Welcome to the home of Rif Mountain Records, a small independant co-op label.
You can now reserve your copy of Jason Steel's new album, The Weight of Care, ahead of its release on April 2nd - it comes as a deluxe LP package with a CD-r containing a special 'laid bare' mix of the album with no overdubs, and the first 50 copies will also come with an exclusive CD-r EP containing some newly recorded instrumental tracks.
To reserve your copy click here. { Steven }
Tickets are now on sale for the Leigh-on-sea leg of Jason Steel's tour - the date for your diary is Feb 17th 2012, and this should be a great night as Jason is playing with RM favourites, the utterly superb Cath & Phil Tyler. Also, this show is happening in the beautiful New Road Methodist Church where Jase played with Tom Paley last June - a really, really nice venue. The event is a preview concert for the 2012 Leigh Folk Festival which is happening over the last weekend of June, and tickets are a very reasonable 5 English pounds in advance from the LFF website.
On the subject of the Leigh Folk Festival, the 2012 line-up is already looking like the best ever IMHO, so be sure to keep checking the site for full details of that. { Steven }
Here's a quick update covering all forthcoming RM-related live activity.
Firstly, Jo Lepine of The Owl Service is performing a solo set in the bar at Cecil Sharp House (Regents Park Road, London N1) on January 19th. She'll be ably assisted by myself on electric guitar for part of her set, the rest will be unaccompanied.
Secondly, Jason Steel is heading out on tour next month in support of his imminently forthcoming second album, The Weight of Care. Dates are as follows;
10/2 - London, King's Place (w/Nancy Wallace)
13/2 - Liskeard, The Barley Sheaf
14/2 - Bristol, TBA
15/2 - Cheltenham, TBA
16/2 - Brighton, TBA
17/2 - Leigh-on-Sea, New Road Methodist Church (w/Cath & Phil Tyler)
18/2 - Ipswich, The Garden
Thirdly, the new duo of Greanvine (Diana Collier and me) will be making their debut live performance, opening the Leigh-on-sea date of Jason Steel's tour at the New Road Methodist Church on Feb 17th.
Fourthly, Roshi Nasehi will be performing in the Purcell Room at the Southbank Centre on March 9th as part of an event called Mary Pickford Revived, which sees three female artists performing scores to three silent films by Mary Pickford. Full details here.
Lastly, The Owl Service will be playing their final live show on Saturday March 24th at the Half Moon in Herne Hill, South London. Support comes from Roshi Nasehi.
That's all for now, we hope to see some of you out and about over the next couple of months.
{ Steven }
25 - Advisory Circle As the Crow Flies (Ghost Box)
The usual Ghost Box blend blend of vintage electronics, lo-fi sci-fi, 'hauntology' and general wyrdness - lovely.
24 - Michael Chapman Trainsong: Guitar Compositions (Tompkins Square)
An album of masterful instrumentals from the Hull legend, proving he's lost of none of the edge from his '70s heyday.
23 - Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Wolfroy Goes to Town (Drag City)
Just another BPB album said some, always a special and welcome thing say I.
22 - Bill Frisell Sign of Life: Music for the 858 Quartet (Fontana)
The sound of a genius at work.
21 - Bill Callahan Apocalypse (Drag City)
A voice like velvet and songs to die for.
20 - Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues (Sub-Pop)
This had less impact than the debut for sure, but stick with it and ye shall be rewarded. Some fine, fine songs and a true slow-burner.
19 - Beirut The Rip Tide (Pompei)
Zach Condon reinforces his claim to being among the very best young contemporary songwriters.
18 - Tape Revelationes (Hapna)
More stunning organic instrumental pieces from this fine Swedish trio.
17 - Earth Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light I (Southern Lord)
The Dylan Carlson renaissance continues with another brilliant set of cosmic American music for the 21st century.
16 - Radiohead King of Limbs (XL)
Continuing along the path they began over a decade ago with Kid A and still showing no signs of being anything less than exceptional. The only contemporary British alt rock band worth listening to for my money.
15 - Sleepingdog With Our Heads in the Clouds (Gizeh Records)
Third collaboration between Belgian singer Chantal Acda and Stars of the Lid's Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie, this record has grown on me more than any other this year.
14 - Julia Kent Green & Grey (Tin Angel)
Beautiful solo cello from the Candaian former member of Antony & the Johnsons.
13 - PG Six Starry Mind (Drag City)
Arguably surpassing 2006's superb Slightly Sorry, Pat Gubler is on fire here.
12 - Six Organs of Admittance Asleep on the Floodplain (Drag City)
More majestic, far out psych-folk guitar from Ben Chasny.
11 - The Gentle Good Tethered For the Storm (Gwymon)
Beautiful songs in English and Cymraeg from Cardiff-based Gareth Bonello, with equally impressive singing, playing and songwriting.
10 - Moonface Organ Music, Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped (Jagjaguwar)
Effectively a solo record from Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Frog Eyes and Swan Lake that poses the question, "How much awesome music can one man make?".
09 - Grails Deep Politics (Temporary Residence)
US post-rock meets Italian Giallo soundtrack - Grails most mature and impressive record to date.
08 - Wolves in the Throne Room Celestial Lineage (Southern Lord)
Tree-hugging US black metal for folks who don't like any other black metal - I've never been able to resist the majesty, beauty and brutality of Washington state's Weaver brothers.
07 - Nils Frahm Felt (Erased Tapes)
Gorgeous, lush ambient piano pieces from Berlin-based Frahm.
06 - Grumbling Fur Furrier (Aurora Borealis)
A supergroup containing Alexander Tucker, Daniel O'Sullivan and Jussi Lehtisalo had a lot to live up to; thankfully, this album delivers in spades.
05 - Barn Owl Lost in the Glare (Thrill Jockey)
Dark, heavy, psychedelic doom of the very highest order.
04 - Jonas Reinhardt Music For the Tactile Dome (Not Not Fun)
The best spacey krautrock I've heard for a long, long time.
03 - Tim Hecker Ravedeath, 1972 (Kranky)
Hecker sounds as peerless and essential as ever - crank it up through headphones to experience life-affirming sonic delights.
02 - Michael Garrick & Shake Keane Rising Stars (Trunk)
Thank the Lord for Johnny Trunk and his ability to bring us long lost nuggets like this exceptional set from Brit-jazz legends Michael Garrick and Shake Keane, accompanied by the Hastings Girls School Choir. Just beautiful.
01 - Burzum Fallen (Byelobog Productions)
Varg Vikernes has always divided opinion, even before the slaying of Øystein Aarseth, and he continues to do so with this, the second offering from the post-incarceration incarnation of Burzum. I've always been able to separate Varg the musician from his politics and church burning, murdering antics, and evaluate his music for what it is. For me, Vikernes has always made the very best black metal and he carries on this tradition with the sublime Fallen.
Out this week are Jason's new festive single I Lost my North, and also the RM Xmas album Bring us in Good Ale - both
are now available to download from the RM Bandcamp page.
{ Steven }
Our friends at Cold Spring have just released the 2 disc set John Barleycorn Reborn: Rebirth. As with the original CD release, this set (which was previously only available to download) includes tracks from The Owl Service and The Straw Bear Band - the Owls track is the Tigon Mix of Wake the Vaulted Echo by Malmo based producer RAF, while the Straw Bears offering is the original demo of Bear Ghost. The rest of the line-up is pretty fine too, including Telling the Bees, David A Jaycock, Yealand Redmayne, Wooden Spoon, Charlotte Grieg, Novemthree and Big Eyes Family Players among others, so this comes highly recommended. Order now from www.coldspring.co.uk. { Steven }
Linear Records of 2011
1) Various '... I Listen to the Wind That Obliterates My Traces' (Dust to Digital 2CD+book)
2) Cath & Phil Tyler 'Dumb Supper' (Mie Mie vinyl)
3) Beach Boys 'Smile' (Capitol)
4) Meg Baird 'Seasons on Earth' (Drag City)
5) John Fahey 'Your Past Comes Back to Haunt You' 5 CD boxset (Dust to Digital/Revenant)
6) Earth 'Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light pt.1' (Southern Lord)
7) Low 'C'mon' (Sub Pop)
8) Wolves in the Throne Room 'Celestial Lineage' (Southern Lord)
9) PG Six 'Starry Mind' (Drag City)
10) John Maus 'We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves' (Upset the Rhythm)
Non-Linear Records of 2011
1) Joni Mitchell 'For The Roses' (Asylum 1972)
2) John Lennon 'Plastic Ono Band' (Apple/EMI 1970)
3) Fats Waller 'New York Recordings 11/3/35 (HMV 1952)
4) Entourage Ensemble 'Entourage' (Folkways 1973)
5) Captain Beefheart 'Trout Mask Replica' (Straight 1969)
6) Blue Sky Boys 'Collectors Items' (Pronvincia vinyl...?)
7) Rachel's 'Selenography' (Quarterstick 1999)
8) Devo 'Freedom of Choice' (Warner Bros 1980)
9) Iron Maiden 'Powerslave' (EMI 1984)
10) Joni Mitchell 'Song To A Seagull' (Reprise 1968)
I should also mention that this year I fell back in love with the humble cassette mix-tape. I spent hours over the summer making tapes, complete with elaborate cover art. My favourites were a compilation of early 90s American indie 7"s & a mix inspired by the film Adventureland. Sincere wishes for a merry Christmas to you all. { Jason }
Hi, so it's that time again (all too soon). Continuing on from last year. I spent more time listening to instrumental music; in headphones, reading and drawing on my commute. Because of this, the first ten are instrumental (in no particular order, except that the top two are this year's ultimate favourites). Ranging from the power (post-punk metal) of The Psychic Paramount to the acoustic guitar picking of Glenn Jones. A lot of the albums are dark, moody and very cinematic.
On the next ten, we have a more vocal side. Mellower. Ranging from the pan-global chant of The Master Musicians of Bukkake, to the intelligent pop of Feist. 'O, o, o, bring them all back to life'. I hope this leads you to discover some gems.
