Sounds like Cornwall

11/04/2022

Dydh da.

Today we're listening to a much-adored recording: More singing at the Count House (Vinyl, 1965).
We're writing from the very room to which it was recorded -The Botallack Count House Workshop!

Recorded during the hay-day of the Folk Revival period, this is the second offering from the Pipers Folk Club troupé. The Count House was not the only home for the Piper's Folk Club. With venues appearing in St. Buryan and Penzance.
The club was where folk artists across the U.K. would travel in order to perform. It was a notorious place. Sold-out Summer evenings all week, at the height of its time.

On this record, you'll hear the voices of Brenda Wootton, Des Hannigan, John the Fish, Tell Mann, and Miles & Mel.

08/04/2022

Dydh da.

Today, we're listening to The Mousehole Male Voice Choir's 'Sounds Like Mouzel', for very good reason. On Sunday 10th April, the Mousehole & Nankersey MVC are performing in Penzance raising money for civilian aid in Ukraine. We'll be there to film and record the event.

This will be our first time seeing both choirs perform, having spent the last two years listening solely to their recordings. A very special moment is upon us.

For now, enjoy the Sound of Mouzel!

02/04/2022

Dydh da.

Goodness. It has been a little while since we've updated this feed.

A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes. Whilst writing, Rod Mason is getting jazzy in the background...

What's new?
First, we had the greatest of pleasures stalling at on St. Piran's Day. We saw the biggest Piran flag we've ever seen! A chance to speak to a wide variety of people; enthusing about Cornwall's fantastic output of music was wonderful. Anecdotes, concert experiences, and stories. It was a very valuable experience. If you came by to say hi, meur ras!

Second, at the close of February the online archive boasted 250 recordings. Today, 31/03/2022, there are 282. That's a new recording for every day of March. Splann!

Third, March saw a big output of volunteering with the local community. The Archive is about preserving what has already happened, the filming is about preserving what's happening today.
• We released two videos of Harry Glasson singing at home. (Interview also completed, awaiting to be signed off.)
• Filmed and edited entire concert performances of Twin Harmony & The Cape Cornwall Singers on March 4th.
• Edited and uploaded the Holman-Climax Choir's Christmas performance.
• Filmed and edited a theatre show at The Acorn, Penzance.
• Recorded audio for a wonderful project.
• Filmed and edited two private recordings of Seamus Carey's fantastic 'Help, I think I'm a Nationalist!'

Last but not least, Chris has re-started delivering tours at Levant Mine and Botallack. Historical tours, bringing in the soul of those Penwith communities to the forefront. The machinery speaks for itself!

What’s in store for April?
A few bits planned for April, which details are awaiting confirmation. Other than that. Check the 'Stories' for this page. We're doing a light-hearted 'Name that Cornish Album' game. But, as always, send a message. Lets have a chat about Cornwall’s musical catalogue.

Oll an gwella,

27/02/2022

Do you have a fancy for some Stats On Sunday? Here you are.

Throughout the catalogue, these are the decades associated with each album's respective release.

Slide One displays the numbers, with Slide Two displaying the percentages.

We can see that the 1970's was Cornwall's biggest recording period, jumping 36.4% from the 1960's. What caused this sudden change? Keeping our eyes on Cornwall for just a moment, we look to Sentinel Records.
Sentinel Records began in 1970 and produced 45/104 of all records during that decade. A remarkable achievement!

Technology became efficient. Most notably, the 16 then 24-track machines became the standard. This allowed recording to be more dynamic and creative. Until 1968, musicians had to utilise 4 or 6 track machines. This meant that the Beach Boys' seminal Pet Sounds (1966) was recorded on a 4-track!

Portable recording improved. As the studios adopted new hardware, recording engineers looked to brands like Tascam. Portable Recording products offered engineers (and musicians) more choice in location.

Accessibility was also a factor. The humble cassette player was born in the 60's. Not popular to consumers in the beginning, Dolby changed that. Pioneered by its 'B Noise Reduction' technology, the the format took off. Now, music listeners could enjoy a portable version of their favourite albums. 1984 was a historic year for the format, as it overtook vinyl for the very first time.

Despite the growing demand for portable music listening experience, Cornish music suffered. The output halving that of the previous decade. Still, public performances took place. Bandstands across the Duchy were delivering high-quality musicianship. Concert halls, too, filled with an audience joining in verse.

