Those who tuned into the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show last week will have heard that Megson have a covers album on the way titled 'Unknown Waters'. They say: "A 'Covers Album' has been on our to do list for several years now and when we finally sat down to put a list together of tracks to include, it became evident that we wanted to put together more than just a selection of songs. We are often drawn to themes when it comes to creating new albums and once we started to choose which songs to cover it seemed obvious that an album of songs from our favourite north eastern songwriters was the path to follow."
As well as covering songs by northeast folk singers Alan Hull (with a Jarrow March song), Jez Lowe, Richard Grainger, Graeme Miles and the late Vin Garbutt - they also cover Chris Rea. Of those featured, Ruth Copeland is probably one of the more remarkable stories. Originally a folk singer from County Durham, she got involved with George Clinton's Parliament and wrote two of the tracks on their Osmium debut, one of which they cover here: The Silent Boatman.
As well as celebrating the northeast, these songs often accompanied them on their late journey back from gigs, so this is sure to be an upbeat album. See the tracklisting below.
On the album, Debs and Stu are joined by John Parker on double bass.
The album will be out in digital shops and streaming sites in early 2022, but those who want it early can pre-order now via their website - orders will be shipping from next week: https://www.megsonmusic.co.uk/product/unknown-waters-cd/
Unknown Waters Tracklisting
01. One Law - written by Matt Chipchase & Young Rebel Set 02. Judas Bus - written by Jez Lowe 03. Marshall Riley's Army - written by Alan Hull 04. Road To Hell (Part 2) - written by Chris Rea 05. Land & Sea - written by Richard Grainger 06. The Silent Boatman - written by Ruth Copeland 07. Rain - written by Martin Stephenson 08. Not For The First Time - written by Vin Garbutt 09. Ring Of Iron - written by Graeme Miles