Antonis

15th January 1919 (live session January 2019)

State Of Hysteria

Just Another Day (excerpt)

Radio Independence (Excerpt)

Swallows

This song is based on the story of John Lees, a soldier who fought at Waterloo, but was later at Peterloo, and died of wounds received there. In the John Rylands Library in Manchester, there is a book used by the Poor Relief board set up after the massacre, which reveals the extent of the suffering caused by the injuries inflicted as the Yeomanry rode down the crowd. Then as now, the Government found it necessary to demonise poor people, and also, to have a foreign enemy, in this case Bonaparte. From another perspective, Bonaparte was the most democratic of European leaders at the time (for a while!).

The Scum Of The Earth

This song is based on a true story, as told to me by Leonard's grandaughter Lesley Wade. Leonard was a noted Socialist councillor in Stalybridge. He fought in WW1 and had his report card marked 'very intelligent for a working class man' - mainly because he questioned his officers and wanted to know why! The song tells just a small part of his story, and is based on a song called 'The Rambling Royal' which I came across in a collection of Cheshire Folk Songs by my friend Roy Clinging. That song is one of many songs which talks about people who deserted, although in this case the narrator is recaptured and 're-enlisted'.

Leonard Tilsley

Another 'proper' folk song, and the along with John Barleycorn, the first time I have tried to interpret something not written by me. I found this in a second hand edition of the EFDSS book 'The Foggy Dew', which features songs from the Hammond and Gardiner manuscripts. I was drawn to the themes of this song, which are both age old and modern, namely, fatherless sons joining the army as the only option.

Johnny Gallagher

Deckchairs

United Front Song (Live in Manchester May 2017)

‘The Ghost Of A River’ (2007) – I wrote, composed and produced this ‘audio trail’, which examined settlement, industry and the environment around Nether Padley Gorge, Grindleford. Originally commissioned by Moors for the Future,, it was recommended by the Guardian newspaper’s ‘Great Outdoors’ supplement in Summer 2007!. The voices are of Bill Bevan and John Wolff, geologists; local people; and the poems are read by Wood. A more recent recording of 'Soul Of Stone can be found in the 1,000 Places playlist.

Aidan Jolly

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