Muireann Bradley released Blackwood Pew on October 23, combining original writing with interpretations from her folk and blues repertoire. A physical double EP pairs the new material with the five tracks from her earlier Rose Dogs collection.
The new program includes Last Kind Words Blues, Dancing on My Grave, Daniel Johnston’s True Love Will Find You in the End, Clementine, I Want You and Not Going Back. Bradley describes Clementine as a studio collaboration with producer Declan Gaffney and Ella Walker, also known as Wildes.
The instrument behind the title
The EP takes its name from a guitar built with Australian blackwood reclaimed from an old church pew in Tasmania. The announcement says a fan made the instrument for Bradley after seeing her perform. That is the specific origin of the title, rather than the name of a recording venue.
The mix of originals and interpretations gives listeners a way to follow the relationship between tradition and new writing. Comparing accompaniment patterns, vocal phrasing and the structure of a verse can be more revealing than placing every selection under one broad folk label.
Bradley is also scheduled to headline London’s Stone Nest on November 13 as part of the London Jazz Festival. The official release information links to the music and the announced live schedule.
Source: Official release announcement.
