Thanks to Ian Taylor of R2 – Rock’n’Reel – magazine for reviewing the Distance.
“It is hard, however, to single out highlights on an album packed with them, and which has no weak link”
“The intelligence, emotion, poetry and poignancy in his writing and performance is there for all to hear. Compelling stuff.”
We’ve joined forces to bring you a song for Beeston Oxjam 2018. Phil noticed a distinct lack of sea-faring songs around Beeston, and so composed a poignant shanty to complement the recent appearance of a beach just behind The Square. ‘Way to Go’ was recorded by Steve in his secret man-cave with the help of Frank and Mark. It features Simon Thompson’s outstanding a cappella group, Oldish Spice, together with the PLB and special guest Andy Inns on bodhran.
Way to Go is available from our Bandcamp page with all profits going to the wonderful Beeston Oxjam Takeover music festival that is raising funds for Oxfam.
We’re more than a little bit thrilled to be supporting the stunning Scots band Old Blind Dogs at The Old King’s Head, Belper on Saturday 29 September. Get your tickets here before they sell out.
You are warmly invited us with our good friends Carmina at the Maze on July 8th. Tickets £10.
Tickets re available online here.
Carmina began their career in Bristol in the 1990’s; since then they have toured all over the world and recorded five albums, two of which were produced by Irish music legend Donal Lunny. Their music is an intoxicating blend of Celtic-inspired themes and jazz improvisation, woven together in powerful original songs. The line-up for the Maze features the band’s founder members and songwriters Pippa Marland (vocals, saxes, whistles) and Rob King (acoustic guitar, bodhran) with long-time Carmina member Paul Bradley on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars. The trio will be playing material from their new album ‘Landmarks’ along with other songs from their extensive repertoire.
‘Glorious… gorgeously haunting’ – Time Out
www.carmina.co.uk
We’re pleased to re-issue Phil’s 2005 CD ‘This Day’ as a free download. This 14 track album of original songs and settings features band favourites such as ‘County Cork to Downeast Maine’, ‘Dunmanus Bay’ and ‘Crossing Brooklyn Bridge’. It’s produced by Frank McCarthy and features Steve & Penny Benford, Chris Pitcher, Milli Galgut, Rick Dizon and Ali Dennis.
You can download all 14 tracks free from Soundcloud at this link.
Catch up with Phil’s account of his trip to Moniack Mhor where he wrote The Distance – the title track of our new album.
Thanks Muff Fitzgerald for this lovely review. Well more of a full-on psychoanalysis of Phil really.
“Looking into Langran’s brain is rather like looking into the Chauvet Cave with a torch. Marvels that shimmer with great beauty are painted on the walls of his occipital lobe, reflected in the flickering flames of his calming songs. Beautiful plumes rise and billow with the wind and then disperse like motes of dust. Just like us.”