Side A
The Psychic Paramount - II
The Haxan Cloak - The Haxan Cloak
Zomes - Earth Grid
Tim Hecker - Ravedeath, 1972
The Gentlemen Losers - The Gentlemen Losers
Grumbling Fur - Furrier
Nate Young - Stay Asleep (Regression vol.2)
Deep Magic - Lucid Thought
Cut Hands - Cut Hands
Glenn Jones - The Wanting
Side B
The Master Musicians of Bukkake - Totem Three
Alexander Tucker - Dorwytch
The Skull Defekts ft. Daniel Higgs - Peer Amid
Low - C'mon
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins - Diamond Mine
Weyes Blood - The Outside Room
Thee Oh Sees - Castlemania
Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
PG Six - Starry Mind
Feist - Metals
(images - Psychic Paramount vinyl, Psychic Paramount live, Haxan Cloak live, Feist)
Thank you, for all your support this year. Have a good christmas.
Cheers { Dom, The Straw Bear Band }
The new Owl Service single, All Things Being Silent, has arrived at RM HQ. It's the third part in the Pattern Beneath the Plough series, and the theme this time is murder most foul, containing as it does two songs concerning death. It's available as a limited edition 140g 7" single in heavy card sleeve with postcard insert. Orders from the RM website come with a mini CD-r of both tracks for those people without a record deck, while Pattern subscribers will receive a 5 track mini CD-r containing an additional 3 exclusive bonus outtakes/demos from the sessions.
There's only 300 copies for the world and you can order it now from the webstore. Pre-orders will be shipped out from Saturday, and it'll be available from all good indie stores on December 19th (distro via indie powerhouse SRD), or you can download both tracks now from the Rif Mountain Bandcamp. Thanks to Joolie Wood for providing the stunning string part on The Red Barn, and to Mark O for the photograph of the memorial to Maria Marten which we used for the postcard. { Steven }
Here's the video for Jason Steel's new digital single I Lost My North, available to download from December 19th. The video was put together by Jason with Andrew Cloke, we hope you enjoy it. { Steven }
All the best (and most poignant) songs I associate with Christmas were never written with 'seasonal smash hit' in mind; Stop the Cavalry, Imagine, Mad World, Only You, I Believe in Father Christmas, and no doubt plenty more. Recently, during the final recording session for Jason Steel's new album, The Weight of Care, Jason uttered the words 'Christmas number one' during playback of the song I Lost My North. He was only joking, at least I hoped he was, but then while mixing the track alone in the small hours of that night, his flippant words made a little more sense to me, and I realised that I Lost My North is indeed a great Christmas song (unintentionally of course, like all the best ones).
So, in very non-typical Rif Mountain fashion we've decided to release the song as a single next month. I'm sure it won't make even the smallest dent in the Xmas hit parade, but we figure that some of you out there will appreciate it at this time of year, and it'll serve as a fine taster for the forthcoming album which we hope to be unleashing in February/March time. The single will be available from iTunes and the Rif Mountain Bandcamp in in the week before Christmas, meanwhile me and the other Rif Mountaineers are planning to record some seasonal songs for a new Midwinter EP which we hope to make available as a download and a micro-run handmade CD-r package in a few weeks time. { Steven }
Leigh's premier unaccompanied vocal group The Honeygales have the prestigious honour of supporting the legendary Copper Family at a concert in Hadleigh, Essex next month. Full details on the gigs page... { Steven }
Modern folk is rubbish. I've spent most of this week revisiting my favourite albums of 2011 in preparation
for the obligatory end of year list, and I noticed the complete lack of any folk records, prompting the title of this
new mixtape from The Owl Service Jukebox. There are exceptions of course, but it seems to me that for every 1
Alasdair Roberts, Lucy Farrell or Sharron Kraus, there's 2 dozen singers/bands who are depressingly polished,
technically perfect but devoid of all feeling and completely lacking any kind of edge (and also seemingly incapable of
making a good record). For me, the vast majority of modern folk albums are the complete antithesis of all the revival
records I love from the 1960s and '70s, the records which inspired me to work in the field of traditional British song.
So in need of a fix of some visceral, emotive folk music to re-affirm my love for the genre I compiled this selection
of 37 tracks, all of which are songs that we've tackeld in The Owl Service over the years. I hope you enjoy it.
{ Steven }
Download Modern Folk is Rubbish (compiled & mixed by The Owl Service Jukebox)
The new Rif Mountain compilation CD, The Inner Octave, is now in stock and can be ordered from the webstore. It'll be available from all good indie shops and Amazon on Halloween. It contains music from various RM releases new and old, along with 7 previously unreleased tracks. { Steven }
Jason Steel is playing in Brighton tomorrow, supporting Viking Moses.
Find out more from here. { Dom }
I treasure the songs & playing of Bert Jansch. I've lived in his records at various points. I'm genuinely saddened by the news of his passing... this is a testament to the intimacy of his albums. I'm sure there will be much talk among fans & the public about his guitar innovations – I still marvel at his playing on record. His folk-baroque miniatures seem to stand taller than those of his peers. With their otherworldly melancholy & grace. But, it's his songs, his voice that won me over.
