THE NEW SCORPION BAND: The Carnal and the Crane

The New Scorpion Band

The Carnal and the Crane

© 2002 The New Scorpion Band

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All acoustic multi-instrumental and vocal, Irish and British folk. A collection of midwinter music including both Christian and Pagan carols, humorous and devotional songs as well as dance tunes.

tracks

1 All Hail To the Dayes
2 The Sussex Carol
3 The Truth Sent From Above
4 The Salutation Carol
5 There was a Pig/In Dulce Jubilo
6 The Wexford Carol
7 The Sans Day Carol
8 Gloomy Winter/Chrismas Day in Da Morning/I Saw Three Ships
9 The Carnal and the Crane
10 Gillan`s Apples/Christmas eve air and reel
11 The Christmas Goose
12 The Winter`s Night Schottishe
13 Shepards, Arise!
14 The Somerset Wassail

notes

"The Carnal and the Crane covers a lot of ground from the 15th century (the salutation carol) to carols collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the early years of the 20th century. Among the latter is the title song, which is a dialogue of sorts between flesh and spirit. Within that time span, the group makes a stopover in restoration England and also draws from Victorian music-hall dances and carol collections of the 19th century. The quintet plays Baroque instruments and other authentic period instruments such as bassoon, concertina, euphonium, shawm, rebec, hurdy-gurdy, and Uilleann pipes. The vocals are effectively robust, the musicianship consistent, and the songs steeped in tradition and legend. This is a worthy companion to such classic British Christmas albums as those by the Watersons and the Albion band. The booklet contains informative notes on early Christmas music, as well as annotations on each selection".

Paul-Emile Corneau (Dirty Linen) USA

"The four people around England's Tim Laycock manage between them to play twenty-five instruments. Sometimes less is more, but the musicians of the New Scorpion Band are in full command of their resources. On this CD we find
Christmas and winter songs, quintessentially British. It's simply fantastic, the way in which the band performs the songs and tunes, and in particular, various wind instruments are used to compelling effect. And on top of that there is perfectly blended part-singing, it's a real joy. Absolutely brilliant, this music sounds good even in summer".
FOLKER magazine Germany

reviews

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  • Dreamy, exciting and accomplished. All this and more.
    author: Celeste Regal

    While this album is primarily for a merry Christmas, it stands up as a fine way to drift back to a more frothy, wistful time -- full of lusty, hearty happiness and piquant poignancy. I like it much!

  • The Most delightful and joyous music to lift lift the heart and soul
    author: David Risley

    The Carnal and the Crane is a wonderful CD which my wife and I enjoy all year round but it is particularly joyous at Christmas. If there were ever a merry England (Britain)the New Scorpion Band would be at the centre of it.

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