Whilst the microphones have captured less and less over the decades, what remains is key. Records are not only of musical artefact, but historical, too. These are the sounds and songs of a time, place, ideology, and community. As we continue through the present, the sounds of this era will one day become the same.

20/02/2022

Dydh da.

Today we are listening to the first record in the 1000 series of Sentinel Records. It is of course: Sounds like West Cornwall - released in 1970.

This wonderful compilation of various artists and sounds is greatly appreciated by those who live here, and the Cousin Jacks and Jenny's who live beyond the Tamar.

A nostalgia record it certainly is. We thank Irene and Job Morris of Sentinel Records for this fantastic collection of sounds and music.

Sounds like West Cornwall"The hills and the valleys of Cornwall are calling / long for the wild surging sound of the sea: Fond memories' leaves are so tender...

15/02/2022

Dydh da.
Enjoy this fabulous poster advertising this years St Piran’s Day.
We’ll be celebrating at Falmouth Pavilions with our stall to discuss all things Cornish, enthusing the rich musical heritage.
Make sure to follow the parade from the sea front to the Pavilions. This will be a feast of Cornish flags, music, and a great sense of community.

The events take place between 10am - 7:30pm.

Dha welles skon!

14/02/2022

Dydh da, ha Dydh Sen Valentin Lowen!

Hello, and happy St. Valentines Day.

As today is Valentine's Day, we are in a very particular mood that isn't widely recognized... We are in the Male Voice Mood.

St. Dennis Male Voice Choir offered this cassette in 1985 to the joy of those who had enjoyed their previous two volumes in this collection.

What exactly is the Male Voice Mood? Whilst it is difficult to explain, we simply hope that you feel it too... when you listen to In the Male Voice Mood No. 3

St Dennis Male Voice Choir was formed in 1922 and has enjoyed notable successes at festivals and Championships; twice winners of the West of England Champion...

09/02/2022

Dydh da.

Today we are enjoying the voces of the Tresillian Singers in their sensational release: Just for you, too!

The Tresillian Singers are a fantastic collection of voices, working their repertoire into perfection.

Take the first song of this album, for example. 'We'll gather Lilacs' the Tresillian Singers vocalize in harmony wispy winds, the fertile landscape, and the very flower itself.

With Spring a little while away yet, we can anticipate seeing familiar flowers blossom, birds song, and friends old and new.

We hope you enjoy this record as much as we do.

"JUST FOR YOU TOO!" is the second recording made by the Tresillian Singers since their foundation in 1978. This selection comprises a mixture of both modern ...

04/02/2022

Dydh da.

Today we are listening to this incredibly obscure recording from the St. Ives Missionary Market Choir.

This LP was found in a Redruth charity shop in 2019. Since then, it has been with great difficulty to find out more about this recording. Whether it is regarding its release date, year of choir formation, or how long they sung together for.

If you have any information on this record, we'd love to learn more.

In the meanwhile, we will enjoy the obscurity of the St. Ives Missionary Market Choir.

St. Ives Missionary Market Choir (unknown formation or release year)With St. Peter’s Street Men’s choirConductor— Edward PerkinOrganist— David Bennett, B.A.P...

01/02/2022

Dydh da.

As the days begin to get lighter, but hardly less cold, we are listening to the stories and anecdotes of Camborne legend Mrs. Rosewarne.

What started as a double act, speared of into a one-woman-band as she retold hilarious stories to village halls, chapels and anywhere that would have her.

One tale that celebrates the essence of the community is from artist, painter, Susan Gillespie:
When [Lilla Miller/Mrs. Rosewarne] summoned up the courage to leave Park Road in 1991, [she was] was packing to move when she looked out of the window and saw loads of people gathered in the road. She thought there must have been an accident so when the door bell rang she automatically thought it was someone to use her phone for the ambulance. Instead the person on the doorstep called her out and in her front garden that was filled with her friends and neighbours presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a clock. “‘Tis that bit extra that makes the difference you knaw,” Lilla says emotionally.

Although Lilla is sadly no longer with us, her work can continue to be enjoyed, shared, and retold across the dinner table.

Mrs. Rosewarne website and information:https://cornwallyesteryear.com/lilla-miller-mrs-rosewarne/https://vimeo.com/303990469 MRS. ROSEWARNE ENTERTAINS:This s...

