This ensemble of songs is the result of a song writing collaboration between Amanda Boyd and Graeme Furlong, which began during the song writing workshops of Jane Taylor and Rob Bray in 2013. Two artist's response to Chris Willoughby's Somerset Levels photography and other tales from local Somerset folk.
Homage to the people, traditions & occupations of this great County. The county’s name derives from the Old English name ‘Sumortûnsǣte’ originally part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. Gaelic names for the County (‘Gwlad yr Haf’, ‘Gwlas an Hav’ & ‘Bro an Hanv’) all literally translate into “Country of the Summer."
On the Somerset coast, a small band of men have fished the mud-flats of Bridgwater Bay for centuries. Coastal communities organised their own harvest when the waters still produced a good yield. The ‘mud horse’ is hand built and resembles a large sledge in construction and is essential in order to navigate over the treacherous terrain.
Stakes are driven into the mud & nets are strung between them. The tide comes in and as it withdraws the fish appear in the nets. They are then collected in the mud horse. Historically this profession was passed from father to son for generations.
Stakes are driven into the mud & nets are strung between them. The tide comes in and as it withdraws the fish appear in the nets. They are then collected in the mud horse. Historically this profession was passed from father to son for generations.
The great British pub has been in decline for decades, with establishments closing at the rate of over 20 per week. Historically the heartbeat & focal-point of village life it was a welcoming environment for people to socialise & meet new friends.
The last two English winters have had a devastating effect on the land and environment particularly in the South West. And no industry has suffered as much as the farming community, an industry which has helped to feed its local people for centuries.
Rook Scarers were employed by farmers to keep bird life from eating the newly sown crops. The work involved running around in a field from sunrise to sunset using all manner of devices to scare the birds away, normally involved hitting tin cans or pots & pans. It was very hard and physically demanding and vitally important to the farmer and notoriously low paid. Often the ‘Scarer’ was paid in cheese or cider.
(No birdies were harmed during the making of this song)
(No birdies were harmed during the making of this song)
All Vocals: Amanda Boyd
Instrumentals and musical accompaniments: Graeme Furlong and Rob Bray.
Recorded and produced at Ludo Music.
Instrumentals and musical accompaniments: Graeme Furlong and Rob Bray.
Recorded and produced at Ludo Music.
