Many of you will know about the sad loss of Maggie last year (2014). This was her last blog for us and we’ve decided to leave it up in memory of one of her many wonderful projects.

 

Our good friend Maggie Boyle has started on a fantastic new project!

In April and May 2012 I will be taking to the road and visiting great songwriters in their homes, to talk to them about their work and to record some of their music.

The setting for these interviews will be kitchens the length and breadth of the country. In my view, these hubs of domesticity are the most natural and traditional places to encourage a relaxed sharing of music and ideas.

While on my travels, I will be joined by David Crickmore of BBC Radio Leeds (and co-presenter/producer of The Durbervilles Folk & Roots Show), who will be jolly companyy – while he makes a documentary for the wireless.

In the main, the songwriters (most of whom will be very familiar to folk fans) began their work in the late 60s/early 70s, and they have all in different ways affected my attitude to contemporary song – and to what a traditional singer, such as myself, should regard as suitable material to include in their repertoire.

The idea for my Kitchen Songs Project has been brewing for a number of years. It started with me travelling to visit friends and relations, recording songs and chat with them, with a loose plan for a CD. Over time, I found I was focussing predominantly on songwriters, and so I decided to concentrate on this area of interest and to convert the project into a web production. It’s very much a personal journey, visiting people that I have come to know in the course of my musical life.

When?

On Wednesday 11th April, I will be heading off to London. My first stop is with Pete Morton, then on to see big brother, Kevin Boyle. Followed by a dash to Brighton. more….

We’ll be back with our harvest on thursday night. A couple of days for editing etc. and the videos will be posted on the website – by sunday, 15th at the latest.

On Wednesday 18th April, I will be visiting Ray Hearne in Wath-Upon-Dearne. Then it’s down to Cornwall to catch up with Mike Silver.

Who?

Pete Morton, Kevin Boyle, Steve Tilston, Pete Coe, Jez Lowe, Ray Hearne, Mike Silver, Linda Kelly, Mick Ryan…. There’s more to follow and hopefully a few surprises on the way!

Where?

Visit the website for more information and interviews www.kitchensongs.org.uk

And you can follow my journeys on Facebook and Twitter

I’ll put the kettle on!

Maggie x