We all know that feeling when something happens with a record – the switch from appreciation & casual enjoyment, wonder even – to sudden dependancy. Sat in libraries, in front of computers, speaking over counters – you are desperate to get out of there and to be back with that sound, nestled. It becomes a kind of life-force. Jansch's 'Rosemary Lane' is one of my dearest, dearest records. It is an album I recall the taste of as much as the sound & feel, more even. It is, I feel the deepest testament to the mastery of Jansch's art. He built his castles high, and they will stand for all time. { Jason }
‘An’ birds do whissle auver head’
Hi all. Here is a fine compilation for you to download.
Compiled by the aural forager herself, Kyle Lonsdale (Rough Trade alumni and Resonance FM dj). Thanks Kyle.
It's a great collection of songs put together to celebrate the release of The A.Lords album. Speaking of which, the album is out now, and it has been picking up some good reviews from Norman Records, Fluid Radio and many others. The album is a languid slice of pastoral (vinyl with a cdr too). I'd recommend you check it out. {Dom}
The repackaged double CD containing the first 2 parts of the Pattern Beneath the Plough series is now in stock and shipping. As well as The Burn Comes Down and The View From a Hill, this set also includes 9 bonus tracks culled from out of print EPs and compilations spanning 2006-2010. Some notes for the completists among you - all bonus tracks are the same versions as those on their original releases except; The Church Grimm (remixed and unedited, the original version having a minute or so chopped off the start to fit on a 7"), The Stone Bequest (remixed), Fine Horseman (remixed), Saturnalia Song (remixed and partially re-recorded), Standing on the Shore (full version with coda, only previously available on The Black Sun comp.
Grab it from the RM webstore now, or any record shop worth it's salt from Monday. { Steven }
As some of you may know, this album has been a long time coming... a very long time. The finished copies arrived at RM Towers today, and it'll be released on September 5th. You can buy it directly from us, or if you're lucky enough to still have a local Olde Recorde Shoppe, you might find it in there. It's a beautiful thing - a 10 track vinyl LP, limited to 250 copies (half of which have already gone on pre-order). For those who don't own a record player, every copy comes with a CD-r containing the full album. Two pre-orders will be drawn at random, and those fortunate folks will also receive a lovely handmade mix CD with tracks selected by the fair hand of Resonance FM's Kyle Lonsdale, in a package designed and assembled by Rif Mountain's Dominic Cooper. You lucky people... { Steven }
All of us here at RM are extremely excited to be adding the first ever reissue of Dave Evans' Elephantasia album to our catagloue. Evans has been a firm favourite of ours ever since Adam Leonard turned us on to his classic debut record a few years ago. Since then, we've had the pleasure of meeting Dave and seeing him play at the Ghosts From the Basement gig, and now being given the green light to go ahead with this labour of love reissue project... well it's just the icing on the cake. We're planning a limited edition 180g vinyl pressing, remastered from the original tapes, and it should come to fruition in late October/early November if all goes to plan.
All those as yet untouched by the genius of Dave Evans would be well advised to head straight for the CD reissue of The Words in Between which includes several choice cuts from Elephantasia as bonus tracks. { Steven }
Jason Steel has a new EP out now - it's the first in a new series from us called Black Train Recordings. The idea is that we're going to have regular sessions which are quite loose and informal, and whatever we record in an evening is what we release. This EP contains 5 new songs from the set Jason prepared for his recent show with Tom Paley, recorded live to two microphones. It contains a single mini CD-r in a white handstamped envelope, housed in a black handstamped outer envelope with liner notes and a blockprinted postcard made by Jason himself. Limited to 30 numbered copies, available from the webshop now. { Steven }
Part four - Affirmation of the spirit
There were a few moments during the weekend that will stay with me. The real joy of friends with whom you share references & signposts. Being around a beautiful family. The very real sense of community that wove through the weekend... The Straw Bear Band's set, which floored me... Nottamun Town stilled the air. It felt elemental, and I felt privileged to hear it, to be in the room. It reached in and slowed the mind. Their new material was powerful. Somehow, there was a dignity to their set that was palpable.
The Owl's set - Hallelujah, I belong to the band.
Seeing Men Diamler perform alchemy in front of a congregation of exactly nineteen people. Burnt out from all the playing, I sat looking at my hands and felt him channel The Great Song through him. Then through all present. It was virtuosic in the truest sense. And loud - really loud. His voice made the wood of the church creak.
Nancy's singing. Her voice and playing is a balm.
Annual events are often emotional - you can't help but look back and asses - and a lot has happened this year. The Festival brought us together, as ever. But something was heightened, galvanised. Driving home with Nidge, the early evening sun pressed this home - a kind of affirmation of the spirit. Big love. { Jason }
Part three - Tired and emotional (continued)
We woke to glorious sunshine on Saturday but it didn't last - unlike the sweltering heat the Owls played in last year, the sun scarcely showed its face, but the show went on regardless. An impressive hardcore of music-lovers braved the rain and stayed put at the front of the main stage (no doubt helped by the presence of a real ale bar for the first time at LFF).
