Here we have a collection of sea songs and a poem, with a fine and very effective cover of a whale rising from the sea. Most of the songs were written by the singer, Rod Shearman, and are well constructed with easy, tuneful melody lines. They cover fairly contemporary concerns and happenings, ranging from the Hull Fishing Disaster of 1968 to a long distance journey that follows the Medway valley. Perhaps the most familiar song is 'The Big Fella', which has been taken up by quite a number of singers. Rod also includes fine songs by Jim Radford and George Gilbert. The traditional songs include 'Stormalong', 'Off To the South'ard' and 'The Margaret and Mary' - good songs all. The songs are sung with a strong workman-like delivery, often in keeping with the song contents of life at sea, the disasters and the trials. He is ably assisted by the excellent Keelers on six of the tracks.
Nick Caffrey
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this CD online from The Listening Post The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 40 of The Living Tradition magazine. |