FolkWorld #79 11/2022
© Lucy Shields

FolkWorld 25th Anniversary 1997-2022


Charlie Fox: A hunting song from the point of view of the hunted, this song was written by the trio’s good friend and musical hero, Dave Webber. It perfectly captures everything the fox has to lose in the chase that some consider a sport. It’s been paired with a traditional jig known as Johnny O’Leary’s.

What Holds the World Together

It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for The Wilderness Yet. Amidst the pandemic, they released their debut album to critical acclaim in 2020. Since then, they’ve barely paused for breath with the release of an EP, a festive album, and now this brand-new offering, What Holds The World Together.

The Wilderness Yet

The Wilderness Yet

Artist Audio The Wilderness Yet "What Holds the World Together"

Artist Video The Wilderness Yet @ FROG

www.thewilder
nessyet.com

At a time of disconnection from each other and the environment, What Holds The World Together is an album grounded in our relationship with the natural world. From the great whales of the deep to the ancient oaks of the land, the future of our planet is inextricably bound to that of mankind, and many of the songs chosen or crafted here explore that connection.

This is an exploration of the world’s stories, seasons and sorrows. It’s also an album with deeply personal links. From The Last Shanachie, which features a wax cylinder recording of Rowan’s great-great-grandfather (a traditional Irish storyteller), to The Nightingale’s Lullaby, a song written to lull Rowan and Rosie’s newborn son to sleep, the album is centred around love, community and connection - and perhaps that’s what holds the world together, after all.

The Wilderness Yet

Beautifully presented with magical artwork by Adam Oehlers and photos by Elly Lucas, the 12-track album opens with a poem by Charles Kingsley, Ode To The North-East Wind , set to a traditional Irish slip-jig aptly named The Blast of Wind. The resulting song, which they’ve titled Wild Northeaster, is at once a gentle introduction to their sound and a rousing welcome to the wilder side of nature.

Though steeped in traditional music, all three musicians have unique creative voices and have contributed original material to the mix. From brand-new songs that effortlessly take on the traditional mantle, to fresh takes on songs from the English and Irish folk canon and catchy self-penned tune sets, the album is a rich aural tapestry delivered with dazzling musicianship. Guest musician Joe Danks also features on bodhran, providing the heartbeat to drive each tune forwards.

In its exploration of our connection with the natural world, the album dwells at times on some sobering subject matter. Standout track Charlie Fox , written by Dave Webber, is an exploration of foxhunting from the perspective of the hunted. This is followed up by the title track, What Holds The World Together, which tempers darkness with hope, as it tells the story of a village in India that has overcome problems with infanticide and deforestation.

Hope also springs forth in The Carol of the Flood, a song which reflects our impact on the waterways, in particular focusing on the trio’s hometown of Sheffield. This song was commissioned by Soundpost and the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership, as part of a song cycle focused on the trio’s local area. Finally, bringing the album to a close is Emigrantvisa, a traditional Swedish song about leaving home behind and arriving somewhere new: a poignant choice that reflects what’s happening in the world today.

Holding the weight of the world on its shoulders, whilst simultaneously radiating the joy of life, What Holds The World Together is a rumination on everything it means to be human.


About The Wilderness Yet

Rosie Hodgson

www.rosiehodgson.com

Philippe Barnes

www.philippebarnes.com

Taking their name from a line in Gerard Manley Hopkins’s evocative poem, Inversnaid, this Sheffield-based trio fuse the clear, charismatic vocals of former BBC Young Folk Award finalist Rosie Hodgson with the fine, sensitive fiddling of Rowan Piggott and the deft guitar and flute playing of Philippe Barnes.

They are a trio with an excellent pedigree – and one with intrinsic links to the Irish traditional music scene. Rosie and Philippe have worked together in the London-Irish band Crossharbour, while Rowan grew up on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by traditional music (including his Dad’s band De Danann!) They’ve toured together playing festivals from Sidmouth to Warwick, Ely to Bromyard (Rowan is a past winner of Bromyard’s ‘Future of Young Folk’ Award).

Rowan Piggott

www.rowanpiggott.com

Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes; from a cappella three-part harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements.

Rosie Hodgson

With a voice that brings “a ruby-richness to lyrics new and old" (Folk Radio UK), it’s no surprise that Rosie has been a finalist for the BBC Young Folk Award. After a successful EP and the eponymous album from Crossharbour, she recorded her debut album Rise Aurora to critical acclaim, producing what fRoots called “audible magic”. Rosie’s own songs are heavily influenced by the English tradition and her love of literature and the environment.

Rowan Piggott

Rowan is a fine singer with a “deep understanding and feel for tradition” (FolkW ords). He is known for his fiddle-playing with Georgia Lewis and The Songhive Project, which he founded to raise awareness of the plight of the bees. The winner of the ‘Future of Young Folk Award’ at Bromyard Folk Festival, he recently featured on the cover of The Living Tradition after releasing his solo album Mountscribe.

Philippe Barnes

Philippe is well known on the folk scene as a virtuosic flautist, but is an equally magnificent guitarist. Since completing an MA in Irish Music Performance at University of Limerick, Philippe has toured with the David Munnelly Band, All Jigged Out, Dizraeli and the Small Gods and Crossharbour (alongside Rosie). As a session musician, he appears regularly on film/tv soundtracks and has recently recorded an EP with pianist Tom Phelan.



Old Brock is a homage to the humble badger, exploring the secret lives of these little-seen creatures. It was penned by Tim Brooks, who the trio saw performing it at Watford Folk Club. With Tim’s kind permission, it has been arranged with three-part a cappella harmonies.



Photo Credits: (1)-(3) The Wilderness Yet, (4) Rosie Hodgson, (5) Rowan Piggott, (6) Philippe Barnes (unknown/website).


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