November 5th 2016 …….. uncertainty across the world …….  an election in the USA ….  discontent in Great Britain … Syria in chaos ….upheaval in Iraq ….wars and rumours of wars. …

It must be said that there is currently a great deal of unrest and uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic. A great deal of concern about the future of the USA and Great Britain; yet there has always been turmoil of one sort or another throughout the history of both our nations. Artists, musicians, poets, writers and composers have often produced their best work during these times of trouble, upheaval and discontent; work which points the way to beauty, eternal truth, and hope for a brighter future.  Inspiration that points to a better way of navigating the earthly journey.  Wisdom that speaks into the uncertainty, and a promise for eternity that eventually ….. “All shall be well, and all shall be well ….and all manner of things shall be well.” Peace, that passes earthly understanding, goodwill, and best wishes to you all.

…and the leaves that are green turn to brown.

Coming soon: Special Feature. A song written in Nashville Tennessee by David Clifton and Phil Keaggy, composed and recorded during David’s first ever visit to the great Music City. We’ll have an interview with Phil and David,outlining the story behind the song, and giving the background to the writing and recording days.

Available for digital download in the following formats: WAV, AIFF , high quality MP3, FLAC, ALAC (Apple Lossless), AAC, Ogg and Vorbis  formats. We’ll also have an alternative simple mix format available, with acoustic guitars and vocals only, and add the instrumental mix of Phil and David playing together.

Updates:

Mixing: Charlotte Parmiter folk album, in London, with Jon Kelly working his magic.

Songwriters:

Phil Baggaley is writing and recording for a series of winter folk gigs in the Derby Nottingham area, and also planning another run of his knockout musical ‘Under The Same Sky’. Paul Kingston is re-visiting early songs and working up new versions for Little Big Stuff rehearsals. Katie Targett Adams is enjoying motherhood in Hong Kong and working on new Clarsach arrangements for her forthcoming concerts. Esther Alexander is recovering from her wild London party celebrating a significant birthday (!) Congratulations! David Clifton is recording last few sessions before mixing begins of the new projects, all being completed in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee.

….. a love once new has now grown old.”  Name that song lyric! Vintage songwriting, for sure. And there is great comfort in a love that is old, familiar, reliable, faithful and strong.

September news for you all.

Little Big Stuff are rehearsing ready for their festival appearances, and also their surprise concerts in Herefordshire and beyond, starting early next year. They will be appearing at The Hidden Valley Festival (Nozstock!) next summer. Watch out for publicity and dates and some great new recordings too.

Charlotte Parmiter, Jon Kelly and David Clifton are writing a new song to add to Charlotte’s folk album. Yes, it really is aiming to be the Little Room album that has taken the longest time ever to produce! We can guarantee that it will be worth the wait. Mixing starts in two weeks!

Sam Hill has been out on tour playing concert dates in the south west of England to great acclaim. Watch his website and local press for details.

Katie Targett Adams is taking a break from concerts and recording in the far east and very much enjoying life being a new mum to baby Cameron.

City Of Gold will be twenty years old next year, and there will be a limited edition CD produced to celebrate this beautiful album, which has touched hearts and comforted so many people over the years. It will be exclusively available from our Burning Shed store, and we will let you know more details nearer the time.

*Please note that if you order a City Of Gold CD from Amazon it will not be the same edition as either of the previous USA or UK releases, unless you are purchasing second hand/used copies. Amazon manufacture their own version for their customers.

Checklist: Good company, bucket, spade, beach towels, sun lotion, good book, iPod/iPad and headphones, kite, sunglasses. We’re all going on a summer holiday. Have fun on yours!

On this day, at 07.30 a.m. 100 years ago, the battle of the Somme began. By the end of the battle, some four months later, one million men from all sides were dead or injured.  Casualties were beyond horrific; 19,240 British soldiers died on the first day alone, and 40,000 were injured. It is the biggest single loss of life during the opening day of a battle in British military history.

The statistics and scale of human suffering are unimaginable, yet young men willingly gave their lives for King and Country. Here is an extract from a letter home, written by 2nd Lt John S. Engall of the 16th London Regiment. It is dated the 30th June 1916, the night before the attack on the German lines began. He wrote: “I have a strong feeling that I shall come through safely, but nonetheless, should it be God’s holy will to call me away, I am quite prepared to go; and I could not wish for a finer death; and you, dear Mother and Dad, will know that I died doing my duty to God, my country and my king. I ask that you should look upon it as an honour that you have given a son for king and country.” Along with 19,239 other brave soldiers, Engall was killed the next day.

Even with all the uncertainty and political turmoil which we currently face, we can still  be thankful that so many brave young men gave their lives for our freedom in the two world wars, that we might live in peace. Let us pray for continued peace in Europe, along with a way forward that will ensure peace and security for future generations.