Lowland Folk is a long-established family folk band from Dundee, United Kingdom, with a rich history and a significant contribution to the folk music scene. The band consists of founder Stewart Brown, who brings versatility with his vocals, guitar, concertina, banjo, and whistles; his wife, Anne, who adds depth with her vocals, recorder, and concertina; and Stewart’s brother, Ramsay, who complements with vocals and guitar. Originally known as The Lowland Folk Four, the group also featured Philip Gore, who provided vocals, guitar, mandolin, and mandola. The name changed to Lowland Folk wheny Alan Barty, known for his work with Makem and Clancy, joined on fiddle and mandolin.
Lowland Folk has released three albumsj: their debut, ‘Eh’ll Tell The Boaby’ under EMI, and two subsequent albums, ‘Time To Be Singing Again’ and ‘This Is Lowland Folk,’ on their own record label, Balaena Records. They have also contributed to the popular composite album of Dundee songs, ‘Coorse And Fine’ (Springthyme Records). Known for their memorable appearances on radio and television shows such as ‘The Hootenanny Show,’ ‘The White Heather Club,’ ‘My Kinda Folk,’ and their own TV special, ‘The Road To Dundee,’ Lowland Folk has left a lasting impact. One of their most notable performances was a guest spot at the Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Fiddler’s Rally Show’.
“WhaleSong Sounding,” released on February 23rd, 2024, by the distinguished family folk band Lowland Folk, is a masterful and emotive tribute to the whales of the world. This song stands as a testament to the band’s deep connection to nature and their commitment to marine conservation. The inspiration for this song came from the late Sir Peter Scott, a prominent conservationist who requested Stewart Brown to compose a piece in support of the whales. This request came after Stewart’s earlier work on songs about Scott’s father’s ship, ‘RRS Discovery.’ The resulting song is not only a beautiful piece of music but also a poignant message advocating for the protection of these majestic marine creatures, with all royalties dedicated to marine conservation efforts.
The opening of “WhaleSong Sounding” is nothing short of captivating, with the melodic sound of a whale setting the stage for what is to come. This initial whale song is both haunting and serene, immediately drawing the listener into an ethereal soundscape. The blending of the whale’s call with a delicate rhythmic foundation is executed with such finesse that it creates an almost seamless transition from the natural world to the musical composition. This careful crafting of the introductory moments ensures that the listener is transported into the oceanic world that Lowland Folk seeks to honor.
As the song progresses to the 46-second mark, the introduction of Stewart Brown’s classical male voice adds a new dimension to the piece. His smooth and rich voice effortlessly moves over the established beat, adding a personal touch to the whale’s musical background. The feeling expressed in Stewart’s tone is tangible, showing deep respect and a strong bond to the whales. The interaction between the human and natural sounds in the song is a key aspect that makes it stand out, fostering a connection between the singer and the whales that is personal and deep.
Anne Brown’s vocals enhance the composition with a delicate yet powerful counterpoint to Stewart’s singing. Her voice doesn’t just go along with the music, it instead moves in and out of the composition, making moments of perfect harmony and meaningful silence. The interaction between the male and female voices reflects the changing tide of the ocean, adding depth to the song’s message. Whenever Anne sings in the musical piece again, it adds a fresh emotional intensity that keeps the audience captivated and touched.
During the song, the complex arrangement of instruments enhances the vocal performances without overshadowing them. The tools create a complex pattern of sound that enhances the main idea of the song. The gentle beat and harmonic patterns add to the otherworldly vibe, immersing the audience in a peaceful yet emotionally intense musical environment. Lowland Folk’s skillful organization and development of these components showcase their expertise in crafting music that is intricate yet easy to connect with, striking a chord with listeners.
The ability of “WhaleSong Sounding” to inspire awe and admiration for the natural world is one of its most remarkable features. Utilizing real whale sounds provided by the Ocean Alliance enhances the genuineness and offers a distinct auditory adventure that distinguishes this song from typical folk music. The whale sounds are not just included as background noise; they form an essential component of the music, blending with human voices and instruments to create a seamless mix of nature and art. This mixing forms a strong sound comparison for the unity of all living creatures.
As the song reaches its end, the reappearance of the whale’s sound at the 4:50-minute mark is a truly magical moment. This reentry seems like a reaction to the human song, as though the whales are recognizing the invitation from Stewart and Anne. This instant carries deep emotion, representing a bond that goes beyond species and communicates through the universal languages of music and nature. The current level of harmony is not just about music, but also serves as a symbol, showing a positive outlook on living together peacefully and with respect.
To sum up, “WhaleSong Sounding” by Lowland Folk is a piece of music that goes beyond the limits of conventional folk music. The band’s legacy is greatly enhanced by its release, demonstrating their talent in creating music that is both creatively groundbreaking and profoundly significant. This song serves as proof of how music can motivate, stir emotions, and support significant causes. Lowland Folk has made a creation that not just fulfills Sir Peter Scott’s wish but also upholds his tradition of protecting and valuing nature.
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