Back in 2018, we reviewed James Patrick Gavin’s Chewing the Fat. Very much a ‘personal album’, Johnny Whalley was quick to pick up on that focus in his review, reminding us that “even if you believe you know what the word implies, James Patrick Gavin has produced an album that is sure to make you think again.” It most certainly did, touching on his roots and family heritage in both his native North London and in County Fermanagh. Despite being beautifully presented including prose and illustrations “the music alone would make the album stand out from the pack.” It left an indelible mark which was enough encouragement for us to premiere a series of videos recorded at his Union Chapel album launch followed by a live review of his Celtic Connection’s appearance in January 2019 – “a joy to witness”.
Fast-forward 8 months and we have the immense pleasure of doing something quite similar. Below you can watch the first of four videos filmed and recorded in the beautiful Welsh Chapel (on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross in London) as part of a new project from the James Patrick Gavin Trio on which James shares some words on below.
The trio grew out of my debut album – Chewing The Fat – released in February 2018.
The trio consists of Adrian Lever (Alma, Horses Brawl), Tim Fairhall (Yasmin Levy, Piano Interrupted) and James Patrick Gavin (TEYR, Jez Hellard & The Djukella Orchestra, Rad Orchestra). We have been writing new music together that draws from our respective traditions/backgrounds, which gives our music a unique contemporary sound.
The name of this track is “The Great Debate”, which was written after a train journey coming back from a session with my friend Daniel Macalistair. I won’t give it all away, however, I will say that this debate occurred in advance of the political mess we find ourselves in now… We parted ways and the tune popped into my head as I walked up the Holloway road to catch the 263 bus home.
The first tune sandwiches the middle tune, which was written by Tommy Peoples, who was a great fiddle player that sadly passed away last year. It was taught to me by the Uilleann pipe player, Paddi Benson.
The Welsh Chapel was designed by James Cubitt who was also responsible for designing the Union Chapel. It is a unique space and currently being restored by Stone Nest who are looking to establish a new creative space in the heart of London.
We couldn’t have done this project without the support of Hannah Myers at Stone Nest, the technical expertise of our good friend Alastair Caplin (The Langan Band, Band Of Burns) who recorded and mixed the session, and also that of Joesph Harvey who filmed and edited the videos.
I’ll end by saying thank you for reading my ramblings thus far and I hope you enjoy the video.
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