Georgia Shackleton – Harry’s Seagull (Album Review)

Georgia Shackleton's latest album, "Harry's Seagull," is set to be released on November 29, 2023.

Georgia Shackleton has created an outstanding folk album titled 'Harry's Seagull' which stands out as one of the most captivating and unique albums of the year.

When people find out that I was born in Norfolk and still hold it dear as one of the most beautiful parts of the country, they often comment on its flatness with a hint of boredom. But this assumption misses the point entirely, as flatness can be truly stunning. A seemingly limitless sky, a lone tree standing on its own, and an intriguing play of light all come together in a flat landscape to create a captivating environment. There is value in flatness itself, and it makes everything on it all the more precious. An open book easily invites creativity and inspires a long-lasting yearning that stems from the human need to express oneself and to fill empty spaces. It's no coincidence that the country's most successful creative writing program can be found in the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

East Anglia is home to some of the best folk music in the world, and there are good reasons for this. Lucy Broadwood, A.L Lloyd and Alan Lomax, all song collectors, fell in love with the music of this region. One of the most influential English traditional singers, Harry Cox, lived in Norfolk, and his impact can still be heard today. Georgia Shackleton, a Norfolk singer, pays tribute to Cox and Broadwood on her first album, Harry's Seagull. The opening track, Twenty, Eighteen, is an updated version of one of Broadwood's collected songs from Attleborough. Shackleton's unadorned singing and fiddle-playing combine melody and minimalism perfectly. This courting song is sung from a woman's perspective, a rare phenomenon that highlights the importance of collectors like Broadwood, who focused on female-dominated spaces. But it's not just about social history - the catchy tune is performed with joy.

For the past eight years, Shackleton has been a part of a trio and has been performing very frequently. This recording was made with the intention of capturing the liveliness and directness of a live performance, and it has successfully done so. The song "Come, Little Leaves" has a warm and personal feel, which is appropriate since it was originally sung by Walter Pardon when he was a young student in Knapton. Pardon was an accomplished and prolific singer who amassed a collection of almost 200 songs and played a significant role in preserving Norfolk's oral tradition. Despite the fact that he was not as well-known as Cox, he did not shy away from explicitly-worded lyrics, which was a rare feat among singers of his time.

However, if there is one driving force behind this album, it is certainly Cox. The medley that kicks off with What Will Become Of England/Yarmouth Hornpipe/Harry's Seagull showcases one of the most prophetic pieces in his repertoire, criticizing a country's failed leadership in a time of widespread economic hardship and inequality. The hornpipe and Harry's Seagull, the only original composition on the album, pay tribute to Cox and lend a somber tone that perfectly complements Shackleton's evocative fiddle playing. These instrumental portions also emphasize her use of the harmonium, which adds depth and an untamed quality with its haunting drone.

There is another piece of music that owes its origin to Harry Cox, and it's the Yarmouth Fisherman's Song. It was created by one of Cox's father's crew members and then carried on to the next set of individuals, possibly with some modifications. It seems to paint a truthful picture of the struggles within the fishing trade, and Shackleton plays it with a forceful, gusty dynamism. It's fascinating to highlight that, much like other sea songs, it features a "we" narrative, which at once emphasizes togetherness.

In this section, the harmonium plays a significant role in the song "Small Birds Whistle," which is a sad tune that dates back to an old song titled "The Famous Flower of Serving Men." Jasper Smith, another Norfolk singer, introduced this variation in a shortened yet impactful form. Despite its briefness, the song effectively speaks of themes such as parental love, cruelty, and the horrendous atrocities committed in the name of conformity. Afterwards, the album features a version of "The Blacksmith," a beloved tune with many variations across the country. In this album, Phoebe Smith, Jasper's sister, sings a stunning and theatrical rendition that serves as a centerpiece. The song begins with a haunting fiddle section that continues to weave in and out of the vocal melody. This performance proves that even the most famous folk songs can be revitalized in the hands of a talented artist.

During the 1970s, two musicians named Peter Bellamy and Christy Moore recorded Rambling Robin. Shackleton decided to make his own version of the song by adapting Bellamy's rendition. His interpretation is lively and quick, completing six verses in under a minute and a half. The addition of plucked fiddle creates a unique sound that is both elegant and sharp. Shackleton also performs Watson's Hornpipe and Swanton Abbott Hornpipe with skill and finesse, using the fiddle and harmonium to create a surprising layer of texture. The final song on the album, Windy Old Weather, is a tribute to Harry Cox and Sam Larner. It tells the entertaining story of a fishing boat captain who receives advice from a group of talking fish. Alan Lomax once described it as one of the most pleasant songs in England, making it a light-hearted contrast to Yarmouth Fisherman's Song.

Harry's Seagull, Georgia Shackleton's first solo album, is an ode to the beauty of traditional music. With just a few simple ingredients, Shackleton has created a masterpiece that captures the essence of England's unique heritage. By imbuing old songs with passion and expertise, she manages to make them shine anew. This album is not just a tribute to one specific region of England, but it can be enjoyed by anyone. It's a refreshing take on folk music that is sure to resonate with listeners of all backgrounds. In summary, Harry's Seagull is a must-listen for anyone looking for a unique and captivating musical experience.

You can book a copy of Harry's Seagull right now and it will be released on November 29th, 2023! Visit https://georgiashackleton.bandcamp.com/album/harrys-seagull to put in your pre-order.

On the 30th of November, the Octagon Chapel in Norwich will be hosting an event where you can purchase tickets to attend. Another event is happening on the 3rd of December in the Folklore Rooms of Brighton where tickets are also available. If you're free on the 4th of December, head down to Croydon Folk Club for another fantastic event. The Green Note in London will also be hosting a performance on the 5th of December, with tickets on sale now. Additionally, don't forget to grab tickets for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust event on the 19th of January. And last but not least, join us on the 21st of January at the Fleece Inn in Bretherton. Be sure to grab your tickets for all of these exciting events!

Thomas Blake resides in the Western part of England with his wife and son. His profession involves documenting and researching. He enjoys indulging in wine, cricket, and modernist art. Additionally, he has a deep fondness for consuming a vast amount of rich black coffee.