Post Description

Americana, Scottish alt-country, celtic, folk.

Right from the opening song I'm laying out my personal politics and beliefs on this album, hopefully with sensitivity and compassion but without apology. As the album title suggests, this is a sombre collection of songs gleaned from the shady side of history with underlying themes of karma and repercussion. The lyrics speak of horror, violence and oppression but there’s also heroism, bravery and love too.

I didn't set out to make such a heavy album but it's impossible not to be affected by what is happening in the world today so things took a darker turn as recording progressed. Like Settler, most of these songs were recorded at home (aka But n Ben Studio) and we kept the finished tracks as natural sounding as possible. I don’t read or write music. I have very basic equipment with no recording software so when I’m playing a fiddle part I need to be aware of what the banjo might do. For me, it’s a very immediate and satisfying way to make music.

I hope the deep respect I have for tradition and heritage is evident but I consider myself a contemporary folk artist. Folk music shouldn't be stuck in the past. It’s constantly being written and rewritten, and while I might throw a little light onto certain historical events, I’m also trying to create new stories and songs that reflect on life today. I was so invested in these songs that I considered every aspect to the point where I was writing and arranging for guest artists I hadn’t even approached yet. Had Angeline Morrison not agreed to sing on “Empire In Me” I probably wouldn’t have recorded it. As I was putting the title track “Dark Harvest” together I could hear Nathan Bell’s voice and guitar. For “Out On The Western Plain” I wanted someone who could play bottleneck blues with all of Rory Gallagher’s fire and sensitivity and we found it in Ireland's Pat McManus.

I'm indebted to my label Need To Know Music for their steadfast support. Thinking back to September 6th 2020 when I received an email out of the blue from Brian Brinkerhoff in California. He’d just been tipped off about ‘Skail’ from his friends at Americana Highways who gave the EP a glowing review. Said he’d been a music producer for much of his life and mentioned some of the great artists he’s worked with… and he’s keen to work with me!
Over the next few days we talk politics, family, books, films, history, cooking, Scotland, America and of course music and pretty soon the conversation comes around to how we could collaborate on an album and what form it might take.
That first contact was the start of the most important musical relationship of my life and I now count Brian as a personal friend and mentor. Together we released ‘Settler’ in November 2021 and here we are again two years later with ‘Dark Harvest’. To work with someone who has a real passion for the art of music is a privilege, an education and a huge boost to my confidence as a songwriter and musician.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this journey. You allow me to continue producing music and to keep my old Toyota rolling up and down the road. I couldn't do this without you.

Tracks:
1. Strong Is the North Wind (3:05)
2. The Church & the Crown (4:16)
3. Red River Woman (3:44)
4. Empire in Me (4:32) met Angeline Morrison
5. Dark Harvest (3:55) met Nathan Bell
6. Out on the Western Plain (3:09) met Pat McManus
7. Brave David Tyrie (4:32)
8. The Nightjar's Fall from Grace (4:46)
9. Buffalo Thunder (4:16)
10. She Told Me Not to Go (4:19)
11. Heather and Honey (4:40)
12. The Last Bowman (8:08)
13. Drowsy Maggie (3:34)
14. Semi Scotsman (3:07)
totale tijdsduur: 1:00:03

Staat er compleet op, 10% pars mee gepost. Met zeer veel dank aan de originele poster. Laat af en toe eens weten wat je van het album vindt. Altijd leuk, de mening van anderen. Oh ja, MP3 doe ik niet aan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0EkobXBEW4