26/01/2022

Dydh da.

When times are cold and dark, music can form good company.

This cassette from David Clemo in 1983 offers warmth. It is my go-to record when unsure as to what to listen to, as it is easy listening and most charming. The cover alone invites you to get cosy and relax as David sings ballads and country.

Side A Track 3 'Cool water' is a fantastic song that features David, his guitar and a drum machine subtly working in the background.

If you know more about David Clemo, or have any more of his work - we'd love to learn more.

David Clemo made his first album in 1978. It is entitled 'David Sings' and remains a steady seller. David's apprenticeship was through chapel choirs, the exa...

20/01/2022

Dydh da.

Today we are enjoying the labour of Penzance Silver Band.

This cassette was spotted in a charity shop on Market Jew Street last year, and has been enjoyed many times.

Below is taken from the cassette's inlet:
Penzance Silver Band was formed in 1887 — as an offshoot of the Penzance Rifle Brigade. An early commitment of the Band, still carried out today, was with the Corpus Christi Parade of the Catholic Church. Originally called the Penzance Borough Band, in the 20's it became the Penzance independent Band and finally, in 1931, the Penzance Silver Band. In 1930, it played at the Crystal Palace competition and, in the same year, won three cups and five medals at Bugle. Since the 39-45 war, the Band has had varying fortunes, but now, under the leadership of James Claude Nicholas it has an avowed youth policy. In 1986, it entered both the Junior and the 4th sections at the Penwith Contest a feat never before attempted and gained prizes in each section. 1987, the year of our Centenary, sees the Band again making history in the production of this Centenary recording. Thank you for your support in buying it and, with the public's continuing support, the Band looks forward to many more years of enjoyable playing.

Penzance Silver Band was formed in 1887 — as an offshoot of the Penzance Rifle Brigade. An early commitment of the Band, still carried out today, was with th...

18/01/2022

Dydh da ha penn-bloodh Lowen Chris!

Hello and happy birthday Chris!

It is one of our co-founders' birthday today. To celebrate this, we're listening to a celebrity from his hometown of Camborne.

Benjamin Luxon was born in 1937 and has delivered a sterling career, both home and abroad. Benjamin has been found on esteemed operatic stages around the world, as well as humble concerts in his county of Cornwall.

In this album, Benjamin Luxon performs alongside Peasants All to create an authentic rendition of dance tunes from the 16th and 17th centuries.

We celebrate both Benjamin and Camborne town itself who have had a tremendous impact in the world of music.

Yeghes da!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJI-qMrwCF0

A new and varied collection of popular ballads and dance tunes from the 16th and 17th centuries, performed on authentic instruments by Peasants All with Benj...

12/01/2022

Dydh da.

Today we celebrate the anniversary of Climax Male Voice and Mabe Ladies Choir's LP: Born in Song, 1972.

50 years ago this album was released, gaining such praise the combined choirs pressed forward and produced two further volumes.

The purpose of this album was to record a collection of favourite Methodist Hymns (as voted by Methodists) across Cornwall. These recordings were then enjoyed in the comfort of one's home.

It is easy to underestimate the sudden power of recording music. For, before record players,, if you wished to hear music - you had to go out and find it. Indeed, you otherwise had to create it yourself!

This is also a good moment to sing the praise of Job and Irene Morris of Sentinel Records, who, without their efforts, a large part of Cornish heritage would have otherwise gone unrecorded.

We end this post with a few words from the late Job Morris:
From the time this company was formed, we have wanted to do this record, for there is such a wealth of great music and great statements of the Faith in the Methodist Hymn Book.

Before this record was issued, we were inundated with requests to include for favourite hymns and, in direct response, we shall endeavour to produce further similar albums.

Our sleeve on this one shows the early time Chapel standing all by itself out on the downs about three miles from Carharrack, but famous throughout the world as Billy Bray’s Chapel. Then we have the little chapel in Carharrack village, built to the memory of Billy Bray. Next is the much larger Chapel at St. Just whose severe outline dominates the skyline and finally the great Victorian Chapel, Chapel Street, Penzance, symbolising the strength and solidarity of Methodism in the County.

