This ensemble of songs is the result of a song writing collaboration between Amanda Boyd and Graeme Furlong. It began during the song writing workshops of Jane Taylor and Rob Bray. The songs are written in response to Chris Willoughby's Somerset Levels photography and other tales from local Somerset folk.
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.
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."
The last two English winters have had a devastating effect on the land and environment particularly in the South West. The farming community has suffered.
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.
Amanda and Graeme categorically disapprove of any harm towards any creature. The song is based on a story they read and a traditional livelihood of some people who lived in Somerset.
Amanda and Graeme categorically disapprove of any harm towards any creature. The song is based on a story they read and a traditional livelihood of some people who lived in Somerset.
If you would like a copy of the album please get in touch via the contact page.
All Vocals: Amanda Boyd
Instrumentals and musical accompaniments: Graeme Furlong and Rob Bray.
Recorded and produced at Ludo Music.
Art work by Nicola Carter www.nicolacarter.org.uk
All Vocals: Amanda Boyd
Instrumentals and musical accompaniments: Graeme Furlong and Rob Bray.
Recorded and produced at Ludo Music.
Art work by Nicola Carter www.nicolacarter.org.uk
