 May launch event at Cafe Oto London
https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/events/sandra-nancy-kerr/
11 May launch event at The Cluny Newcastle
https://thecluny.com/listing/english-folk-field-recordings-volume-2-launch/
Pre-order From Here: English Folk Field Recordings Vol 2:
https://stickinthewheel.lnk.to/englishfolkvol2
https://www.fromhererecords.com/