We gratefully acknowledge the help given to us by the Methodists throughout Cornwall, and indeed throughout the British Isles, but we must especially thank The Rev. Hubert Luke, Chairman, The Methodist Church, Cornwall District who, from his very full working days, has given more than generously of his time and advice.
SENTINEL RECORDS, 1972

Born in songFavourite Methodist Hymns of CornwallThe magnificent sound of the combines Climax Male voice and Mabe Ladies Choirs.Mus. Director Edgar Kessel1. ...

05/01/2022

Dydh da.

Breaking news, TSW is back.

Not quite... However, this LP of Television South West music will surely bring back some memories.

Released in 1982, TSW was the ITV of the South-West between 1 January 1982 until 31 December 1992.
Much of these jingles and themes stem from the mind of Ed Welch.
They are sure to stick around for a while longer as we enjoy this charismatic album (and cover art!).

(This record was kindly donated to the archive by Dave W. Meur ras!)

TSWSide One 1. Welcome to TSW* 2. The Saturday Show* 3. Mysterious Tales* 4. Country Air (Gardens For Ail/Farming News)* 5. News 'n' Views (Scene South West/...

01/01/2022

Dydh da ha bledhen nowydh.

Hello and Happy New Year!

Another revolution around the Sun calls for a celebration.

We turn to the Camborne Circuit Ladies Choir, and the Goonvrea Singers to hear what the sound of good cheer sounds like.

This is an album of musical mastery and one you would not have immediately identified as being from Cornwall. Simply a world-class performance by all involved.

This concert was recorded within the All Saints Church in Falmouth, April 1994. A humble setting for a performance of this magnitude.

This album demonstrates that Cornwall has significant weight in the world of music.

We hope you enjoy this concert - and celebrate the arrival of a New Year.

SIDE A GLORIA in D - Vivaldi Oboe: Mark Pastcoe Trumpet: Stephen Newton Cello: David Hoskin 1. Gloria in excelsis Deo - Chorus 2. Et in terra Pax - Chorus3. ...

29/12/2021

Nadelik Lowen onen hag oll!

Merry Christmas one and all!

Thomas Merritt's wonderful music still rings in our ears.

Today we are enjoying a collaborative effort between the Camborne Circuit Wives Choir and the Four Lanes Male Choir.

With a cover image like this, who else is beckoning for some snow to decorate our historical landscape?

Leonard H. Truran wrote about Thomas Merritt in 1978 -
'A mere forty-six years was the life span of Thomoas Merritt... The son of an Illogan miner, Merritt was a natural musician who developed his musical abilities with the aid of four six months tuition before the age of 18. He had no patron to aid his genius: his home backround was one of consistent poverty.
Education (at Pool Board School) ceased for him at the age of 11, when his father died. Jobs at Carn Brea mine and Tolvaddon tin streams seemed to be destining young Thomas to the grinding life of a mine worker; but physical frailty and ill health soon dictated otherwise.
Before he was 20, he was beginning to earn a meagre living as a music teacher. As organist of Chili Road Chapel and later at Fore Street Methodist Church (both at Illogan Highway, Redruth) he made his mark amongst the many dedicated musicians and the music poured forth - oratorios, anthems, sacred cantana, carols and hymns.
Soon in the mines, on the surface and underground, his vigorous and joyful music swelled: the dark, dingy world of the underground levels, the warm consoling atmosphere of the inns and the fervent religious air of the chapels, rang and resounded with his stirring compositions.
When the Cornish mining declined, the men, migrating in masses from the Redruth area took his tunes across the world; and today they can be heard in such far scattered places as Grass Valley, California, the Rand, South Africa and the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia...'

The Camborne Circuit Wives Choir & The Four Lanes Male Voice Choir - Hark! What music (John Hassell Recordings, HAS LP 4074)Conductor: Ronald BrownOrganist: ...

25/12/2021

Nadelik lowen ha bledhen nowydh da, onen hag oll.

Merry Christmas and happy new year, one and all.

Today marks not only Christmas Day, but also the beginning of 'The 12 days of Christmas', which ends on January 5th.

We share Mousehole Male Voice Choir's 'Cornish Christmas Carols', a wonderful record to enjoy.

Enjoy your mulled wine and good tidings. And, sing carols merrily into the night.

MOUSEHOLE MALE VOICE CHOIR Conductor: ERIC DALE FOUNDED 1909 Accompanist: ANN POMEROY President: W. F. J. YOUNG, Esq., J.P. This record has been prepared to ...