Those who tuned into the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show last week will have heard that Megson have a covers album on the way titled ‘Unknown Waters‘. They say: “A ‘Covers Album’ has been on our to do list for several years now and when we finally sat down to put a list together of tracks to include, it became evident that we wanted to put together more than just a selection of songs. We are often drawn to themes when it comes to creating new albums and once we started to choose which songs to cover it seemed obvious that an album of songs from our favourite north eastern songwriters was the path to follow.”
As well as covering songs by northeast folk singers Alan Hull (with a Jarrow March song), Jez Lowe, Richard Grainger, Graeme Miles and the late Vin Garbutt – they also cover Chris Rea. Of those featured, Ruth Copeland is probably one of the more remarkable stories. Originally a folk singer from County Durham, she got involved with George Clinton’s Parliament and wrote two of the tracks on their Osmium debut, one of which they cover here: The Silent Boatman.
As well as celebrating the northeast, these songs often accompanied them on their late journey back from gigs, so this is sure to be an upbeat album. See the tracklisting below.
On the album, Debs and Stu are joined by John Parker on double bass.
The album will be out in digital shops and streaming sites in early 2022, but those who want it early can pre-order now via their website – orders will be shipping from next week: https://www.megsonmusic.co.uk/product/unknown-waters-cd/
Unknown Waters Tracklisting
1. One Law – written by Matt Chipchase & Young Rebel Set
2. Judas Bus – written by Jez Lowe
3. Marshall Riley’s Army – written by Alan Hull
4. Road To Hell (Part 2) – written by Chris Rea
5. Land & Sea – written by Richard Grainger
6. The Silent Boatman – written by Ruth Copeland
7. Rain – written by Martin Stephenson
8. Not For The First Time – written by Vin Garbutt
9. Ring Of Iron – written by Graeme Miles
BONUS TRACK: Through The Winter – by Megson
Upcoming Dates
The Cambridge Junction – Nov 4th
A Yuletide Live Christmas Show:
Beccles Canopy Theatre – Dec 4th
Melbourn The Hub – Dec 5th
London Kings Place – Dec 12th
Tickets: https://www.megsonmusic.co.uk/events/