Show of Hands: Centenary Words & Music of the Great War
Jul 16, 2014 19:42:17 GMT
brianr2 likes this
Post by mandovark on Jul 16, 2014 19:42:17 GMT
Technically, Centenary Words & Music of the Great War is a collaborative project rather than a Show of Hands album (which is why it isn't available in their online shop). Steve, Phil, Miranda and members of the SoH 'extended family' - including Jackie Oates, Jim Causley, Paul Downes, Mark Tucker - provide the music, with Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter (from Downton Abbey, apparently) handle the spoken-word parts. CD 1 is a selection of poems from the First World War, read to musical accompaniments that use popular tunes of the period. CD 2 is new songs on war themes, including both new recordings of some SoH standards and some new songs.
The first thing to say about this album is that it definitely isn't easy listening, particularly CD 1. This is an album that needs careful listening and, as you might imagine, some of the sentiments being expressed are very unsettling ones (the first poem, for example, is Wilfred Owen's 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'). One of the real strengths of the project is that the poetry selections don't simply push one take on the war: the horror is very much there, but there's also patriotism, nostalgia, requiems for the fallen, families left behind writing for their loved ones in the trenches, and more. One of the aims of the project was to convey at least something of the range of ways in which the war was experienced. The musical accompaniment adds texture to the readings, but is never more than subtle. The words are at the forefront, as they should be.
CD 2 is slightly more familiar territory for SoH fans. There is a new recording of Steve Knightley's 'The Keeper' (called 'The Gamekeeper' here). It's a very good version of one of my favourite SoH songs, more textured than the original, though I did find myself missing simplicity of Knightley's original concertina accompaniment. The other SoH standard here is a strong live version of 'The Blue Cockade' - not technically a new recording as it has appeared on the Live at Shrewsbury Folk Festival DVD. The unexpected gems on this CD, for me, are the choral arrangement of Chris Hoban's 'The Padre' and a partially a capella 'Silent Night' (the best new version of this song I've heard since Simon and Garfunkel's).
There has been and will be lots of WWI-themed music this year, but for me, Centenary is a standout. SoH and their team have treated the subject matter with real respect, and they allow the words of the wartime poets to speak for themselves. There is some fine playing on the album - anyone who hasn't heard Phillip Henry play slide guitar yet is missing a treat - but for understandable reasons the music is quite restrained, without the instrumental solos that you would usually find on an SoH album. It's a thoughtful, effective and often deeply moving project. Highly recommended.
The first thing to say about this album is that it definitely isn't easy listening, particularly CD 1. This is an album that needs careful listening and, as you might imagine, some of the sentiments being expressed are very unsettling ones (the first poem, for example, is Wilfred Owen's 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'). One of the real strengths of the project is that the poetry selections don't simply push one take on the war: the horror is very much there, but there's also patriotism, nostalgia, requiems for the fallen, families left behind writing for their loved ones in the trenches, and more. One of the aims of the project was to convey at least something of the range of ways in which the war was experienced. The musical accompaniment adds texture to the readings, but is never more than subtle. The words are at the forefront, as they should be.
CD 2 is slightly more familiar territory for SoH fans. There is a new recording of Steve Knightley's 'The Keeper' (called 'The Gamekeeper' here). It's a very good version of one of my favourite SoH songs, more textured than the original, though I did find myself missing simplicity of Knightley's original concertina accompaniment. The other SoH standard here is a strong live version of 'The Blue Cockade' - not technically a new recording as it has appeared on the Live at Shrewsbury Folk Festival DVD. The unexpected gems on this CD, for me, are the choral arrangement of Chris Hoban's 'The Padre' and a partially a capella 'Silent Night' (the best new version of this song I've heard since Simon and Garfunkel's).
There has been and will be lots of WWI-themed music this year, but for me, Centenary is a standout. SoH and their team have treated the subject matter with real respect, and they allow the words of the wartime poets to speak for themselves. There is some fine playing on the album - anyone who hasn't heard Phillip Henry play slide guitar yet is missing a treat - but for understandable reasons the music is quite restrained, without the instrumental solos that you would usually find on an SoH album. It's a thoughtful, effective and often deeply moving project. Highly recommended.
Jo whoever he is.
