“From a view to a kill in the morning…”

A traditional song that was historically very popular, about a real life figure: a famous huntsman who lived in Cumberland (now Cumbria) around 1800. The song gave its name both to the BBC Radio 1 DJ (whose real name was John Ravenscroft) and to a James Bond short story by Ian Fleming called ‘From A View To A Kill’. Written in the Cumberland dialect, it’s usually sung as ‘D’ye ken John Peel…’, but that dialect didn’t feel right for me to sing in, so I artistic-licensed it. This also features a tune called ‘Alexandra Park’ (which I got from Nick Barber’s bumper book of English tunes) and another called ‘Red House’, which seems to think it’s ‘Greensleeves’ but clearly isn’t.

John Peel

'When You Were Mine', written by Prince. Demo performed, programmed, recorded and mixed by Ally Craig, 13/14 May 2016. Originally performed by Prince on his 1980 album Dirty Mind.

When You Were Mine

This one was a commission for the wedding anniversary of John and Karen McIntosh.  It has not been released on an album, but it is recorded here with Jon Boden on fiddle as well.

Scotland Lane

Folk singer, songwriter, producer & aspiring Tim Burton character. Never looked for a record deal, and never will. (They're right for plenty of musicians – just not me.)

John Peel

James Bell Central

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