I think it's fair to say that Saturday evening's RM session in the old town surpassed all expectations. As the rain continued to fall I wondered who on earth was going to come out on such a night. I needn't have worried, as a stream of friends, family and new faces soon filled the room. The Honeygales kicked things off with a suitably lovely set of choice unaccompanied songs, and then came Lost Harbours whose brand of drone-psych-space-folk had an air of UFO club circa '68 about it. They were strangely well-suited to the rest of the bill (which owed more to Joe Boyd's production roster than his club), sitting somewhere between Third Ear Band and Principle Edwards Magic Theatre. With droney ragas on guitar and woodwind, megaphone chanting and bird song, LH were warmly received and rightly so. Nancy Wallace treated us to songs old and new, all of them as sublime as we've come to expect. There was even some audience participation. Us Owls kept it dark and heavy - as usual I was humbled by the response we received. We'd hoped to cajole a few people into doing floorspots throughout the evening, as many performers stay over on the Saturday night. We got more than we bargained for in the shape of Corncrow, Men Diamler and O'Hooley & Tidow. All three were wonderful and helped to turn a good night into a great one.
And so to Sunday; I like the Sunday mornings on Festival weekend, getting down to the old town early to start setting up, a nice bit of estuary air to clear the head. The weather still looked like it could go either way, but the forecasts were far more positive. Having been involved in both Friday and Saturday evening gigs, we decided to host a shorter program in the Clarendon this year, sharing the space with the lovely ladies from Sundown Multimedia. The afternoon began with the Straw Bear Band - how good it was to see Lewis back in the fold, and to hear a wealth of such wonderful songs. A great start to the day which continued on a high with the return to Leigh of Corncrow. We were treated to a COB cover, a banjo-based cameo from our own Mr Steel, and some clog dancing from Carmen, as well as the usual splendid singing and playing from Steve and Kim. Then it was time for The Fiends, which is myself, Jason, Dom and Nancy performing acoustic covers of songs by seminal horror-punk band The Misfits. We did it once before at a Halloween gig a couple of years ago and we had such a good time we decided to do it again. It was as ragged as anything, but so enjoyable, and I think the audience were (mostly) happy to come along for the ride.
We just about had time to catch our breath before Jason and Nancy's set, which was back in the methodist church where it all began on Friday evening. This time the sun was pouring in through the beautiful stained glass window as N & J's voices blended sublimely (yes, even more than usual I'd say). They sang a Gene Clark song with Nancy playing the house piano, they covered Low, they sang songs from the English tradition and ended with a rousing version of Leadbelly's Goodnight Irene. The soundman got a bit over-excited with the reverb knob, but it didn't really matter. This was perfect sound forever, and for me the perfect close to a perfect weekend. Neither my heart nor my head could take any more and I soon went home to rest, safe in the knowledge that this many-headed beast of a Festival was going to play out yet another success story, right up until the weekend's final chord had rung out over the Thames Delta mud. A good old time was had by organisers, performers and punters alike, and for the RM family, it can all be summed up in a single word - immense.
Thanks to everyone who came along and supported all the RM activity over the weekend, and all the artists who came and played with us. And a big thank you to Paul C for always being open to our ideas, and allowing us to indulge ourselves on such a scale in an effort to entertain. God bless you all. { Steven }
Part two - Family time by the sea
At the beginning (of time), I had initially looked forward to the Leigh Folk Festival. What's not to love? Before that I'd felt divided about playing another Straw Bear gig. But we eventually said 'yes' and jumped in. Then, as the week approached and life became entangled, work becoming too busy, I thought that I could really do without a full-on weekend. But it was too late to back out. The ever-generous Nidge picked me up from work, and we drove start stop all the way as part of the evening commuter crawl. On arrival we sought out the lovely Methodist church, with its vaulted wooden ceiling and nautical dioramas. Then we settled in for some rousing tunes from the Famous Potatoes, some country-blues from Jason Steel, and some nuggets of yesteryear from Tom Paley. After the Potatoes, Jason and Nancy sang an a-capella Old Records up to the rafters. Jason then played a great set that saw him end on Lord, I Must. In between we were treated to a 78s disco, where wind-up gramophones battled at snail's pace, crackling out the otherworld sounds of music from a distant era. Tom played my favourite Little Rabbit and talked us through the nuance of Freight Train. A friendly community vibe filled the church, and it was full to capacity. Everyone played great and the whole event felt stitched together. New and old merging into one. Creating the now.
That evening we lamented the days when events of a similar ilk were a regular thing and musicians could earn a living just playing music.
The next day was a mixture of book shopping, getting rained on. Hanging with Steven's kids. Practice. Marvel men made in to high towers. A glimpse of the ultimate office at Daryl's, and preparation for the evening event.
We got soaked in the Library gardens in the afternoon, with Punch & Judy beating the hell outta each other in the background. Dolly decided the rain was great, and danced a wickerman jig for some more, whilst we retreated.
