Today marks the release of Georgia Shackleton‘s solo debut album ‘Harry’s Seagull‘, also one of our Featured Albums of the Month, described in our review by Thomas Blake as one of the freshest and most appealing folk albums of the year.
To celebrate the release and Georgia’s Album Launch show and tour, which kicks off tomorrow (see dates below), She has created a video for What Will Become of England – Yarmouth Hornpipe – Harry’s Seagull. As noted in our review, this medley begins with one of the most prescient songs in Harry Cox’s repertoire, a biting indictment of a country’s failed leadership at a time of poor working conditions and inequality. The hornpipe and Harry’s Seagull (the only non-traditional piece on the album, composed in honour of Cox) strike a slightly melancholy note and act as a perfect showcase for Shackleton’s expressive fiddle playing. These instrumental sections also highlight her use of the harmonium: its drone provides a satisfying depth and a sense of wildness.
Georgia shared the following about the song and video and how it hasn’t lost its relevance today:
What Will Become of England – from the singing of Harry Cox, is a social commentary that sadly doesn’t lose relevance. The video was filmed around Anglia Square, the Norfolk Broads and Norfolk Coast. Anglia Square is a complex in Norwich which has long been a symbol of the divide between rich and poor. Developers have been tussling over the plot for many years, and it is set to become apartment blocks. The current proposal offers 10% of affordable homes and hundreds of unaffordable one-bedroom flats.
What Will Become of England is followed by The Yarmouth Hornpipe and Harry’s Seagull (The title track of Georgia’s solo album) – a self-penned tune dedicated to Harry Cox, who kept a wounded seagull as a pet.
This video features street art from the following artists: @demograffix1 | @arf_3021 | @banksy
Order Harry’s Seagull (29 November 2023) – https://georgiashackleton.bandcamp.com/album/harrys-seagull
Upcoming Tour Dates
30/11 OCTAGON CHAPEL, NORWICH TICKETS
3/12 FOLKLORE ROOMS, BRIGHTON TICKETS
4/12 CROYDON FOLK CLUB TICKETS
5/12 GREEN NOTE, LONDON TICKETS
19/01 NORFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST TICKETS
21/01 FLEECE INN, BRETHERTON TICKETS
https://georgiashackleton.co.uk/