Rowan writes: Inspired by Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken', this is a wandering song which quietly celebrates the walking of one's own path. I brought a small part of this song to Eigg, thinking about the more positive aspects of 'separation', such as the discovery of unknown places, the courage of striking out by yourself, the comfort of knowing your own steps will take you somewhere. Karine, Kate and I played around with the song in the post-breakfast hours one morning on Eigg and they added their own voices and verse to bring it into being. We felt it should be recorded outside, with the percussion of wind and birds. Outside the studio at dusk, looking out to the sea with scarves on and hoods up, the midges made sure we only got two takes before we had to run back inside for cover!
credits
from Songs of Separation,
released January 29, 2016
Music by Rowan Rheingans and lyrics by Karine Polwart, Rowan Rheingans, Kate Young
supported by 6 fans who also own “Road Less Travelled”
a friend introduced me to this album two winters ago, and it's very quickly become a staple in my household (it isn't the holiday season until sing we all merrily plays).
the tracks that particularly strike me though are heading for home, the bear song, and the old churchyard - the way the world cycles on, the turning of the wheel, life and death in a beautiful dance. we could despair that our time is short, but we seek joy and love again and again.
I love this album. sophie
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