Catalan folk singer Ferran Orriols covers Roses Grogues (Yellow Roses) by the legendary 1970s British folk band Heron and he’s joined on piano by Heron’s Steve Jones. The song featured on Heron’s self-titled debut LP whose pastoral feel was heightened by the decision to record it outdoors in a field by the River Thames. Like the original, on which birdsong could be heard, Ferran captures that same warmth and authenticity by also recording outside in the Catalan countryside. The track is taken from his highly anticipated second record, Darrere els horts (Behind the orchards), due for release on 9th May, 2025 via Great Canyon Records (Joana Serrat and Riders of the Canyon). The single drops this week on 12th March and is also our Song of the Day. Totally magic.
Ferran told us:
“Sometimes, the best discoveries happen by chance. While recording my new album, I stumbled upon Yellow Roses by the legendary 1970s British folk band Heron. It was love at first listen. The song’s warmth and authenticity resonated deeply with the vision I had for my own record—I suddenly felt less alone in my musical journey.
“Inspired, I translated Yellow Roses into Catalan and recorded a live version on my terrace, capturing the raw, intimate essence of the moment. When I set out to buy Heron’s original album, fate led me to Steve Jones’ record label—the very pianist from the band. On a whim, I sent him my version. To my surprise, he loved it and offered to play piano on the track. From that moment, a beautiful friendship was born, and now we’re making music together.
“Steve recorded his piano part from his home, adding an unmistakable touch of authenticity to the track. I mixed it myself, with mastering by D. James Goodwin (Kevin Morby, Bonny Light Horseman, Bob Weir). Like the rest of the album, the sound remains natural and direct—honest music, played straight from the heart.”
Steve Jones of Heron:
“For me, Ferran captures some of that innocence of the late ’60s in his songwriting and arranging. There’s a natural warmth and sincerity to his music. He lives the music in a way that is timeless.”
Roses Grogues is out on 12th March.
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/ferranorriols_rosesgrogues
Darrere els horts is a deeply personal yet expansive record. Orriols has invited friends, local musicians, and some of his greatest musical heroes to be part of his creative process, blending their voices with the natural sounds of the Catalan countryside.
Recorded in a repurposed chicken farm in La Torre d’Oristà, the small village near Barcelona where Orriols was born, this album is woven from moments of freedom, human connection, and a return to the childhood joy of making songs with a broomstick. It’s an explosion of creativity that urges us to pause, appreciate simplicity, and reconnect with a slower, more heartfelt way of life.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferrannandu/