Written about leaving Bristol and starting a new life in Glastonbury some fifteen years ago.

Exodus

The legacy of the Bee

Dedicated to Andres Segovia, the great maestro of the guitar during the 20th century. When speaking of his life he talked of single mindedness and luck. He said "The rest was the mysterious stars of my firmament" and that strikes a chord with me.

Mysterious Stars

Erik Satie wrote ‘Douloureux’, that translates as Painfully. His melody crept into my tune. I don’t ‘know’ about composition and still feel I throw things into a pot that stews until done. It’s perhaps a long-winded approach but it feels right to let things grow. I want the improvisation that happens while inventing a tune, to be alive when I’m on stage. To play freely and to make the guitar sing requires a calm heart and a subject to explore.

Is this how it ends

I’m on a mission to feel free at the guitar and that means singing through the instrument - like a bird. On top of this I have felt an intense period of dissolution with the media world. To be free from stories is essential for the sake of a calm heart. That freedom brings us closer to our earthly neighbours.

With the Birds

This is the angry side of the pandemic - where I became angry that is. My friend died of cancer during the lockdown. He couldn't breath and it killed him. I worked in a bakery all the way through with my face covered, sweating to pound my pastry. What a nightmare!

A tune about surrendering to the world. When it all confuses maybe the best thing is to accept that we do not know why something is or is not.

Who Knows for why

In memory of all the healthcare workers who gave their lives to help others, in particular those who called out the new disease.

A prelude to the new set, written through the period of Covid-19. The down-pressure of being in 'Lockdown' without live performances needs outlet. This set of seven pieces (from 'About Now' to 'Still Life' in this Live set) seeks to discuss a series of ideas and emotions.

About Now

Exploring the time signatures of music outside my culture has been a long journey. This one is inspired by North West African music. We open our minds by stretching the boundaries of familiarity.

Tagine

Classical Guitarist who has always been supporting live performances in music and circus. Producer and composer with influences of world music, jazz, folk, rock and classical. Bach, Albeniz, de Falla, Britten, King Crimson, Eno. Players such as Bream and Fripp have always been my heroes.

Sam Welbourne

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