Finally the evening rolled around. Killing time, I decided to fill the whiteboard of the Clarendon with the lineup and ended up creating a piece straight out of my sketchbook. Jason topped it off with a flaming skull. The evening descended, and the lampglow filled the scout hut. First to take the floor were The Honeygales, with their harmonies lifting high. Then Lost Harbours started their drone/chant. One audience member putting her fingers in her ears to block them out. Me and Jason joined in with the bird whistles on the third song. Next, a fine spot from Corncrow and a really great trio of a-capella songs from O'Hooley & Tidow. Before Nancy Wallace. Who was ever the delight. She played a new song tentatively titled 'Nest' and we joined in on the sublime 'Why'. After her, Men Diamler played his top track from the LFF cd and another. Then it was Owls time. Seven strong, we played a dark moody set that suited the evening atmosphere. A haunting 'Standing on the shore'. A brooding 'Bear Ghost', a drone led jangle of 'Cruel Mother'. Finishing with a communal sing along to 'Meet on the Ledge'. It was great to hear so many people singing throughout. Then the evening finished up with some vintage totp, and a nightcap from Steven.
The Sunday brought the return of sunshine and a rush to ready ourselves. Back at the Clarendon I scrawled the afternoons set on the whiteboard. Ran through some SBB tracks and took to the stage. We haven't played for awhile. Last May in fact for Lewis, as he broke his arm in an arm wrestling match. I was rusty, and forgot many a lyric. We played two new ones though, 'Bellarmine Jar' and 'Hawkers Hymn'. Alongside the usual numbers and our version of 'Bad Moon Rising'. I really lost my way on 'Stone by stone', but was heartened to hear the audience and friends fill in. Dedicating 'Lunar Light' to Bert, we ended again with people joining in on the oo's. A tear was shed and our work done.
I caught the end of a fine set from Corncrow. Then I joined Nancy, Jason and Steven on stage as a Fiend. We proceeded to profane our way through a batch of Misfits covers, singing out in unison on 'Cough Cool', notching up the swearing on a harmonious 'Angelfuck', messing around with the word 'bitch' on 'Where Eagles Dare' and going out on a high with 'Skulls', before the encore of 'Halloween'. Everyone really enjoyed it and we had a blast. A quick trip over the road led to Nancy & Jasons duo gig in the Methodist church. Taking in 'Through the morning, through the night' and 'Goodnight Irene', they sang their melodious blend. Rounding off an outstanding flurry of RM contribution to the festival. Unfortunately a train to catch back to London, meant we missed Men Diamler, but Jase assures us it was another highlight.
A fond farewell to another year. A wave goodbye to the sea breeze.
The whole weekend was testament to the power of friends, song, music and community. Enough to revive any cynic. Love.
Dom {chief Straw Bear, masked Owl and Brother Fiend}
Photos by me and Carmen Hunt, thanks to her and Stephen.
To be continued...
Part one - Tired and emotional
Well, another Leigh Folk Festival has come and gone. The morning after is always a strange one with a heavy come-down, but I feel particularly drained this year. There seemed to be more magic happening than usual, and I really felt that this year's Festival was greater than the sum of its parts. A lot of people in Leigh and its surrounding area have a special place in their hearts for the LFF, and it has undoubtedly grown in stature in recent years with an ever-expanding reputation beyond the town itself. It's now 4 years that me and my fellow Rif Mountaineers have been involved in the Festival, so I'd like to think we've played a small but significant part in its rise.
It could easily have all gone so very wrong this year - the weekend started badly when we received word on Friday afternoon that headliner Martin Carthy had pulled out having lost his voice, and this was followed by a journey from hell as me and Jase drove Tom Paley down from Islington in torrential rain and coastal-bound weekend traffic that was far heavier than usual. A truly classic evening sent spirits soaring though, and so began an incredible weekend of music and good times. The venue was buzzing as soon as we arrived and the vibe of Leigh's first ever old timey night was set perfectly by The Famous potatoes who played a more sripped-down set for the occasion. Between the acts, Paul and Richard from the FPs treated us all to a 78rpm disco as they duelled with their well-chosen sets of shellacs on wind-up gramophones at 10 paces. Next up was Jason Steel, and he was on splendid form, also playing a set prepared specially to suit the event. A bit of Charlie Patton, a dash of Mississippi John Hurt, a soupçon of Appalachia, and one or two Steel originals sitting happliy alongside them holding their own. Awesome. After another round of 78s Tom Paley took to the stage and instantly had the sold-out audience in the palm of his hand, hanging on his every word. Tom enchanted us all with over an hour of songs and stories. Come the end, nobody was ready to go home, least of all Tom who ended up regaling his hosts well into the small hours so we heard. In fact we all came away buzzing, and it took the best part of a bottle of bourbon before me, Jason, Dom and Kim Corncrow were ready to call it a night. { Steven }
To be continued...
There's a heavy Rif Mountain presence at the 2011 Leigh Folk Festival, taking place this coming weekend in coastal Essex; Jason Steel will be supporting the legendary Tom Paley at the New Road Methodist Church on Friday June 17th (£5 admission), then The Owl Service, Nancy Wallace and The Honeygales are playing in The Clarendon, Old Leigh the following evening (free entry), and finally on Sunday June 18th, The Straw Bear Band and Rif Mountain supergroup The Fiends play in the Clarendon (from midday, free entry), while the Wallace-Steel Group play the New Road Methodist Church at 3pm (free entry).
