We all need someone or something to guide us... 

Whether it's a person, a mission, a faith or a belief, life is easier with guidance and security. 

I wrote this song when I was a mere teenager, for an unknown reason. My brother had just left home, which at the time was Qatar, to start his university studies in England. My sister was already there. 

I feel this song developed out of a longing for my older siblings, my inner circle, my dependents, my shoulders to lean on. 

When times are tough and there are challenges, we need those shoulders, or we look to other sources of enlightenment, strength, or in worst cases, sheer escape. 

This song sings for many times in a life, and has since developed into a kind of "traveller's prayer" when I'm on the road and far from my family, paying the price once again that I miss them and love them. 

Inspired by the Christian concept of the Archangel, a head angel devoted to a single soul, this is a prayer for the life traveller, who needs guides wherever their journey leads them.

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Lama Zakariah, a Jordanian friend of mine from my days at the University of Kingston, UK and recorded on-site at one of the University recording rooms

Written and performed by Sam Crónin on a Breedlove C25 Passport guitar

Archangel

Working abroad can be a big challenge…

Leaving friends & family on the promise of a better wage, together with very little knowledge of the culture you're about to experience. What could prepare you at a moment's notice?

My good friend Moses Ocaya knows. I first met him when I was at a British school in Qatar, where he was managing all the students [as a security guard] as they came to and from the school. In between my late night music lessons, we would sit with some warm tea and while the night away discussing our hectic lives exploring our place in an intimidating world.

We eventually had had enough conversations (and tea!) for us to write a song together. 

"Child of the Nile" is one of the first songs of mine as part of the 'Third Culture' musical exploration of cross-cultural happenings. Inspired by Moses and his tough tribulations but positive attitude to life as a white-collar worker in Qatar, and a tribute to travelling workers worldwide.

He had then, and still continues to inspire me everyday since our friendship began.

Recorded at home in Doha, Qatar, in 2013
Mixed and Mastered by Pete Lamb of Music Workshop, Devizes, UK, in 2021

Written by Sam Crónin and Ocaya Moses

Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Percussion and Djembe by Sam Crónin
Backing Vocals by Moses Ocaya

Child of the Nile (feat. Ocaya Moses)

Returning home after time away can often bring a lot of emotions…

Adapting "back" to where you feel, you're told or people may decide you're "from" can be a challenge, I believe, for anyone who's gone away for a long time.

Born in Wiltshire, South-west England, before a quick leap to Nigeria, it was 19 years before I had the opportunity to really know it. A beautiful place, but always a distant memory, certain scenes of its long valleys and ancient ruins often returned to my mind when questioning home and belonging.

On my inevitable return, I grew a fond admiration of the place at last, cycling my bicycle through its magical landscapes, walking my dog on its misty plains; simple things such as enjoying the passing of seasons - the flowers of the spring, the "quaint-ness" of winter.

I decided… going "home" was just another adventure. One more trip somewhere new, and I treated it as any other. There's always something unexpected, different, "unusual" and ultimately - exciting!

Getting used to this way of seeing it, treating it as such, and making the most of the opportunity, came to give me an even fuller sense of pride - this is where I come from, and I love it!

— History —

The "standing stones" of Stonehenge and Avebury have been a Celtic "mecca" (place of pilgrimage) for over a thousand years,  and today many people flog from the crowded cities to enjoy its fresh, natural air, friendly communities and eternal wonder.

Nestled in front of a "White Horse Hill", one of the seven that mark the Wiltshire landscape, is a charming family who commended this song [their house giving the title!]

Mixed and Mastered by Pete Lamb at Music Workshop, Devizes, UK

Written and performed by Sam Crónin, exc.

Bone Clappers (played by Bob Berry of the music duo 'Bob & Gil Berry' - great Wiltshire folk music avail. online)

1st Guitar is my Breedlove C25 Passport travel guitar
2nd Guitar featured is my Passport guitar tuned to resemble an Irish Bouzouki
Fiddle used is my 20th century German-made violin, nicknamed "Ole' Bull" by previous owner
Drum played is a Wiltshire Riddle Drum, essentially a local name for the Irish bodhran

Summerdown (feat. Bob Berry)

Impatience I believe affects many of us... 

Anxious for things to come or stressing for things of the past is a universal affliction that has no simpler remedy: chillin' out and letting it go. 

I spent the best part of three months in 2018-19 in the beautiful sunshine capital of Kampala in Uganda, East Africa. 

The period was a turbulent time for me as I just dropped out of university studies for the third time and considering my next path in life, and where my journey would lead while making the unfortunate struggle of dealing with events of the past, and ultimately, having closure. 

When you observe what can be recurring sights in African neighbourhoods - day-to-day struggles with work, money, disease, food shortages, drought - you really have to stop and wonder what life's all about. 

I wrote this song at the end of this journey. Seeing what the Ugandan people accomplished with a positive attitude and social solidarity saw me on my way to a better outlook. 

I love Uganda, and it is always with me. I ache to return and this song feeds the spirit of what I achieved there, and what I hope the country will achieve in the coming years. 

Everyone has their time.

Recorded at Snap Records, Kampala, Uganda
Mixed and mastered by Trik Beats
Written by Sam Crónin 

Vocals & Guitar by Sam Crónin
Samples and beats by Trik Beats
Saxophone, Bass & Backing Vocals by anonymous local guest musicians

African Time (feat. Trik Beats)

Folk-singer travelling the world of music 🌎 
Expat-raised singer-songwriter, covers performer & travelling musician 🚶‍♂️🎒 🎸 🎶 
 
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