Embedded Files
Hard Labour: English Dulcimer and Squeeze Box by Bill Howarth and Pip Ives
Hard Labour: English Dulcimer and Squeeze Box by Bill Howarth and Pip Ives
Bill Howarth and Pip Ives
Hard Labour - the Sleeve Notes
Hard Labour - the Sleeve Notes
This CD taps into the English folk roots of the dulcimer, both as an instrument for song accompaniment and as a melody instrument playing traditional folk dance tunes with the dulcimer's distinctive ringing sound of beaters on strings. The dulcimer parts are complimented by chordal backing parts played on a range of squeeze boxes (melodeons and concertinas) which alternatively take a melody lead alongside the dulcimer in the tunes. Alongside these, further melody lines are provided by the oboe (in the capable hands of Flynn Sturgeon) and an occasional backing part provided by guitar or banjo. The overall effect is certainly distinctive and may, possibly, provide an insight into the role of the dulcimer in folk music making in times past.
This CD taps into the English folk roots of the dulcimer, both as an instrument for song accompaniment and as a melody instrument playing traditional folk dance tunes with the dulcimer's distinctive ringing sound of beaters on strings. The dulcimer parts are complimented by chordal backing parts played on a range of squeeze boxes (melodeons and concertinas) which alternatively take a melody lead alongside the dulcimer in the tunes. Alongside these, further melody lines are provided by the oboe (in the capable hands of Flynn Sturgeon) and an occasional backing part provided by guitar or banjo. The overall effect is certainly distinctive and may, possibly, provide an insight into the role of the dulcimer in folk music making in times past.
Bill Howarth plays a Dusty Strings dulcimer throughout, though some bass dulcimer parts have been added on a dulcimer made by Jerry Read Smith. Bill has sung and played English music for folk dancing at folk gatherings of all kinds, and is a regular player in folk clubs and sessions across East Kent.
Bill Howarth plays a Dusty Strings dulcimer throughout, though some bass dulcimer parts have been added on a dulcimer made by Jerry Read Smith. Bill has sung and played English music for folk dancing at folk gatherings of all kinds, and is a regular player in folk clubs and sessions across East Kent.
Pip Ives plays a Paolo Soprani Elite 2 D/G melodeon and a C/G Wheatstone Anglo concertina. The guitar and banjo parts are also played by Pip, who is a multi-instrumental player of traditional English traditional tunes. Pip has played for various dance teams up and down the UK and is a regular at folk festivals and Kent sessions.
Pip Ives plays a Paolo Soprani Elite 2 D/G melodeon and a C/G Wheatstone Anglo concertina. The guitar and banjo parts are also played by Pip, who is a multi-instrumental player of traditional English traditional tunes. Pip has played for various dance teams up and down the UK and is a regular at folk festivals and Kent sessions.
Sleeve Notes
Sleeve Notes
Hard Labour: English Dulcimer and Squeeze Box by Bill Howarth and Pip Ives
Hard Labour: English Dulcimer and Squeeze Box by Bill Howarth and Pip Ives
1. In Newlyn Town 4:14
1. In Newlyn Town 4:14
2. Watson’s Hornpipe / The Lass of Paties Mill 4.52
2. Watson’s Hornpipe / The Lass of Paties Mill 4.52
3. The Constant Lovers 3:25
3. The Constant Lovers 3:25
4. Sheffield Hornpipe / Manchester Hornpipe 5:13
4. Sheffield Hornpipe / Manchester Hornpipe 5:13
5. The Night Visiting Song 3:10
5. The Night Visiting Song 3:10
6. Sir John Fenwick is the Flower Among them All /
6. Sir John Fenwick is the Flower Among them All /
Sir Sidney Smith’s March 6:27
Sir Sidney Smith’s March 6:27
7. The Lily of the West 3:52
7. The Lily of the West 3:52
8. The Bugle Quickstep / Barbury Bell 3:59
8. The Bugle Quickstep / Barbury Bell 3:59
9. The Dark Eyed Sailor 3:45
9. The Dark Eyed Sailor 3:45
10. Tip Top Polka / Redwing 4:49
10. Tip Top Polka / Redwing 4:49
11. The Foggy Dew 3:03
11. The Foggy Dew 3:03
Bill Howarth sings and plays treble and bass dulcimer parts, and provides percussion. Pip Ives plays melodeon, concertina, banjo, guitar and provides percussion. Flynn Sturgeon plays oboe on tracks 1, 3 and 9.
Bill Howarth sings and plays treble and bass dulcimer parts, and provides percussion. Pip Ives plays melodeon, concertina, banjo, guitar and provides percussion. Flynn Sturgeon plays oboe on tracks 1, 3 and 9.
These recordings highlight the English or Hammered Dulcimer in the hands of Bill Howarth and various squeeze boxes played by Pip Ives. This distinctive musical combination is used to accompany English traditional songs and to carry the folk dance tunes that Bill and Pip have played in folk gatherings in Kent and beyond for many years. The tunes range from rolling jigs and lively hornpipes and polkas, and the songs include traditional ballads telling tales of love and life. We feel that they encompass some of the best pieces from a living musical tradition that we are proud to be part of. We hope that you enjoy listening.
These recordings highlight the English or Hammered Dulcimer in the hands of Bill Howarth and various squeeze boxes played by Pip Ives. This distinctive musical combination is used to accompany English traditional songs and to carry the folk dance tunes that Bill and Pip have played in folk gatherings in Kent and beyond for many years. The tunes range from rolling jigs and lively hornpipes and polkas, and the songs include traditional ballads telling tales of love and life. We feel that they encompass some of the best pieces from a living musical tradition that we are proud to be part of. We hope that you enjoy listening.
Many thanks to Andy Pigg for making and processing the recordings; to Malcolm Gayner for further work on mixing; to Jenny Coxon, Sue Harris and Mac McKean for constructive criticism; and to Carol and Jo for their vital and valued support for the project.
Many thanks to Andy Pigg for making and processing the recordings; to Malcolm Gayner for further work on mixing; to Jenny Coxon, Sue Harris and Mac McKean for constructive criticism; and to Carol and Jo for their vital and valued support for the project.
Sound Engineer Andy Pigg in action.
Sample tracks from the CD are available on Soundcloud
Sample tracks from the CD are available on Soundcloud
Click on the track title to listen.
Click on the track title to listen.
Flynn Sturgeon adding the oboe part. (Postscript: Flynn has gone on to do great things with his music, see his website Flynn Sturgeon Music.)
Link to 8 Local Music Making
Link to 8 Local Music Making
For links to other pages, use the drop down menu at the top right of the page.
For links to other pages, use the drop down menu at the top right of the page.
Please feel free to email me at bill.howarth54@gmail.com with any comments on the website
Please feel free to email me at bill.howarth54@gmail.com with any comments on the website
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse