Kernewek ilow.com – "rydhsys rag Kernow lemmyn". Tre an chenon a’gas dynnergh – Deus a-ji!
17/07/05 -New signings confirmed - Dave Jenkin and Dj Dub. Both new albums released soon.
28/06/2005 - New MP3s added to website. Click here to download MP3s by The SGT Project, Bagas Degol, Ian Marshall, Skwardya, and Dalla.
25/06/2005 - Trade Stand -The Golowan Festival - Mazey Day Penzance Cornwall
Dynnargh Goelyowann (Goel a Sen Jowann) an pymdhegves goel - Welcome to the fifteenth year of Golowan, the feast of John.
Top of the Hill will have a stall on Mazey Day 25.06.05. Come and say hello and see what musical treats we have on offer. Bagas Degol and Dalla will be appearing during the festival week, and the S.G.T Project play outside the Dock Inn on the Sunday 26th at around 2.00pm.
1/06/2005 -Skwardya Album Available Online! Click here to order this album now.
Great new album of modern folk from Matthew Clarke and Skwardya out now. Matthew, with Krena, was the Winner of the 2005 Pan-Celtic Song Contest, held recently in Ireland. He's also a member of the Cornish language fellowship, and much of his material is sung in Kernewek, in a move to bring the Cornish language out in to the open and to promote its use in contemporary music. Continuing our mission to bring the quirky and often downright weird side of Cornish music to the world, We are proud to announce the release of the new album “Some say the Devil is dead” by SKWARDYA. The band is led by Matthew Clarke, who is also the main songwriter, and the band have been described as a mixture of the Pogues and the Saw Doctors fronted by a Cornish Damon Albarn. We think this is what Blur would have sounded like if they were raised on pasties, beer and Cornish drizzle.
Many of the songs on the album are sung in Cornish. Skwardya (which translated means “shredding” – as in shredding the eardrums!), are almost unique in that they mix the Cornish language with contemporary songs and attitudes – there are songs about Cornwall’s run down towns, the death of the mining industry, as well as a fine mix of traditional and Mathews very individual and personal look at his life in Cornwall today. There’s even a Cornish dance track – track twelve, “Re a lever” (Some Say).
The band are veterans of the Cornish music scene, having appeared at the Lowender Perran and Dewhellans festivals, and a great many dank and smoky Cornish pubs, and have the dubious honour of being thrown off stage at a traditional Cornish festival by the Mayor of Padstow “for being too loud”.
Mathew describes the band as “Modern Cornish music with a devilish tinge of folk – we are singing in Cornish because we love the language and want to bring it out into the open and to prove that it can be used in a more modern setting. We play at various events and small gigs around Cornwall to show that the language is still alive.
16/05/2005 - S.G.T. Project track "Pearls" voted jazz track of the day on the American site garageband.com.
22/03/2005 - BBC Radio Cornwall broadcast an interview with Tim Chapple from Top of the Hill, and played several tracks from "Volume Three" and "Pearls" from The S.G.T Project. The show was on air March 20th between 14.00 - 17.00.
27/02/2005 - Excerpts of many more tracks from the Bagas Degol album are now available from our afiliated site in the USA -checkout www.cdbaby.com/cd/bagasdegol find out why this is Top of the Hill's best selling album worldwide!
12/02/2005 - Buy Songs from the Hill Volume 3 online - click here for more details.
08/02/2005 - Two new reviews added to the website - click here for more details.
05/02/2005 - New artist profiles added - click here for more details.
For a limited period only, all purchasers of the S.G.T Project album will receive a free bonus three track disc of studo recordings just completed by the band and produced by Phill Innes at his Truro studio. First one hundred customers only - so be quick!!.
08/01/2005
More artist profiles added to "volume three artists" on our artists page.
