Alistair Anderson – Steel Skies – Vinyl Record

Description

Alistair Anderson – Steel Skies – Vinyl Record

Alistair Anderson’s Steel Skies is a landmark album in the world of traditional British folk music, showcasing Anderson’s mastery of the English concertina and Northumbrian smallpipes. A highly respected figure in the British folk scene, Anderson is known for his innovative approach to traditional music, blending technical skill with deep emotional expression.

The music traditions of Northumberland, a small region in northeast England that borders Scotland, have been promoted by English concertina and smallpipe player Alistair Anderson. A founding member of the High Level Ranters, the group most associated with the revival of Northumberland music in the 1970s, Anderson has continued to explore the music of his homeland as a soloist.

Steel Skies stands out as an ambitious work that blends folk traditions with modern composition techniques. The album is often described as a folk suite, reflecting Anderson’s desire to push the boundaries of traditional music by creating a structured, thematic piece that weaves together different musical ideas, yet stays rooted in folk traditions. The title, Steel Skies, evokes imagery of the rugged, industrial landscapes of northern England and the beauty of the natural world, a contrast that runs through the album.

Steel Skies blends traditional British folk styles with contemporary influences. Anderson’s virtuosic playing on the concertina and smallpipes is at the heart of the album, but the music also incorporates elements of classical composition and structured arrangements that give it a modern edge. Anderson is particularly renowned for his skill on the English concertina, and his playing on Steel Skies showcases both technical precision and emotional depth. The Northumbrian smallpipes, with their distinctive, delicate sound, add another layer to the album, providing a melodic contrast to the concertina’s fuller tones. The album often feels like a folk orchestra, with Anderson leading the way but supported by a variety of other instruments. Fiddle, guitar, and other traditional folk instruments play key roles in creating a rich, textured sound. The arrangements are complex yet accessible, making the album a rewarding listen for both folk purists and those new to the genre.

The title Steel Skies suggests a connection to the industrial and natural landscapes of northern England, particularly the steel-gray skies and open, windswept countryside. The music captures this sense of place, with sweeping melodies that evoke both the harshness and beauty of these environments. The album is structured like a suite, with each track flowing into the next, creating a continuous narrative journey. Anderson’s music takes the listener through different moods and scenes, from moments of calm reflection to lively dance tunes, much like a journey through a changing landscape. While deeply rooted in the Northumbrian folk tradition, Steel Skies is innovative in its form and structure. Anderson’s approach to composition allows traditional tunes and dance forms to evolve within a larger, more modern framework, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to folk music.

3. Key Tracks

“Steel Skies”: The title track serves as the thematic anchor of the album. It is a contemplative piece that likely reflects both the industrial and natural elements suggested by the title. Anderson’s concertina playing is both atmospheric and emotive, painting a picture of the landscape.
“The Road to the North”: This track may embody the sense of travel and movement that runs throughout the album. The rhythmic patterns of the concertina and smallpipes create a forward momentum, evoking the idea of a journey through northern England’s landscapes.

The production on Steel Skies emphasizes the acoustic qualities of the instruments, allowing the natural tones of the concertina, smallpipes, and other instruments to shine. The recording captures the intimacy of Anderson’s playing while also giving the music a sense of space and depth. Anderson’s compositions often feature layered arrangements, where multiple instruments interact to create a textured, orchestral sound. The interplay between the concertina, smallpipes, and fiddle, for example, creates a rich sonic palette that enhances the emotional impact of the music. The album balances lively dance tunes with more atmospheric, reflective pieces. The slower, more contemplative tracks often feature drones or sustained notes that create a sense of space and stillness, contrasting with the energetic, rhythmic sections.

Steel Skies is a key work in Alistair Anderson’s efforts to bring the Northumbrian folk tradition to a wider audience. His innovative approach to arranging and composing within the folk idiom has inspired generations of folk musicians and helped to keep the tradition alive and evolving. The idea of a folk suite—a longer, thematically connected work—was relatively unusual in the folk music world when Anderson released Steel Skies. The album’s structure and ambition helped to pave the way for other folk musicians to experiment with more complex, narrative-driven compositions. Anderson’s music is deeply connected to the landscape and culture of Northumbria, and Steel Skies serves as a musical tribute to the region. His work has played a major role in preserving and celebrating the unique musical traditions of the area, while also pushing those traditions forward into new and exciting directions.

Steel Skies by Alistair Anderson is a masterful exploration of British folk music, blending the Northumbrian folk tradition with modern composition techniques. Through its thematic structure and innovative use of traditional instruments, the album paints a vivid picture of the landscapes and cultures of northern England. For fans of traditional folk music and those interested in the intersection of tradition and innovation, Steel Skies offers a rich, emotional journey through one of Britain’s most distinctive musical landscapes.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with jacket cut

Flying Fish Records FF 288 1982

Track Listing
The mountain Stream
Rhymeside
First Light
The road To The North
Clennel Street
The Franklin River
Jumpimg Jack
The Air For Maurice Ogg
Green Ginger
The Ironbridge
Eynhollow
In Trim
Mount Hooley
Lemington Bank
The kestrel
High Force
Dog Leap Stairs
Hot Rivets
The Seven Gate Road
When The Frosts are Setting In
East Winds
Millstream
Centanary Pack