Stu Hanna and his wife Debbie have spent over two decades establishing themselves as leading exponents of folk music across the UK, winning Megson multiple awards in the process. Stu is also a highly acclaimed, innovative music producer and recording engineer. Their heritage, especially those deep roots in the industrial northeast of England, is never forgotten in their hearts and minds as they reflect the cultural and social experiences of everyday people and events. The cover of To Get Home tells its own story of industrial change and, in many cases, decline.
American folk and country blues enthusiasts should find empathy with Megson’s stories, melodies and acoustic instrumentation which frequently serve as powerful vehicles for expressing thoughts and feelings about important issues in society. As folk artists they reflect on the struggles faced by marginalized communities and challenge listeners to confront harsh realities.
Megson is currently on tour with double bass supremo John Parker who also performs on this EP, adding further depth to the duo’s multi-instrumental capabilities across piano accordion, fiddle, guitars, mandola, banjo and percussion. John is best known as one half of the duo Nizlopi, which he formed with a school friend. “JCB,” a single from their first album Half These Songs Are About You, reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and eventually won that duo an IMPALA Platinum Award for independent musicians recognising sales of over 500,000 copies of the song across Europe.
The Bandcamp digital album version has five tracks with a sixth available on Spotify, a mixture of original songs by Stu and Debbie plus traditional ballads and a cover.
The jaunty, harmonious “To Get Home” with its infectious banjo strings and mesmeric accordion-driven rhythm is nostalgic, poignant, and upbeat about returning home to a deserted community and recalling happy memories of life as it was and where they used to play. The message is clear: change has been fast and accepting it is hard, especially looking back on where you were brought up; nothing ever lasts.
“The Welcome Sailor” showcases the impeccable vocal skills of Stu and Debbie in perfect harmony across the infectious chorus. Their versatility on several instruments plus the added dimension of the double bass lines contribute to this beautifully arranged classic interpretation.
The trio bring a fresh life to the traditional ballad “The Oak & The Ash,” the first version of which dates as far back as 1609. It tells the story of a maid from northern England who has strayed to London and now wishes to return to home the song proclaiming;
The oak and the ash and the bonny ivy tree They flourish at home in my own country
A consummate storyteller, Debbie’s heartfelt and expressive vocals soar above the clever instrumental backing. As Stu explains, “We created Megson as a vehicle to explore our attachment to northern England’s traditional music and its narrative song tradition. This song is iconic in this respect, especially amongst those like us who have left their home towns. Arranging this song felt like coming home.” Debbie sings “The Rose On The Stem” majestically and with heartfelt sincerity, the multiple accentuated stringed instruments adding power and texture.
“Next Year” is a live version of the track from the album What are We Trying To Say? Its central theme is about all the promises we make each year to ourselves about how much better we will be, except we won’t and don’t.
The sixth track, available on Spotify, “The Highwayman” was written by Oklahoma-born, multiple award winning composer and singer Jimmy L. Webb. It is an evocative and haunting song about reincarnations. This ever-ascending soul moved from thief to sailor, dam builder, and ultimately, the purity and perfection of a drop of rain. Often referred to as the best folk song ever written, this version with its heightened drama affirms the world-class status of Megson as performers. The production and arrangements are stunning.
I'll fly a starship Across the universe divide And when I reach the other side I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can Perhaps I may become a highwayman again Or I may simply be a single drop of rain But I will still remain I'll be back again
