With the ever growing popularity of the Morris dance tradition throughout the world mainly thanks to the movies Morris: A Life With Bells On, The Wicker Man and previous explorations of the pioneering CDs Morris On, Rattlebone & Ploughjack and The Complete Dancing Master, musician Garry & Rose Blakeley add to the canon with their own concept album. Already established as a professional fiddle player of twenty years standing with Celtic music duo Band Of Two Garry Blakeley has been invited to tour with the prestigious Feast Of Fiddles alongside Peter Knight (Steeleye Span), Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) and Phil Beer (Show Of Hands). With its heady mix of dance tunes, songs and spoken word the album relates the story of the Jack-in-the-Green custom best summed up by the attached description courtesy of the Hastings Jack-in-the-Green Society (www.hastingsjack.co.uk) This recording provides a colourful slice of British culture that was just waiting to be celebrated in this modern world whilst enhancing a great tradition. Blakeley’s prolific skills as a producer/performer come into play utilising the following instruments: fiddle, electric and acoustic guitars, bouzouki, whistle, bass guitar, drum programming and keyboards. Joined by Feast Of Fiddles illustrious musical director Hugh Crabtree on melodeon Garry also adds his own distinct vocals to the mix. Featuring full-blown folk rock arrangements alongside more subtle acoustic moments the dynamic melodies provide a wide soundscape whilst Rose Blakeley’s words and lyrics to accompany the evocative storytelling of Jane Downes on a production overflowing with genuine highlights. To make it a ‘family affair’, Garry’s son Edd Blakeley adds bass and electric guitar and the bonus of an orchestrated arrangement of “The Green Man” |