The first day of December, looking forward to Christmas Day, and the worldwide celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The message of Jesus is the same now as it always was. Peace, love, forgiveness, joy and goodwill to all people; a timeless message to our broken and war-weary world. A message of love, wisdom and truth ringing down the ages from over two thousand years ago. We are particularly called to remember the oppressed, the helpless, the cold, the hungry, the outcast, those who mourn the loss of loved ones, the sick, those who are lonely, and the unloved.

May this Advent season be a time of preparation and prayer for the bringing of a bright new dawn of hope, compassion, peace and love throughout the world as we look forward to Christmas and the coming year.

This month we bring you a new release from the archives; a song written by Phil Keaggy and David Clifton, completed and recorded during David’s first writing trip to Nashville. The song “Father Of My Soul” is a meditation inspired by the books of Proverbs and Psalms, and released on iTunes later this month. It’s a simple acoustic ballad, with Phil and David playing and singing together, with minimal overdubs. It is also released in EP format, offering three versions of the song; a full mix featuring overdubs onto the live take, with Phil Keaggy playing bass, electric guitar and percussion. There is also an acoustic and vocal mix, and an instrumental version of the two guitar parts, recorded live at Phil’s studio in Nashville, Tennessee USA.

You can find the download links on the Archive page, and on David Clifton’s  artist page.

Greetings USA! Best wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving, and a special time with family and friends.

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.