'Avocet Revisited' is a four track EP, commissioned by Earth recordings as a companion piece to Bert Jansch’s 1979 avian-themed masterstroke ‘Avocet’. Again drawing inspiration from the resplendence of birds native to British waters (Bert himself was a keen ornithologist), Earth invited this quartet of artists to each choose a species that particularly speaks to them, and base a track around it. The results have been universally graceful, evocative, and majestic - much like the creatures themselves.
Fulmar
Drifting low and gliding high, the flight patterns of this gull-like creature are echoed in Edwyn Collins and Carwyn Ellis’s paean to the bird that spends most of its life airborne. Part waltz, part lullaby, ‘Fulmar’ is exquisite in its simplicity, with Carwyn’s elegant arrangements providing the perfect foil for Edwyn’s unmistakeable intonation.
Curlew
The opening of Modern Studies’ track - the call of the Curlew itself - is as recognisable as the looping feathered frame of its namesake. Perfectly showcasing the handsome orchestral arrangements that have become the group’s signature style, there is a lightness of touch here that evokes Virginia Astley’s ‘From Gardens Where We Feel Secure’.
Goosander
Another Scottish resident, both artist and avian. Unmistakably Alasdair Roberts, ‘Goosander’ is at once refined and somewhat feral; Alasdair’s picking supplemented by sighing organ drones and spartan electric guitar.
Golden Plover
Playing us out, Trembling Bells’ contribution has a Harvest feel - the last days of summer invoked by the warm refrain and gentle orchestration found on 'Golden Plover’. In another lifetime, this song - infused with the sounds of yesteryear - could very easily have made it onto the Wicker Man soundtrack… which should tell you all you need to know. A pagan hymn reimagined for the Scarfolk era! The band is joined by Callum Calderwood (violin), Rory Haye (vocals), Andrew Pattie (vocals) and Belle & Sebastian’s Stevie Jackson (12 string guitar).
Artwork again comes from Earth collaborator Hannah Alice (recently nominated for the Art Vinyl 2016) who has gifted each bird magnificent new plumage in her unique style.
credits
released August 11, 2017
A1 Edwyn Collins & Carwyn Ellis - Fulmar
A2 Modern Studies - Curlew
B1 Alasdair Roberts - Goosander
B2 Trembling Bells - Golden Plover
supported by 16 fans who also own “Avocet Revisited”
What I really like about this album is how it keeps its pastoral head above a Britain that was in upheaval.
The musicianship is superb. Who cannot be taken by the opening track of Avocet. steve hazelton
supported by 14 fans who also own “Avocet Revisited”
As for any of Bert’s album I never regretted the money spent.
There is always some gems and the rest is nothing less than very good, to say the least.
In this collection, however, there is the best folk song written in the current century.
Ok, it’s just my opinion, but Bright Sunny Morning sounds like Delia, Stagger Lee or Frankie & Johnny.
Sounds already as an old standard, though written on a modern tragedy. Paolo Martinelli
West Virginia country-folk singer-songwriter Trae Sheehan aims to find a balance between the traditional and the modern on his new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 29, 2020
supported by 13 fans who also own “Avocet Revisited”
it's a pity that the digital download only included the first three albums. The new material on "Picking Up The Leaves" is not in the download. Hugh Townley