05/01/2005
Songs from the Hill Volume Three – Folk, Roots and Traditional Music from Cornwall, is available now, priced at £9.99 plus postage (£1.00 UK, £1.50 Europe, £2.00 Rest of World).
track listing is –
Ros Keltek – Killigrew Fancy
Dalla – Three Knights / an vug e’n loor
Ian Marshall - Eddystone Light
Dave Jenkin – The Counthouse
Pentorr – Mallard (an culyek nos)
Claire Cavender – She Moves Through The Fair
Mendy – The Muddy Path
Paul Jones – Illumine
Dave Jenkin – Once I lived the Life
The Rhythm Balladeer - The Old Cornish Ways
Warm Gold – Searching For Lambs
Thump Country – Water
Roger Bennett – Ballad of Trevithick
Scoot - Constantine - ryb an avon
Darren Cox – Jambo
Peter Marshall – Freight Train
The album also features a bonus video track of “Water”.
We dedicate the CD to the late and much missed Pete Marshall, his song "Freight Train" closes the album. Sue and I both thank Pete's widow Ravena for her permission to let us release his work.We hope that Pete's music will now be discovered by as many people as possible and that it achieves the recognition it always deserved.
To quote one of our recent reviews – “There seems to be something of a buzz about Cornish music at the moment. Slowly but surely it's making its way eastwards”. I believe this sums up the vibrant musical scene in Cornwall today – so much undiscovered talent, and music, rich and diverse, waiting to be discovered by the outside world.
This album is proof of this talent and diversity, and what better way to open the album than a traditional dance tune from Ros Keltek – a group of dancers and musicians who have been performing Cornish song and dance for over twenty years. This track was recorded at a rehearsal and intended originally as a guide for the dancers – brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Our second track is from Dalla, surely one of the most influential and prominent bands within the Cornish scene today. The first section is traditional Cornish, the second written by band member Neil Davey. These two pieces are taken from their latest album “More Salt”, and I recommend you search out this album with all speed.
Our third track is from a veteran of the scene, Ian Marshall, singer of songs “romantic, strange, humorous or historical” which display his unique multi track vocal and instrumental arrangements. Sharp eared listeners will have noticed that this song was sampled by Bagas Degol on their own recent album. Check out Ian’s own album “21 songs of Cornwall” for the full effect!
Next up is a track from Dave Jenkin which serves as a master class for finger style acoustic guitar. Dave has performed all over Europe for last four decades, and I recently had the good fortune to share the bill with him at a recent gig where he went down a storm. This track, and the second which follows later, was recorded at the legendary Magic Space studios in the far west of Cornwall.
Pentorr contribute the track “mallard”. This youthful four-piece bring their own slant on Cornish music with a fusion of new sounds and traditional songs, and this bass driven track positively bounces along, augmented by flute, fiddle, guitar and mandolin.
Our sixth track is a solo vocal performance of a traditional tune, by Claire Cavender. A solo vocal piece like this is one of the hardest for any musician to attempt, but Claire sings it with style.
Mendy’s track “Muddy Path” is an enchantingly simple romantic piece, based around the vocals of Phoebe Thomasson and inspired by the wilds of North Cornwall.
The albums eighth track is by singer / songwriter and multi instrumentalist Paul Jones, whose pure voice and dynamic melodies put this song into the major league. Having worked with Paul I can confirm that his vocals are just as stunning in a live setting, and his song writing won many admirers in the local audience on that particular evening.
After Dave Jenkins second contribution we have a track from Ollie, The Rhythm Balladeer. Regular visitors to Penzance will almost certainly have seen this gentleman busking in its main streets, and this song is a clever take on life in Cornwall today. Ollie is a prolific and gifted songwriter, and his best songs make you think and laugh – not an easy feat for any artist.
Track eleven is from husband and wife duo Warm Gold – aka Chris and Janet Ridley. As editor of “Folknews Kernow”, Chris plays a pivotal role in Cornwalls folk music scene. The track itself is of traditional origin, and the simple instrumentation fits perfectly with the plaintive vocals.
Thump Country, and their track “Water”, are a very individual duo. Brothers Jim and Steve Tothill recorded this track live under a bridge, on a river in North Cornwall. This incredibly atmospheric track is also available as a bonus video on this CD – take a look at the beautiful scenery and see why this location inspired the pair to record there.
Roger Bennett is an entertainer, singer and storyteller, and known to Cornish children of all ages as “Jollity the Giant”. This self penned song celebrates the life of Camborne’s most famous son – Richard Trevithick. Roger’s enthusiasm for his tale shines through – a great song rescued from a cassette recording Richard had made, which was challenging to master, but very rewarding to include.