There's plenty of other great music to witness across the weekend of course - our choice picks being;
The Kittiwakes - Library Gardens, Saturday afternoon; the band will be airing some impressive new songs from their forthcoming second album
Lost Harbours - The Clarendon, Saturday evening; Southend based space-folk duo, supporting The Owl Service
Men Diamler, O'Hooley & Tidow, Pamela Wyn Shannon - New Road Methodist Church, Sunday afternoon; a superb line-up of acts all under the same roof
Galley Beggar - Peter Boat stage, Sunday morning; authentic '70s folk-rock
Martin Carthy, Lucy & Jacob Farrell, Cass Meurig & Nial Cain - Billet Wharf stage, Sunday afternoon; another fantastic trio of acts all gracing the same stage, we're particularly looking forward to the Farrells and their jaw-droppingly beautiful interpretations
Corncrow - The Clarendon, Sunday afternoon; wonderful singing and playing from this Cornwall based duo, they'll be sandwiched between 2 RM acts on Sunday afternoon
We look forward to seeing you there... { Steven }
This year's Leigh Folk Festival companion CD, Fire, Feathers, Felony & Fate, is now available to order from the LFF website. 21 tracks on a single CD in a foldout card wallet, this fine comp highlights some of the superb music on offer at the 2011 Festival, including our own Straw Bear Band and Wallace & Steel alongside Martin Carthy, Pamela Wyn Shannon, O'Hooley & Tidow and more. The album is in stock and shipping now, visit www.leighfolkfestival.com to grab yourself one. { Steven }
Big thanks to Mark @ The Garden for these great shots from the Village Thing all-dayer last September... { Steven }
The 2011 Leigh Folk Festival kicks off in style this year with an evening of old timey music in the chapel of the splendid 1930s New Road Methodist Church in Old Leigh on Friday June 17th. Headlining is the legendary co-founder of The New Lost City Ramblers Tom Paley, ably supported by Jason Steel and Leigh's very own 'sultans of soil' The Famous Potatoes. You will also be treated to a 78 rpm disco courtesy of the Leigh Gramophone Society, and a cameo from Owl & Bear performing some electrifying garage-gospel.
Tickets are 5 pounds and you're advised to book in advance as this lovely, intimate venue holds less than 100 people. Visit the webshop at www.leighfolkfestival.com for tickets.
{ Steven }
Fans of Nancy Wallace and Jason Steel are in for a bumper treat next week when the pair take over the Rout of the Blues night at the Wilmington Arms in Clerkenwell. The evening will include solo sets from both of them, and that'll be followed by a performance from the Wallace/Steel Group where they'll be backed by Joolie Wood on violin and myself on electric bass (depping for double bass supremo Jonny Bridgwood who's otherwise engaged). Full details can be found at Time Out, we look forward to seeing you there. { Steven }
A great gig is happening later this month in the ancient capital of Wales, Machynlleth. Featuring Clive Palmer, Wizz Jones and Pete Berryman, a supporting cast spearheaded by the excellent Sharon Kraus, and author Jeanette Leach reading from her anthology of 'wyrd-folk' Seasons They Change. Highly recommended if you're in that neck o' the woods...
{ Steven }
We're in the process of making all of our releases (new, old and out-of-print) available as digital downloads via our Rif Mountain Bandcamp page. New stuff will be appearing every few days so keep checking for new content, and if there's something from the vaults you particularly want then let us know and we'll see if we can fastrack it for you. { Steven }
Our friends at Audio Antihero have put together a charity album for the Japanese earthquake appeal. It's called Bob Hope Would, it's available from their Bandcamp page as a download priced at 3.99, and it features a host of AA artists plus some invited guests. We've contributed a new version of The North Country Maid from the forthcoming Owl Service album Garland Sessions. Please support this fine project - thank you. { Steven }
A week can seem like a very long time.
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our friend Adam, who played drums in The Straw Bear Band. He died a week last Monday. Our thoughts go out to his family, his girlfriend, and his friends.
Adam was a great guy with a zany, eccentric character, and very funny. He was also one of the nicest, kindest people you could meet.
We have great memories of playing at gigs together. Of hanging out, and travelling. We will always remember the whole recording experience, where the tea breaks and banter became more important and fun. We probably took too many in fact. The week prior, we were working on finalising mixes for the new album. We were all excited at how it sounded, and we are so proud of the work he put in recording us. His drumming always transformed a track.
The album will see the light of day soon, and will be a fitting tribute to him. We really feel like this record is his, he put a lot of effort in, and his vision of how it should sound has shaped it so much.
Unfortunately we've had to cancel the upcoming gigs that we were looking forward to. Apologies. We plan to put on an event in his honour sometime soon though.
At a time like this we urge you to reassess your life, to do that thing you've always wanted to, to declare your love, or to just show your eccentric heart.
Goodbye Adam, we will miss you. We feel lucky to have known you, and we won't forget you.
