Redundant Pigeon - Dave Brocksopp
Whilst this song is amusing and we all know the feelings engendered by listening to the "I'm on the train" conversations, the fate of the messenger pigeon still manages to pull the heart strings.

Silly Drunkard - Traditional/ Steve Black
I first heard this song a few years ago on a 'fishing trip' in Lancashire (no fish, plenty of song and drink). It's based on a traditional wife beating song recorded by Steeleye Span in 1976 which has been subjected to the Doctor Steve Black effect resulting in this gentler and more remorseful version.
Listen to a clip RealAudio - Windows Media - MP3 (download)

Cornish Lads - Roger Bryant
Written in 1994 when the Russian factory ships and Scottish trawlers wer decimating the mackerel shoals off the Cornish cost and the Geevor Tin Mine at Botallack was closed and left to drown.

Angels of Lincoln - John Conolly
The medieval stonemasons who often gave the church statuary the faces of their families inspired John to write this song and help raise money for the Lincoln Cathedral maintenance fund.

Old Adam - Traditional
I have taken this great song, of the celebration of women and their relationship with us men, from the Sussex based Copper family repertoire. It proves that a good song will survive no matter how long ago it was written.

Drums of Childhood Dreams - Pete Arnold
A very atmospheric song which poses the question that perhaps I would ask if required to go to war. The recording I made of this song in 1995 is no longer available and following many requests I have included it on this CD.

Weary Winter - John Conolly
This song refers to itinerant agricultural workers who, from Spring until Autumn, travelled the country seeking work in order to support their families.

Geevor Lads - Mike O'Connor
Created after hearing the wind howling through the old mine workings during a winter gale in Cornwall, I feel if we all take the time to stop and listen to the past there is hope for the future.

The Last Watch - Stan Rogers
Stan prophetically pinpointed the dilemma many of us baby boomers may face on retirement, a lack of pension. The ex-ferry captain in the song was forced to take up night watching in order to make ends meet.
Listen to a clip RealAudio - Windows Media - MP3 (download)

The Old Whale Boat - Dave Brocksopp
Dave was watching the Whitby whale boat races and it came to him that he had never heard a song about whaling from the perspective of the boat so he rectified the omission with this song.

Oikan Anys Bethlem - Traditional
A loose translation of a traditional Gaelic song and learnt for a Mummers play several years ago. I haven't been able to get it out of my head so here it is.

Nancy Spain - Brendon Rust
Nancy Spain was a journalist, early T.V. personality ("what's My Line?" panellist) who was tragically killed while on a flight to Aintree Racecourse. This song has a beautiful lyrical Irish traditional feel to it.

The Hill - Phil Burkin
Written in the 1990's when the planners decided the road between the Medway Towns and Maidstone needed to be widened. Thanks for the song Phil and all those "Scuffing" days shared with the Hartley Morris Men.

The Night is Young - Colum Sands
The atmosphere created by this song reminds me of a small late night session run by Colum some years ago, at Broadstairs Folk Week. A magical night never to be forgotten by those of us lucky enough to have been there.