News From Topic Records September 2019

Historic Topic Records release available now The Copper Family Come Write Me Down by The Copper Family of Rottingdean finally brings the legendary 1950s and early 1960s Copper Family recordings to CD for the first time. These rare performances present the glorious 'Southern harmony', southern English that is, that The Coppers brought to prominence during the early part of the folk revival. The classic duet harmonies of cousins Bob and Ron Copper are featured along with previously unreleased recordings of the quartet including both their fathers, the brothers John and Jim Copper. The influence The Coppers and these recordings have had is inestimable. All this goes to make this release, arguably, the most important traditional music releases this century. Come Write Me Down has been carefully remastered with astonishing results, sounding better than anyone had originally hoped for. Included are two booklets: a 60-page booklet with extensive biographies, historical notes and a 36-page book with full lyrics. Bob Copper sadly passed away shortly after receiving national recognition by way of his MBE and this CD release is possibly the finest archival tribute to his legacy and The Copper Family. The Copper Family continue to perform and record songs, to this day keeping their Folk tradition alive and well. Tracks: 1. Spencer The Rover 2. Good Ale 3. Thousands Or More 4. Babes In The Wood 5. The Banks Of The Sweet Primroses 6. Sweep! Chimney Sweep! 7. Two Young Brethren 8. The Brisk and Bonny Lad 9. The Month Of May 10. The Honest Labourer 11. The Birds In The Spring 12. My Father Had An Acre Of Land 13. Shepherd Of The Downs 14. The Threshing Song 15. The Seasons Round 16. Sportsmen, Arouse! 17. Hard Times Of Old England 18. The Lark In The Morning 19. Warlike Seamen 20. When Spring Comes In 21. The Brisk Young Ploughboy 22. Cupid’s Garden 23. Dame Durden 24. The Claudy Banks 25. General Wolfe 26. Adieu, Sweet Lovely Nancy 27. Talking 28. Come Write Me Down, Ye Powers Above Norma Waterson - An Introduction to TICD012 Release: 28th September 2018 Topic Records are delighted to announce this very special 12th instalment of our popular ‘Introduction To…’ series. ‘An Introduction to Norma Waterson’ draws songs from right across the revered British folk doyenne’s distinguished Topic career. Norma has personally selected 15 tracks for this release. Norma Waterson is perhaps best known as one of the original members of the celebrated English traditional group, The Watersons, alongside her brother Mike Waterson and sister Lal Waterson, a cousin John Harrison, and in later incarnations of the group, her husband Martin Carthy. Her eponymously titled solo debut, featuring collaborations with her daughter, Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy and other members of The Watersons, as well as Danny Thompson (Pentangle), Richard Thompson (Fairport Convention) and Roger Swallow (Albion Country Band), was released by Hannibal Records in 1996 and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.  In 1999, the follow-up, ‘The Very Thought of You,’ was released by Hannibal and once again featured Richard Thompson, Danny Thompson, Eliza Carthy and husband Martin Carthy.  In 2001, she released her first solo traditional folk album, ‘Bright Shiny Morning,’ on Topic Records. Norma is a member of Waterson–Carthy with Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy, and of the "supergroup" Blue Murder. She has appeared on a variety of collective recordings, notably Peter Bellamy's The Transports.  In 2010, Waterson released an album of collaborations with her daughter Eliza entitled Gift. Norma was awarded an MBE in 2003 for the commitment and contribution to music and in 2016 received a life time achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Tracks: Seven Virgins (The Leaves Of Life) / T Stands For Thomas / Grace Darling  / Three Pretty Maidens  / John Ball / When First I Came To Caledonia / Polly’s Love (The Cruel Ships Carpenter)  / Fare Thee Well Cold Winter / Bright Shiny Morning  / One April Morning  / Song For Thirza / Once In A Blue Moon / The Outlandish Knight / The Oxford Girl / Bunch Of Tyme Pre-order now Also available on Topic is the new album from Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy ‘Anchor’ TSCD594 Buy it Now. From The Archive The Copper Family Topic Records promotional photo Topic Records Artists on tour 2018 Rachael McShane & The Cartographers 20 October 2018 - FOLK FESTIVAL, Manchester 21 October 2018 - Riverhouse Barn (Brunch Concert) Walton-On Thames 24 October 2018 - Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead 25 October 2018 - Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shorham-By-Sea 26 October 2018 - The Lights, Andover 27 October 2018 - The Slaughtered Lamb, London 28 October 2018 - Quay Arts Centre, Isle Of Wight 1 November 2018 - Alexander's Live, Chester 2 November 2018 - The Civic, Barnsley 3 November 2018 - Kirkgate Arts, Cockermouth 16 December 2018 - The Froize, Woodbridge, Suffolk Martin Simpson 8 September 2018 - Aylsham Festival Dance, Music & Song, Norwich www.aylsham-tc.gov.uk/aylsham-festival-of-dance-music-and-song/ 14 September 2018 - Blaxhall Village Hall, Suffolk 15 September 2018 - The Neeld Arts Centre, Chippenham www.neeld.co.uk 21 September 2018 - Gala Theatre & Cinema, Durham www.galadurham.co.uk 22 September 2018 - The Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough www.kula-productions.com 28 September 2018 - The Goose Is Out!, Nunhead, London www.thegooseisout.com www.wegottickets.com/thegooseisout 29 September 2018 - The Lowry, Salford, Greater Manchester www.thelowry.com Eliza Carthy / Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band Eliza Carthy & Martin Carthy duo / GIFT band Appearing at 2 November 2018 - Folk You! Mallorca 3 November 2018 - Folk You! Mallorca Eliza Carthy - special guest performances Appearing at: 10th November 2018 - The Principal Manchester Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band Appearing at: 6 October 2018 - Derby Folk Festival 19 October 2018 - Manchester Folk Festival Martin Carthy 2 September 2018 - Mosley Folk Festival, Birmingham 8 September 2018 - Bermondsey Folk Festival, London 21 September 2018 - Chiddingly Arts Festival, Eastbourne 29 September 2018 - Llyn Acoustic Guitar Festival, Pwllheli Topic Records Artist Birthdays This month Topic Records celebrate the birthdays of Anne Briggs and Peter Bellamy. Anne Briggs - Birthday 29th September 1944 Anne Briggs legendary status is in part, down to her mystique. Often imagined as a wandering siren, possessed of a voice that could take the listener right into the world of the old songs when she performed them, hypnotising the captive audience. She would travel up the British Isles occasionally performing, often shunning company and on her rare visits to London, stay just long enough to be recorded. Early performances feature on the Topic albums ‘The Iron Muse’ and ‘The Bird In the Bush’. In 1963, she recorded tracks for The Hazards Of Love EP which would be released in August 1964. The swinging sixties and the Folk Boom of the time provided what would have been the perfect back drop for success for Anne Briggs yet it seems success and stardom were the farthest things from her thoughts. Anne simply wanted to do things her way, a free spirit and this may explain why her recording and performing career only spanned between 1963 and 1973. 1971 saw the release on Topic Records of her eponymous first album. The LP featured John Moynihan from Sweeney’s Men and featured tracks like ‘Blackwater Side’ and ‘Maa Bonny Lad’. Regarded as a lost treasure this album captures Anne Briggs in all her vocal glory.   Peter Bellamy Born 8th September 1944 / Died 24th September 1991 Peter Bellamy (The Young Tradition) may not be a household name among Folk fans, but he should be! Considered to be one of the finest voices of the British Folk revival, he was a member of the Young Tradition Folk group who helped re-awaken the interest in traditional Folk music of England. He drew influence from the likes of Ewan MacColl, Harry Cox and the Rolling Stones! In 1977, he produced the highly acclaimed ‘The Transports’ LP (A Ballad Opera by Peter Bellamy) which featured other Topic artists like Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, June Tabor and The Watersons. 1979 saw the release of his solo album ‘Both Sides Then’.  The album draws from many musical interests. Tracks like ‘The Lord Will Provide and ‘When I Die’ sound amazing as Peter Bellamy’s vocal powers through with passion and belief. Follow us on Spotify to find these playlists and more You'll find us here follow this playlist follow this playlist follow this playlist follow this playlist Copyright © 2018 Topic Records, All rights reserved. mailing address: Topic Records Topic Records c/o Proper Music Distribution 1-5 Applegarth Drive, Questor, Dartford Kent, Eng DA1 1JD United Kingdom