{ Dom & Lewis }
For folks in the south east there's two Rif Mountain live events happening to nicely bookend next week. Firstly, on Monday (March 7th) we're launching our two new EP releases - by Roshi featuring Pars Radio and Robert Sunday - with an intimate event in the bar at Cecil Sharp House. Performing live will be Rob and Roshi, with support from Same Actor and floorspots from Jo Lepine, Diana Collier and Laura Hulse. Doors open at 19:30, free admission but space is very limited so arrive early for a free/exclusive gig CD, badges etc.
Then on Friday (March 11th) we're heading north to Suffolk for Albion Nights 2, hosted by the Garden DJs { www.myspace.com/thegardenpresents }. Jason Steel performs live, ably assisted by Nancy Wallace (both airing new material from their forthcoming albums) with support from the Norwich Harp Society. It's happening at PJ McGinty's in Ipswich, kicking off at 8pm and admission is 3 English pounds. { Steven }
Next week sees the release of the Peter Bellamy tribute album, The Oak, Ash and Thorn Project. Curated by our friends at the splendid new label Folk Police Recordings, the album sees an impressive array of contemporary folk artists paying homage to the legendary singer. As fRoots have already pointed out, "...it's a rare 16-track collection in its own right where the fast forward button isn't required" - we couldn't agree more. I was most honoured to be asked to contribute a track to the album - we tackeld King Henry VII & the Shipwrights which is one of my favourite tracks from one of my favourite Bellamy albums (Oak, Ash & Thorn). The original version is just Peter's vocal and Barry Dransfield's fiddle, but we decided to go for a far bigger sound (massive thanks to Paul McDowell for providing a great accordion part at a minute's notice!)...
Also on the album you'll find Jon Boden, Sam Lee, Emily Portman, Trembling Bells, Lisa Knapp, Jackie Oates, The Unthanks, Cath & Phil Tyler and more - a stellar cast I'm sure you'll agree. The album is a single disc in 6-panel foldout card sleeve with booklet, and is availalbe to order now direct from the label... { Steven }
Monday March 7th will see the return of our Meet on the Ledge club night after a 5 month hiatus. We're back to simultaneously launch two new EPs; Mehregan from Roshi featuring Pars Radio, and Butterfly Hairslide from Robert Sunday. Both Rob and Roshi will be performing live, and they'll be joined by several special guests. As usual, it's in the downstairs bar at Cecil Sharp House, everything kicks off at 7:30pm, arrive early for a free CD and other giveaways. The two EPs are scheduled to be released on March 14th, with a bit of luck and a fair wind we'll have stock in time for the launch. { Steven }
This Friday, Nancy Wallace embarks on a mini european tour with Sharron Kraus. She will play in France first, joining Sharron in Zwolle, The Netherlands. Then on to Belgium. Nancy has prepared a little tour CD especially. 50 handstamped CDs, each with a different vintage photograph mounted on the front plus insert. This tour is to promote Sharron's new album The Woody Nightshade, which Nancy sings on. Find out about the album from the label Strange Attractors Audio House. { Dom }
I've just heard the news that Trish Keenan of Broadcast died this morning. Right now I feel utterly numb about this, but I just wanted to post this to say that Broadcast were a truly unique band, one of my favourite bands of the past 15 years, and a huge influence on me as a musician and producer. Trish was a superb singer, lyricist and musician who I'm sure had so much more wonderful music in her. This is the most tragic news I've heard in a long time. Rest in peace Trish. { Steven }
Our last release of 2010 happened amidst much snow-based, Christmas chaos and some of you may have missed it - it's our first vinyl release, a beatiful 7" single containing 2 exclusive medieval tracks by Alasdair Roberts and friends. It's limited to 500 copies for the world and we have a few left so grab one while you can from the shop page, also available from all good indie stores.
To celebrate this release, Dom Cooper recorded his own splendid interpretation of Alasdair's song Farewell Sorrow - here's Dom to tell you more...
Back in the day, I was into the Chicago scene. Meaning the acts that were on Thrill Jockey and Drag City mainly. I had both the Appendix Out albums, so I knew of Alasdair, but it wasn't until his first album on Rough Trade that I really took notice. It quickly became a favourite, (I had yet to hear The Crook of My Arm album and join all the folk song dots up). I just knew that those raw songs connected to me in the same way Will Oldham did, and Bert Jansch later would. Leading on to other things. Around that time I saw several great gigs from Alasdair and his band, (including Alex Neilson on drums). I remember a really good one at Spitz. He wasn't someone I thought I'd try and cover, as his style is so distinct and honest. But to coincide with us releasing his single, I gave it try. For my version of the lead song from the album Farewell Sorrow, I started out playing harmonium and recorded myself singing along live to that. In the process I skewed the chords a bit. With that demo I asked Martin to transpose it to the piano. He'd played the piano part on the track Bear Ghost. He also recently composed a piece for the BBC 4 Power of Maps promo. Putting the track on piano was tricky at first, because Martin wasn't used to playing so slowly. But we got there in the end. Thanks to Martin's patience with me. I enjoyed singing the words, and I hope you like it. { Dom }
Vocals - Dom Cooper. Piano - Martin Gear
Arranged by Dom & Martin, recorded by Martin at his studio Nov/Dec 2010
Various Artists
The Inner Octave CD
click to buy
The Owl Service
All Things Being Silent 7"
click to buy
