Cromford Childhood Memories - High Peak Suite, The Scarthin Band

The High Peak Suite - Memories of a Cromford childhood £7.99 + postage & packaging

A musical exploration in words and music of my formative years in a small Derbyshire village. Not surprisingly, people, buildings, feelings, reflections, family life and events all 'appear' in the pieces and there's a little about Sir Richard Arkwright and his mills too!
The CD contains 12 tracks. " It is a music of traditional nature tinged with a little jazz and a hint of rock fused into an exquisite blend that constantly delights and surprises" (Cross Rhythms 2006)

"It's powered his mills and yet it trickles through our hands" - Derwent Valley Mills

The Scarthin band is:

Doug Allen - Guitar, mandolin and bazouki
Ian Bevan - Guitar and vocals
John Biddulph - Vocals, soprano saxophone, whistle, low whistle, wind synthesiser & keyboard

Guest musician - Fiona Biddulph - Oboe & Cor Anglais

All songs composed by John Biddulph and arranged by The Scarthin Band except Derwent Valley Mills by Ian Bevan & John Biddulph. Recorded and engineered at The Shed Studio & live at The Croft, Cromford.

The High Peak Suite was first performed at the 'Celebrating Cromford' Festival.

Download an Adobe PDF with background information to all songs and instrumental pieces.

The High Peak Suite

Track listing (Extracts in mp3 format)

1. Chant for Arkwright

2. Masson Mill

3. Mill Pond

4. The Singing Miller

5. Mist on the Moor

6. The Bear Pit

7. Derwent Valley Mills (inc. the Lilting Banshee trad.)

8. Market Day - A Gallimaufry