Gaelic language version of the original song. With many thanks to Eileen Coyle (Irish Gaeilge vocals) & Ciara Hall (translator):

The isle of Inishmore and the other Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland hold a mythic significance within Ireland’s cultural heritage (it’s where the great Irish playwright Synge, amongst others, went to immerse himself in the Irish language and its creative spirit). This tribute is something of a dreamscape inspired by the strength of the Celtic soul and the majesty of the scenery. The imagery and poetry are intended as a general homage (the visual images are taken from a wide range of locations both within Ireland and further afield – they’re intended to conjure up something of the haunting grandeur of the west of Ireland rather than being a literal representation). The themes embodied - exile, love/longing and the dream of redemption - are elemental within Irish poetry and song. If this little offering adds anything to enhance the special place which Ireland holds in many of our hearts (or soothe, even for a moment, any of its wounds) it will have fulfilled it’s goal.

Lyric Vid link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdFp6Drq9JA

Inishmore (Gaelic version)

When you've got no more to give
When those wolves are at your heels
When there's no place left to hide
When all your tears run dry...
Reach out and I'll be there

A heartfelt lyric dedicated to all those who've endured so much, alone, in the darkest of times. Musically: a little homage to retro soul (and the spirit of motown). Reminiscences of an age when sax breaks could truly knock your socks off - and very possibly some other delicate bits and pieces to boot!

Lyric Vid link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y5Hl2yyMJ8

And When the Darkness Comes

Many thanks for the many positive responses regarding the original version of this song. This revised and updated version is in keeping with the free spirit of the original.

If I could live this life again
With every tear I'd share your pain
With every breath I'd make you see
You always were the best of me...

For those who may have encountered angels unawares, for whom life can never be the same again. A tribute to those who, in troubled times, have given their all for others, despite the cost. 

And most of all, for Felix... one of a kind you'll always be.

"The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone." - George Eliot

Lyric Vid link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRtPwq0uySI

Broken Angel (Re-Vox Version)

A vocal duet reworking of my Time and Tides original. I felt the spirit of the song is perhaps even more apt for the present than when first conceived.  If you’ve learned to value those close to you a bit more in these troubled times; or known something of the enduring loss of so many - this one’s for you! Of love and loss:

You're in the rain
You're in the air I breathe in
You're in this fire inside my brain
You're here again
In every silent moment
That's when I hear you call my name...

Lyric Vid link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OXJnkeLp-4

Time and Tides (Re-Vox Version)

- A musical offering for cello & piano - 
where words fail, let music be a prayer 

"for peace comes dropping slow,
dropping from the veils of the morning
to… the deep heart’s core" (W B Yeats)

[CAOINEADH: from the old Gaelic for crying or to lament]

Many thanks to all who contributed to this one, not least Andy Walter for adding his usual magic and mastering down at Abbey Road Studios.

Lyric Vid link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MhnsDoYHFE

Caoineadh for Ukraine

Seldom does a day go by but I return, at some stage, to Bach. I recall the magic of first hearing the D minor Chaconne, the glorious opening mvt of Cantata 140, the slow mvt of the double violin concerto... the opening Arioso of Cantata BWV 156, to which I owe the inspiration for this particular little offering.

I've never subscribed to the notion that Bach's music is more cerebral, less emotionally charged than the music of later generations. Despite its transformation into a contemporary love song I'll be delighted if something of the romance and warmth of Bach's original shines through here. The final section of the song resorts to a simple vocalise elaboration of the Arioso melody. A heartfelt tribute to the composer who, more than any other, set me on a musical journey (from classical roots to folk, rock, jazz, fusion... and back) that still, so many years later, feels like it's only just begun.

A very special vote of thanks to the many others who've contributed to this recording, including:
Carolina de la Muela (vocals); Nicholas Ojeda (Dble Bass). Strings - Nightsongs Studio Strings. And not least, to Simon Gibson down at Abbey Road Studios for his customary prowess in the final mastering.

Lyric Vid link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOD8gMqJoKg

Arioso in Red

"We held each other tight 
And laughed at life's cold gaze 
And whispered to the night, 'All will be well' 
Together we can make this darkness bright"...

Grateful as always to the many matchless musicians that helped me out with this one: 
Lydia Salnikova (vocals); 
Nicolás Ojeda (bass); 
Erik Holmbom (guitars); 
Nightsongs studio brass (horn sect / tpt solo)
and many more…

Once again - so grateful to Andy Walter (Abbey Road Studios) for adding his mastering magic to this one.

Finally, big thanks to that finely tuned and razor eared little band of co-conspirators at Mohan family HQ who still support me all the way, keep me on the straight and narrow and really do make it all happen. Joint Enterprise!

