Best known as the main song-writing force behind their trio ‘Alden Patterson and Dashwood’, Norwich-based Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are to release their new album ‘Hunter‘ on 7th May 2021. Hunter illustrates the duos ability to write and arrange songs that are contemporary, yet rooted in the folk traditions of storytelling, using music to ask questions and raise awareness of untold tales and important environmental issues. The album came from a desire to produce something positive out of a difficult and uncertain time:
“Before the pandemic hit we had a full year of concerts booked throughout the UK and Europe, and like many other artists we saw those all fall away within a matter of weeks. This came as a big shock and was initially very hard to come to terms with; losing our work and our sense of identity. We wanted to channel our energy into something positive and so decided to record our debut duo album. We used our new-found time and space to be creative; to write, compose and develop new music. This album was made during the lockdowns of 2020/21 at home in The Folk Cellar on King Street, Norwich. Our house is in the middle of the city centre but the normally busy streets were quiet and so we were able to record everything at home. We have really enjoyed creating this album together; working on composition, returning to old instruments that had not been played for a while and revisiting fragments of song ideas written in old notebooks.“
The lead track Hunter was inspired by a set of photographs by Finnish wildlife photographer Lassi Rautiainen who managed to capture the unusual behaviour of a Grey Wolf and Brown bear which developed a friendship and saw them meeting in secret to share meals. Nikon described the encounter as “Nature’s unintended Romeo and Juliet“.
Christina and Alex:
“As songwriters we are always on the look out for interesting stories that would translate into song. We saw the beautiful photographs of Lassi Rautiainen online and wanted to find out more which is when we learnt of the magical story of friendship between this Grey Wolf and Brown bear. We loved the imagery of old pines and misty lands setting the scene for an unlikely companionship. We filmed the video at home on a cold January day and used some nature footage taken by a friend of ours.“
With just fiddle, guitar and voice, Christina and Alex paint a vivid picture of this natural wonder – of bear and wolf crossing boundaries thought uncrossable under a Baltic moon. They really have poured their hearts into this lovingly well-crafted song. Poetic and moving, it’s one that bodes well for their new album.
You can pre-order Hunter via their website (link below) and find details of their upcoming tour dates.
www.christinaaldenandalexpatterson.com