Scoot are a young duo on flute and guitar, who here take a traditional tune and combine it with a more sophisticated and contemporary arrangement. The track features some wonderful individual performances, and has a lovely feel to it.
Darren Cox has contributed an acoustic guitar instrumental, a simple but incredibly melodic piece that will have you humming the tune for weeks to come after even only one listen – a charming and effective piece.
To close the album we are proud to be able to include a track from the much missed Pete Marshall. Pete’s widow Ravena has spoken of how Pete had always said that he didn’t choose music as a career, but that he felt music had chosen him. Listening to the performance on this song, with its heartfelt vocal and instrumental maturity, would certainly prove that point. Sue and I both hope that Pete’s work will achieve the recognition it always deserved.
Apologies to all those people who have contacted us who have been unable to order "Volume Three" from the site. Our Webmaster is currently working to update the mail order page - thanks for your patience. In the meantime please email us (cornishmusic@btinternet.com) for alternative ordering arrangements.
Bagas Degol
Bagas Degol have achieved great success with the album “Party like it’s 1399”. The album has received airplay from Radio Beton in France, andBBC’s Celtic Connections. Mojo folk music scribe Colin Irwin awarded the album “Pick of the Week” on Channel 4 music teletext service.
Checkout the latest review of the Bagas Degol album by FATEA – The Cambridge Folk Festival Team. (www.fatea.freeserve.co.uk) -
“Bagas Degol are probably not going to do for Cornish Music what Martin Bennet and Peatbog Faeries have done for traditional Scottish music, this is not a west country version of acid croft. What it is is an exotic blend of traditional Cornish and Breton tunes with some subtle modern undertones.
It's been said that the 14th centuary was one of the worst to have lived in, but if it laid down the foundations for this album it can't have been all bad. The key to all of the tracks on the album is their dancability and there's not one that doesn't encourage movement.
This is not just an album of soundscapes and landscapes. A number of the songs conjour images of maidens being danced around the village, in and out of houses, around the in and to the stone circle, as part of a local fertility rite.
The core of the tune is generally weaved by tabor drums and bagpipes. Warped around those are the more modern instruments of clarinet and sax. Add in a few samples and dubs to build in the occasional change in the pattern and you've found a common theme.
Cornish and Breton come out of a similar Celtic tradition that holds it apart from it's better known neighbours. That comes through when you pick up the very subtle French undercurrents to some of the tracks. It sort of flits into your mind and leaves again. There was also one bizarre moment where I thought I was being drawn into a West Country war of the worlds, strange.
There seems to be something of a buzz about Cornish music at the moment. Slowly but surely it's making it's way eastwards. Bagas Degol are in a position to lead that march out of the county in the same way that they have lead marches within it.
There are few albums that cover over six hundred years of music, fewer still that do it so well. Bagas Degol have delivered an album for which they can take much kudos. Kernow knows how to party be it 1399 or 2004”.
04/10/04 - New album and revised artists page for the SGT Project
Top of the Hill (cornishmusic.com) are pleased as f*** to announce their association with the county-wide organisation Youth Music Action Zone (Cymaz), who do a great job getting people to pick up an instrument and get their first bands together.
Cymaz are working with us to promote the best of the new bands - the first gig under the "Havocfest 2004" banner, is at the Acorn Theatre Penzance, May 1st and features headliners Acclaimed by None, ably supported by Don't do it Daisy, Losers Club and Spoonfed. First band on stage at around 8.30pm. Four bands for a measly three quid entrance fee and no age restrictions.
You'll find Acclaimed by None downloads on our site via their artists info page, just in case you didn't know that these dudes rock!.
Any bands wishing to get involved in future gigs please send us a rough demo, and we'll also put you in touch with Cymaz, who may be able to help with rehearsal space and recording. Remember - you all need to be under 18 to qualify.
The Bagas Degol album should be out by the end of the month, under the title "Tonight we party like it's 1399". We've had such a great response about it already and apologies to people who have placed pre-orders - albums will be with you shortly. It's certainly the best thing we've been involved in since we put the label together, and without doubt is going to take the band, and Cornish music to the next level. All retailers should contact us ASAP at Top of the Hill for details, but be quick - these babies are already selling fast!.
