Songs Of Separation due 29 January 2016
Album release: Songs of Separation by various artists
Release date: 29 January 2016
Label: Navigator Records
More info: Songs of Separation website
'Songs of Separation' is a highly significant collaborative recording project which reflects, through song, the issue of ‘separation’ in its many forms. Featuring ten of England and Scotland’s most celebrated female contemporary folk artists, together they explore the similarities and differences in our musical, linguistic and cultural heritage. The ten participants are Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Rowan Rheingans, Mary Macmaster, Hannah Read, Kate Young, Jenn Butterworth, Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Jenny Hill (who conceived the project). For individual biog info see here
Ahead of the release of the ‘Songs of Separation’ album and tour, Navigator Records are pleased to announce the release (on 20th Nov 2015) of a double A-side single release from the forthcoming album; Echo Mocks the Corncrake, feat. Karine Polwart, and A’ For Our Rightfu’ King, feat. Hannah Read. Listen to Echo Mocks the Corncrake
Recorded in the fairy-tale setting of the Isle of Eigg (in the Scottish Inner Hebrides) and set in the context of a post-referendum world, ‘Songs of Separation’ is not simply a beautiful collection of traditional and self-penned songs, but also aims to prompt new thinking about the issue of separation as it occurs in all our lives. The process of developing the music was documented and shared with audiences each day, through a range of videos.
The 'Songs of Separation' ensemble will embark on a short tour early in 2016, culminating at Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow on 24th January. The artists will be hosting a party on 24th January and would like to welcome supporters from the press and music industry to join in celebration (details to be announced shortly).
'Songs of Separation' aims to capture a sense of our times, exploring topical social and political issues through powerful music.