Inspired by The Lone Twin Boat Project and the stories behind the wood donated to build it, a new album – Harbour of Songs – has been commissioned for IF: 2012 by The Stables, and produced by the Festival’s Artist-in-Residence Adrian McNally – the pianist, arranger and producer for contemporary folk band The Unthanks.
A diverse range of singers and songwriters were invited to respond to the stories behind the donated wood and the result is a beautifully crafted album which brings together artists including: Ivor Novello award-winning and Mercury nominated Villagers, Ivor Novello-nominated Nick Hemming (The Leisure Society), Australian singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko (big in her own country and now making waves here in Europe), rising stars Alasdair Roberts, Hannah Moulette and Raevennan Husbandes, folk legends Ralph McTell and Steve Tilston, internationally successful novelist/writer Nick Hornby, ‘The Bard of Barnsley’ poet Ian McMillan, American singer-songwriting legend Janis Ian, BBC Folk Award nominees Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell, and Guy Chambers – probably Britain’s most successful modern songwriter, best known for his work with Robbie Williams.
“As curator and producer for this album, it has been a pleasure and an honour to work with these artists, and to be a part of this unique project”, says Adrian McNally. “With some artists, I collaborated directly, others sent me their vocal and perhaps a guide piano or guitar – the rest was up to me. These songwriters have exercised great trust in allowing me to meddle with their music, for which I’m extremely grateful, and it has been lots of fun trying to find the right musical colours to tell these stories.”
and is available to pre-order from
Watch a video below of The Boat Project in construction, the boat was officialy launched on the 7th May and is currently on its maiden voyage around the South East before being gifted back to the region as a permanent resource for the public.
What an inspiring project and an impressive list of artists – can’t wait to hear what magic has been created! Roll on July 23.