And finally, recording facilities at Top of the Hill are slowly coming together……. watch this space..
18/02/04 - The SGT Project
New music on the homepage comes from a live session from new band The SGT Project, recorded in the depths of West Cornwall during February 2004. More info on the band soon, please ring us at Top of the Hill for more details - (01736) 740503.
22/01/04 - News Update
We have been featured in another article recently, this time it's the Cornish Guardian, published on 15th January 2004.
Click here to view our reviews page, or here to read the article.
17/01/04 - News Update
An update as to where we are at the moment. A third compilation album is planned for early 2004, following the critically acclaimed first two albums. This latest CD will contain the best of the folk / traditional music from Cornwall. Artists already lined up are Dalla, Chris and Anne Ridley, Ros Keltek, Darren Cox and Bagas Degol.
Another planned release for 2004 will be "Bagas Degol and Friends - In Cornish Dub", a fantastic mix of traditional music and modern ambient / dub rhythms. This music is already huge on the underground scene, and will get its release proper this year.
Top of the Hill are pleased to announce that we have joined forces with the Cornwall Youth Music Action Zone, who will be helping us promote the best of the new young bands that we have discovered - gigs and lineups to follow soon.
Gigs to note
17.01.04 - The W.B's - Oyster Catcher Polzeath
24.01.04 - The W.B's - The Trebarwith
31.01.04 - The Hunger play The Smugglers St Erth Praze (with Acclaimed By None)
07.02.04 - The W.B's - Crows Nest, Port Isaac.
06.03.04 - The Hunger & Acclaimed by None- Smugglers St Erth Praze
27/11/03 - The Hunger Gig
Latest signings and young hopefuls The Hunger play the Blue Anchor, Helston on Friday 28th November. Catch them now while you can!
North Cornwall based band The W.B.S - their killer track "Strawberries" appears on "Songs from the Hill Volume one" - are currently single of the month in the mod / scooter lifestyle bible "Scootering". The band have worked hard in the last twelve months and have created a real buzz nationally. More details to follow.
29/09/03 - Environmental Issue
James Heath from Fathead has been in touch with us and would seek your help.
We know that this is a music site, but we believe that the state of the Cornish environment is vitally important to all our futures. James is currently involved in a battle with the Environment Agency, and is trying to address the problem of sewage outfall at Mullion Cove. If you can help or want more details please contact fatheadband@hotmail.com
7/09/03 - The latest at Top of the Hill
Just an update to let you know whats happening here at Top of the Hill. The site has been a huge success so far, and has enabled us to get albums out to America and Canada and across the UK, via our online ordering facility.
Owing to demand, a new album is planned for late 2003, concentrating on the folk, traditional and roots side of Cornish music - any interested Cornish musicians should get in touch with us as soon as possible.
More showcase gigs are planned - watch this space for further details, as we are currently in negotiation with several interesting venues.
1/08/03 - Acoustic Gig - 23/08/03 - St Ives, Cornwall
Following the first very successful Cornishmusic.com showcase, featuring Confuse and Fathead, which took place back in July, we are now promoting the finest two acts from our latest acoustic album Songs from the Hill Volume Two
The gig takes place at the Western Hotel St Ives (01736) 795277, on Saturday August 23rd, and features those folk upstarts The Money Shots, and the haunting music of the wondeful Libby Pentreath.
20/06/03 - Top of the Hill on BBC website
We have recently been featured on the BBC website:-
"The quality (of the cd's) is almost uniformally fantastic - from the Green Day catchiness of Daywaste on Volume One to the Turin Brakes-like acoustic beauty of Mad Dolphins Fly."
We are pleased to announce the long awaited release of "Songs from the Hill - Volumes One and Two" - these two album are a testament to the hidden and untapped talent in Cornwall today.
"Volume One" contains sixteen awesome and powerful punk, metal, and ska tracks - the definitive album.
"Volume Two" covers the more melodic side of Cornish music - seventeen mesmerising and melodic tracks - a compelling collection.
17.01.04 - The W.B's - Oyster Catcher Polzeath