Prepare to be transported to a bygone era with Anonymous' forthcoming album, "The Gentle Shepherd," set to release on March 7, 2025, under the esteemed Olde Focus Recordings label. This enchanting collection of medieval and Swedish ballads, masterfully arranged with chamber music sensibilities, promises an immersive journey through time and tradition.
Spanning a captivating 71 minutes, "The Gentle Shepherd" features an impressive array of 22 tracks, each a testament to the rich tapestry of medieval and Swedish folk music. Anonymous, known for their meticulous attention to detail and authentic interpretation of historical music, breathes new life into these timeless pieces.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Sang I. The wawking of the Faulds" to the lively "Sang XX. Bony gray ey’d Morn" and the enchanting "Sang XXI. Corn Riggs are bonny," the album is a journey through a variety of moods and melodies. The inclusion of traditional Swedish ballads and chamber music arrangements adds a unique dimension to the collection, showcasing Anonymous' versatility and deep respect for the source material.
The album's title track, "The Gentle Shepherd," along with other standout pieces like "Sheebeg and Sheemore—Planxty Lady Wrixon" and "Stool of Repentance—Lady Doll Sinclair's Reel," highlights the album's blend of medieval and Swedish influences, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
"Sang XIV. O’er Bogie" and "Sang XV. Wat ye wha I met Yestreen" are particularly noteworthy, offering a glimpse into the album's rich storytelling tradition. These tracks, along with others, demonstrate Anonymous' ability to convey the emotional depth and narrative power of medieval and Swedish ballads.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of medieval and Swedish folk music or a newcomer eager to explore these timeless traditions, "The Gentle Shepherd" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Anonymous' dedication to authenticity and their innovative approach to chamber music arrangements make this album a standout in the genre. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies and timeless stories of "The Gentle Shepherd."
2025 Makaris2025 Makaris
Tracks
Sang I. The wawking of the FauldsAnonymous, Makaris, Corey Shotwell, David "Jock" Nicol
Sang II. Fy gar rub her o’er with StraeAnonymous, Makaris, Corey Shotwell
Sang III. Polwart on the GreenAnonymous, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie, David "Jock" Nicol
Sang IV. O dear Mother, what shall I do?Anonymous, Makaris, Madeline Healey
When she cam ben she bobedAnonymous, Makaris, Caitlin Hedge
Sang V. How can I be sad on my Wedding-DayAnonymous, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie, Sian Ricketts
Sang VI. Nansy’s to the Green Wood ganeAnonymous, Makaris, Madeline Healey
Sang VII. Cald Kale in AberdeenAnonymous, Makaris, Harrison Hintzsche, David "Jock" Nicol
Sang VIII. Mucking of Geordy’s ByerAnonymous, Makaris, Tracy Cowart
Sang IX. Carle an the King comeAnonymous, Makaris, Caitlin Hedge, David "Jock" Nicol, Sian Ricketts
Sheebeg and Sheemore—Planxty Lady WrixonTurlough O'Carolan, Makaris, David "Jock" Nicol, Caitlin Hedge
Sang X. Winter was cauld, and my Cleathing was thin [The yellow hair’d Laddie]Anonymous, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie, Corey Shotwell
Sang XI. By the delicious Warmness of thy Mouth?Alexander Stuart, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie, Corey Shotwell
Sang XII. Happy ClownAnonymous, Makaris, Bradley King, David "Jock" Nicol
Plea Rarkeh na RourkoughLorenzo Bocchi, Makaris, Kivie Cahn-Lipman
Sang XIII. Leith-WyndAnonymous, Makaris, Madeline Healey, Brian Giebler, David "Jock" Nicol, Caitlin Hedge, Sian Ricketts
Sang XIV. O’er BogieAnonymous, Makaris, Madeline Healey
Sang XV. Wat ye wha I met YestreenAnonymous, Makaris, Bradley King
Enter Bauldy Singing [Sang XVa: Jocky said to Jenny]?Alexander Stuart, Makaris, Benjamin Matus
Stool of Repentance—Lady Doll Sinclair's ReelAnonymous, Makaris, Benjamin Matus
Sang XVI. Kirk wad let me beAnonymous, Makaris, Corey Shotwell, David "Jock" Nicol, Elliot Figg, Sian Ricketts
Sang XVII. Woes my Heart that we shou’d sunderAnonymous, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie
Sang XVIII. Tweed-sideAnonymous, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie
Sang XIX. Bush aboon TraquairAnonymous, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie, Caitlin Hedge, Sian Ricketts
Bony ChristyAnonymous, Makaris, Caitlin Hedge
Sang XX. Bony gray ey’d MornAnonymous, Makaris, Bradley King
Sang XXI. Corn Riggs are bonnyDavid Rizzio, Makaris, Fiona Gillespie
Vinylscout