These six tracks provide a relatively brief introduction to Jon Doran and The Northern Assembly’s music but give clear notice that they are overflowing with ideas for the production of imaginative, entertaining music.
The six tracks of this self-titled EP are Jon Doran and The Northern Assembly’s debut recordings, although the trio, Jon alongside Heather Ferrier and Jordan Aikin, were out on tour earlier this year. That tour certainly created a buzz and will only get louder and spread further with this release. These tracks were my introduction to The Northern Assembly’s music, and I had to delve way back into my listening history before I could recall a set of songs that made such a profound impression. It took me back to a winter’s night in the late 60s when I heard The Young Tradition in the upstairs room of a pub somewhere in North Norfolk. I must add that I’m not comparing the music but rather the effect the two very different sets had on me. Two groups of young musicians, both with the aim of presenting their unique interpretations of traditional songs. With The Young Tradition, it was all about the voices, but while Jon provides stunning vocals, Heather and Jordan bring in a wealth of instrumental experience culled from a range of genres, and the resulting blend provides music that is fresh and truly fascinating.
While Jon takes care of virtually all the vocals, he also contributes Irish bouzouki, guitar and violin. Heather brings in accordion, and Jordan adds whistles and Highland pipes. Also contributing to the arrangements are guests Bevan Morris, on double bass and electric bass, Adam Stapleford on percussion while Janice Burns, Jon’s vocal partner from previous albums, adds a second voice to the track The Evening Sun. Supporting this tantalising array of musicianship, Pete Ord brought his vast experience to bear as producer and recording engineer. The recording was at his studio, Sunbeams, on the edge of the English Lake District.
The first track, Robin Hood and the Pedlar, tells a widely known tale of a supposed chance meeting between Robin Hood and his cousin, the Pedlar. Opening with Jon’s voice, backed by sustained notes from Heather’s accordion. The voice gives a traditional English rendering of a very traditional song while the backing notes blend smoothly into the mix. They are worthy of comment though, being produced from a somewhat less than traditional instrument. Around half a minute in, the track takes on a somewhat different complexion as Adam’s drums begin a funky beat supported by electric bass while Jordan’s whistle adds a counter melody. Jon’s vocal adapts its phrasing to this new rhythm until taking a rest for a middle section notable for adding a line from the Highland pipes. This more complex backing continues as the vocal resumes, becoming even more adventurous as the track reaches its conclusion. As an opening statement, this first track does its job well, preparing you for the ever more adventurous blends of tradition and accompaniment that follow.
The following track, Bold Wolfe, tells the tale of the English and French armies battling for Quebec in 1759, a battle won by the English but which led to the death of Wolfe, their leader. Though a relative of Brave Wolfe, recorded by The Watersons, Martin Carthy and many others, Jon says that this Bold Wolfe has its origins in Newfoundland and differs significantly both in lyrics and melody. And that was before Jon and The Assembly added their twists. Their version opens with a slow march played on drums and pipes. As the vocal begins, the march fades to be replaced with a gently brushed drumbeat, accordion and bouzouki, with whistle joining later. Clearly, this piece is destined to be more of a lament for the death of Wolfe and less of a celebration of an English victory.
The following two tracks form a pair, the first developing a soundscape to act as an introduction to the next song, The Evening Sun. The gentle pace and layered complexity of the introduction completely changes the mood. The intention is to replicate, in sound, the calm power of a gently flowing river. With this mood established, the vocal straightaway shows Jon’s voice in a new light. Gone are the crisp edges that give power to the traditional songs, replaced by a breathy, gentle delivery that immediately brought back memories of Nick Drake and other male voices of that era. The song itself has an interesting history that Jon shares in his notes. Originating from an old blues song by W. C. Handy, the lyrics were added by Memphis Minnie, and Jon has added his own contribution, giving the song a chorus. So, it is very much a twentieth-century song given a twenty-first-century twist with a gentle arrangement that nicely softens the rather dark lyrics. One feels that Nick Drake would rather approve.
For the final two songs, the band returns to older sources. Kitty of Ballinamore revisits the ever-popular folk song topic of unrequited love; this time, it’s the man who is left rueing the unfaithfulness of his lover. Heenan and Sayers deals with a far less common topic but one that was nonetheless the broadsheet hit of the day in 1860, the song’s lyrics coming directly from those broadsheets. Heenan and Sayers were pugilists before boxing was a legal sport. Heenan was American, Sayers English, and in 1860, they fought out what was effectively the first World Championship Bout. Jon and the Northern Assembly aren’t the first to record these lyrics, but their arrangement is a stand-out success, giving each band member space to develop their part and combine to produce a fitting conclusion to the EP.
These six tracks provide a relatively brief introduction to Jon Doran and The Northern Assembly’s music but give clear notice that they are overflowing with ideas for the production of imaginative, entertaining music. Jon’s voice is as impressive as ever, and the range of instruments they collectively offer promises much for the future, especially if they keep working with the two guests who contributed to these recordings. I’m certainly eager to go along on the next stages of their musical journey.
Jon Doran and The Northern Assembly (27 September 2024) Self-released on Wylam Records
Order via Bandcamp: https://jondoran.bandcamp.com/album/jon-doran-the-northern-assembly
Website: https://www.jondoranmusic.co.uk
You can also hear them in our Folk Show: Episode 150: