Persephone Bay

Concept and analysis

I've gradually composed more and more acoustic tracks over the years, often adding one or two tracks to albums or just releasing them as singles. Recently, I thought it might be a good idea to put them all onto one album, adding, perhaps, a few 'rock out' tracks to supplement them. 'Persephone Bay' became this album, its title taken from the Greek Goddess of the Underworld. Interestingly, many of my acoustic guitar compositions have a connection with the ocean or the sea, so tying in the idea of 'Persephone' with a cove or bay seemed only natural. Two excellent 'rock-orientated' compositions were added to the line up just to give the collection a bit of variation.

The opening track, 'Swordfish', transports the listener to a cove or bay somewhere on the South Oregon Coast. A single, poignant melody carries the composition to a two-part chorus, full of intrigue and wonder. There's a subtle, shimmer effect throughout the track, which gives the composition a soft, ethereal quality. 'Fingal's Cave' features a two-part guitar melody throughout. An uplifting chorus, shimmering guitar effects, and a pert little coda, make this one of my favourite acoustic compositions. The 'single release' artwork for this track features me and my guitar at the famous Scottish landmark - such an otherworldly place. 'Sunny Beach Street' transports the listener back to a traditional British seaside, complete with sun, sea and sand, and, of course, wheeling seagulls. A strummed rhythm section, with two separate tunes overlaid over a shimmering reverb effect, give this number a mystical, quasi-psychedelic feel. 'The Mermaid With an Angel's Name' has a subtle hint of India within its lovely, expansive tune. Three separate guitar tracks were used in this composition, and, unusually, two different acoustic guitars - the Epiphone Dove and the Luna. Check out the 'single release' artwork by Toby French, it's amazing, and so intricate. 'Blue-Eyed Girl From Kilkenny' veers toward a folk-rock style, it's subtle, yet persistent, electric guitar parts never far away from the spotlight. Saxophone and Irish pipes make a welcome appearance, and make this one of my most memorable tracks. The next composition, 'A Stroll Through Chelsea With Miss Magpie', takes you on a quiet walk through my favourite part of London, with plenty of tasteful musical thoughts along the way. 'Once Upon a Spanish Night' expands a simple Spanish-styled theme into something more exquisite and transporting. The 'single release' cover, by Toby French, is one of my favourites by the artist. 'Eco Warrior' mixes a spoonful of rock with a just a hint of New Age acoustic guitar. Very pleased with my lead guitar work on this composition. Surprisingly, I used a newly bought, Hartwood hollow-bodied guitar on this track - the added distortion hiding the fact that this is essentially a jazz guitar. 'Fire Island Girl' keeps it plain and simple, just a plucked acoustic guitar, and nothing else. 'The Raven', with its mystical refrains, and doubled, Epiphone Dove, flies in next, and doesn't disappoint. 'Oracle of the Wildwood' rocks-out hard near the end of the album, leaving just enough room for the brilliant, yet raw, 'Tourmaline Cove', and the medieval-like, 'King Sol and the Merwoman'.

Instrumentation

• Ashton 6 string acoustic guitar

• Ashton 12 string acoustic guitar

• Epiphone Dove acoustic guitar

• Luna 6 string acoustic guitar

• Cort acoustic bass

• Fender electric bass

• Epiphone Les Paul

• Hartwood hollow-bodied electric guitar

• Korg M50 synthesizer

• Boss Dr Rhythm drum machine

Finished product

Very pleased with the result. I definitely want to release this album on CD in the near future. As a digital download, it has sold extremely well. I aim to be composing further acoustic guitar tracks in the immediate future, having just bought a Hartwood resonator guitar. As always, check out my online single discography, for most tracks on the album have been released with amazing, alternative artwork.