As we run down towards the New Year, I’m sharing some of our most popular mixtapes from over the years. There were a few guest mixes that made a lasting impression on many, and this is one of them…
In 2016, Michael Tanner (Plinth, United Bible Studies, The A. Lords) put together this evocative Winter Solstice Mix…
This is, Michael tells us, a collection of hymns, carols, folk standards and field recordings from the past 800 years. When putting this together, he reflected on why, despite several attempts, so few artists manage to evoke winter particularly well.
“In my opinion, these are the select few that stand up to scrutiny. Whether it’s the pointed, bird-like quality of Jean Ritchie’s bare-branch voice or the hollow, reverent filigree of Dolly Collins portative organ, something about their use of minimalism perfectly captures the stark landscape, stripped of colour and commotion. A place which, when fortified and protected, is not an unpleasant place to be.”
Tracklisting
1. Maurice Jarre – Carpe Diem
2. Shirley Collins – I Sing Of A Maid That Is Makeless
3. Jean Ritchie – Wintergrace/Mourning Tears
4. Dick Gaughan – The Snow They Melt The Soonest
5. John Fleagle – Blow Northerne Wynd
6. Anonymous 4 – Videntes Stellam (The Star)
7. John Renbourn – The Moon Shines Bright
8. The Martin Best Ensemble – Miri It Is
9. Sourdeline – La Reine Blanche (The White Queen)
10. Luciano Berio – I Wonder As I Wander
11. Martin Carthy – Cold Haily Windy Night
12. Mike Waterson – The Black And Bitter Night
Photo from the Alderley Mummers Play.
http://iamplinth.bandcamp.com/