Topic Records - September 2018 newsletter

State of the Union Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams Booking Now for 2019

STATE OF THE UNION - Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams \*\*\*BOOKING NOW FOR 2019 FESTIVALS\*\*\* "Beautiful, classy playing and great songs" - Acousti

STATE OF THE UNION - Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams ***BOOKING NOW FOR 2019 FESTIVALS*** Boo & Brooks "Beautiful, classy playing and great songs" - Acoustic Magazine “Americana at its finest!” - fRoots Combining the mercurial talents of English songwriting legend Boo Hewerdine and acclaimed American Blues guitarist and songwriter Brooks Williams, State of the Union create a magical, stripped back and enthralling musical atmosphere, their performances consistently brilliant, equal parts emotive and entertaining. The original songs Hewerdine & Williams play are infused by a multitude of influences, from Willie Nelson to Johnny Cash, from the wide open Fenlands to the frenetic buzz of the city. Their recordings are made quickly, in most instances first take, live in the studio, but the sound this amazing acoustic duo capture is rich and expertly executed. About Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams Boo is perhaps best known from his years fronting much loved English rock band The Bible but he has since enjoyed a solo career spanning over two decades and written thousands of published songs including those for Eddi Reader, Sia, Chris Difford, Kris Drever and KD Lang. His most recent album “Swimming In Mercury” is due out in February 2017 on Reveal Records. Brooks Williams got his start in the clubs and bars in Boston USA (the same music scene that years earlier sparked the careers of Bonnie Raitt and Chris Smither) and from there he has toured in ever-widening circles for nearly three decades. In 2013 Williams was nominated best male vocalist by the UK’s foremost roots-music mavens, Spiral Earth. AmericanaUK says, “he has a beautiful voice that you just melt into.” He’s also ranked in the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists. Over the years he has picked alongside Taj Mahal, John Hammond, Paul Jones, Little Feat, Maria Muldaur, Shawn Colvin and Leo Kottke, to name but a few. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO Boo & Brooks More about State of the Union, In conversation: How did you meet and when did you start playing music together? Brooks: “Boo invited me to step in last minute to play at his annual Christmas concert. I played a solo set and then sat in with Boo for a few songs. Even though we had never played together before it had a real magic feel to it. I think both of us knew there was something unique happening and worth exploring”. Boo: “Brooks came and played at one of my Christmas shows when there was so much snow my other guests couldn’t make it! It was magic and we decided to do more. We had actually met once before when Brooks interviewed me for a guitar magazine. Which is a bit like Muhammad Ali interviewing Eddie The Eagle….He is a guitar master!”. What are the main differences in your guitar styles / playing and approach to songwriting? Brooks: “On paper our two worlds are pretty far apart, but somehow we’re able to bring them together. It’s an overused phrase but I believe there is some real musical magic in State Of The Union. I like to think it gives us both the opportunity to showcase our ‘expected’ strengths, but also to explore and dig in to the other aspects of our music. In a way SOTU is an alter-ego”. Boo: “Brooks is a bluesman (of great subtlety) from Georgia and I was in an 80’s indie band….and yet it worked right away. I think the route of why it works musically is both of us have a love of good time… a sense of rhythm. And we both love the craft of writing”. What do you enjoy most about the duo’s live performances? Brooks: “It’s the whole package - getting to create a pretty big sound with just two guitars and two voices. Audiences from our earlier tours know what I mean. It’s fun. It’s big. And I’m not aware of anyone else doing it exactly like SOTU”. Boo: “It feels so much more than the sum of the parts…whenever we revisit SOTU it kicks into gear with ease, in a spooky way!”. What does State of The Union mean / why did you pick this band name ? Brooks: “Boo came up with the name. It represents us pretty well, I think. Two distinctly different musicians from different parts of the world with two different sets of influences coming together and making music. And even though on paper it shouldn’t work, there’s so much shared inspiration that it takes on a pretty cool life of its own”. Boo & Brooks For all booking enquiries and details on availability please contact: GAIL COOKE LAUGHING DOG MUSIC gail@laughingdogmusic.co.uk 07905 952374 Click here for LAUGHING DOG MUSIC Click here for BROOKS WILLIAMS Click here for BOO HEWERDINE Click here for REVEAL RECORDS ©2018 Laughing Dog Music | Laughing Dog Music

New Distortion, Fuzz and Boost Pedals Are Here From Fender

Find your ideal sound with our growing family of pedals

We’ve added 3 new options to our growing family of effects pedals, designed to help you dial in your perfect tone. Like our other pedals, each one comes packed with unique and thoughtful features, including LED-backlit knobs, magnetically-latched hinged 9V battery doors and lightweight durable anodized aluminum construction. Shop Pedals Full Moon Distortion Packed with brutal, high-gain tone and sound-shaping options galore, the Full Moon Distortion pedal has everything you need to unleash sonic mayhem. Featuring: •   High-gain distortion effect pedal •   Onboard 3-Band EQ; Texture and Bite switches Shop Full Moon Engager Boost Whether you’re looking for more volume or fatter tone, the Engager Boost is the ideal clean boost pedal. Featuring: •   Clean Boost effect pedal •   Onboard 3-Band EQ; true or buffered bypass Shop Engager The Pelt Fuzz Packed with silicon fuzz tones perfect for creating your own legendary sound, The Pelt Fuzz is a surprisingly adaptable take on this classic effect. Featuring: •   Silicon fuzz effect pedal •   Mid and Thick voicing switches Shop THE PELT Fender Musical Instruments Corporation EMEA Leo House, Birches Industrial Estate East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH18 1QZ © 2018 FMIC. All rights reserved. Fender®, Stratocaster®, Strat®, Telecaster®, Tele®, Precision Bass®, P Bass®, Jazz Bass®, J Bass® and the distinctive headstock designs commonly found on these guitars are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.