Lyric Vid link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqh4iSM7t3A

Shadows In The Fire

There has been so much tragedy, so many broken lives and hearts since the outset of the war in Ukraine. In the earliest days of the conflict, a Kiev family was brutally attacked whilst trying to flee the city; most, including Polina, did not survive. To reflect on one particular instance from the enormity of grief in Ukraine is, I sincerely hope, to give focus to it all.   

So, in memory of Polina (aged 10), her family and so many others who have lost their lives in Ukraine.

As always, I am most grateful for the assistance of so many in making this song possible including:
Juliet Lyons – Lead vocals
Nightsongs Studio Strings – ensemble/solo strings 
Simon Gibson (Abbey Road Studios) – Mastering

View Lyric video for this track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_ZkFTpwG18

For Polina: Till Tears Run Dry

Lightning on Galatea - a little something on the wild side! High octane prog/fusion instrumental with sizzling horns, keys/piano pyrotechnics, rip roaring sax leads, a positive blast of fine power drumming (and more!). Embracing something of the sound world of classic outfits such as Yes, Focus, Sky, Steely Dan and the like but at the same time distinctively original. Dave on keys, an assemblage of other fine international musicians in the mix and some dynamic mastering down at Abbey Road Studios (Simon Gibson). Surefire muso therapy for all who have a taste for old school instrumental high jinks.

Music Vid Link: https://youtu.be/QcITewloLSM

Lightning on Galatea

Sometimes we lose those we've loved the most. As I write this (in October/November 2023) it's beyond painful to witness the scenes of grief and loss countless others are experiencing in our world in wars, seemingly, without end - where the powerless always suffer the most. It makes any attempt to give voice to one's own personalised sense of loss seem self indulgent. But in the hope that one grief observed, though only a drop in an ocean, can add something to the pool of human sympathy at a time when it's so sorely needed - a song of farewell:

"And so the final scene
Where fancies all are slowly stripped away
Who knows what might have been
Had fate been kinder to our dreams
But no regrets - our hearts were true
And in the end it's all that matters
Old friend adieu - I'll wait for you
Somewhere beyond the blue" 

With many thanks to:
Carolina de la Muela (lead vocals)
Yann Marc (cello) Jovana Krazic (violin)
Simon Gibson - Abbey Road Studios (Mastering)

And not least, a little inspiration from J S Bach (BWV 998) -  a never ending font of inspiration, is old Bach. Vielen Dank JSB

Music Vid Link: https://youtu.be/GSX2YRUfGPY?feature=shared

Somewhere Beyond The Blue Dave

Sometimes there’s an incident or event we know we’ll never forget (Larmes et Silence - Bataclan 13 Nov 2015):

Who’ll fork the lightning now?
Who’ll whisper on the wind?
Who’ll fill our hearts with laughter
Now the music’s all gone still?
Who now could take your place?
But no-one ever will!

[lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPIXArbAklo]

Tears And Ashes

Free From The Fire

Ballad of love and loss - ripples on the waves from an age when hope still stirred, dreams ran free and music gleamed in the moonlight ... till everything but love got swept away! 

You’re in the rain
You’re in the air I breathe in
You’re in this fire inside my brain
You’re here again
In every silent moment
That’s when I hear you call my name...

(Now every day another tear will fall into the sand
- Palu 2018 - never forgotten)

[lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blSJZAR7uf8]

Time And Tides

The isle of Inishmore and the other Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland hold a mythic significance within Ireland’s cultural heritage (it’s where the great Irish playwright Synge, amongst others, went to immerse himself in the Irish language and its creative spirit). This tribute is something of a dreamscape inspired by the strength of the Celtic soul and the majesty of the scenery. The themes embodied - exile, love/longing and the dream of redemption - are elemental within Irish poetry and song. If this little offering adds anything to enhance the special place which Ireland holds in many of our hearts (or soothe, even for a moment, any of its wounds) it will have fulfilled it’s goal.          

Lyric Vid link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIDCC6J1fdg

Inishmore

Sometimes introspective; always driven by a wider social conscience and a sense of human fragility. Touching on topics that tear at the heart of the human condition (loneliness, love and loss, homelessness/poverty, social exclusion).  And, there again, what’s a songsmith if not a conjurer of dreams? Dreams to lift us, if but for a moment, above the dull vicissitudes of life. Dreams of a world reimagined, that brave souls will always aspire to whatever the cost (Martin Luther King Jr...). A glimmer of unfeigned empathy. A glimpse of sunshine after rain. Music offered as a little healing for troubled times; a solace for the soul; a little heartfelt scattering of dreams - tread softly! 'Our life is no dream; but it ought to become one, and perhaps will' (Novalis)

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