The Devil’s On The Mast (Out on 2nd June – Pre-order) finds The Ciderhouse Rebellion joining forces with Kirsty Merryn (Cider with Kirsty). Watch their stunning new video for their album track ‘Belladonna‘ featuring dancer and choreographer Anna Smith.
A Physic Garden — a beautiful woman — a man steeped in expertise in the tending and use of medicinal herbs — a cruel disappointment. Some medicinal plants, if used incorrectly, can also do considerable damage. Belladonna, in small doses, was used as an effective sleep remedy, but in larger doses— and in the wrong hands — can kill.
Featuring dancer and choreographer Anna Smith, the video for Belladonna was filmed, directed and edited by Todd Macdonald at Normansfield Theatre, Teddington. Chosen for its beautiful artwork and also the curiosities found in the space, including the ornate stairs, railings and flora/fauna in the murals.
Deborah Norris (Ballet Folk), the Movement director and choreographer, says of Belladonna:
“Telling stories through dance is my favourite challenge. Extracting words with nuance or descriptions of people or place from the lyrics of songs allows my curiosity to explore new movement patterns. Having previously worked with The Ciderhouse Rebellion’s unique musical improvised framework allowed a natural response to the dynamics of the score, but the purity of Kirsty Merryn’s vocals and haunting lyrics allowed myself and Anna to feel the feminine mystique of the ‘Belladonna’ flower through our creative process.
Anna Smith is an inspirational artist who responds to movement direction so articulately and embodies character with extraordinary ease, making her interpretation of this ‘deadly’ flower shows its mystery, power, and revenge beautifully.”
They shared the following on the album’s creative process:
Over a winter’s week in the heart of the Yorkshire Moors, Adam Summerhayes, Kirsty Merryn and Murray Grainger devised and recorded an album of brand new music.
Known for creating music through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working at the highest level and a lifetime of musical study, they continue to produce prolifically, keeping audiences enthralled and fully engaged. Meanwhile, the huge talent of Kirsty Merryn – celebrated for many years as a solo performer and songwriter (‘her voice a treat for the soul’ – The Guardian ☆☆☆☆), brought her virtuoso skills and experience to the project. The result is a dynamic, enrapturing set of uniquely magical songs.
Adam and Kirsty wrote the lyrics for all the tracks, bar two with older words, and then, in separate rooms, connected by headphones and the freezing silence of the moors, they just … made music.
Between stories of wreckers and smugglers, midwives and hedge-witches, snake-catchers and nightmen, the new trio Cider With Kirsty reveals the hidden lives that were the historic heartbeat of the country. Originally meeting through Show Of Hands, The Ciderhouse Rebellion found that their creative seascapes, laments, prayers and evocations danced perfectly with Merryn’s poignant and angelic vocals.
Pre-order it here: https://theciderhouserebellion.bandcamp.com/album/the-devils-on-the-mast