Songs of Trial and Triumph PUGCD 007
Look here for information on Brian's Live Ballad Show

Brian’s long-awaited CD devoted entirely to the glories of the ‘Child Ballad’ collection published by Harvard Professor F. J. Child in the late 19th century. Most of the ballads are unique versions drawn from Brian’s own research and reconstruction; Sir Aldingar has never been recorded previously in English. Settings vary from unaccompanied voice to arrangements for solo guitar or squeezebox, English or Appalachian band and, in the case of Three Ravens, what The Living Tradition described as “a squall of sonic terrorism”. Supporting cast includes Nancy Kerr, Gordon Tyrrall, Bonz, Loraine Baker and Margaret Peters.
Click on each title for a sound sample; click on 'lyrics and notes' for a cornucopia of information not included in the CD liner.
The Banks of Green Willow
lyrics and notes
The Farmer’s Curst Wife
lyrics and notes
Green Broom
lyrics and notes
All Alone and Lonely
lyrics and notes
The Demon Lover
lyrics and notes
The Golden Vanity
lyrics and notes
Lucy
lyrics and notes
Lord Randall
lyrics and notes
Sir Aldingar
lyrics and notes
False Foudrage
lyrics and notes
Six Nights Drunk
lyrics and notes
Sailor’s Song
lyrics and notes
Georgie
lyrics and notes
Three Ravens
lyrics and notes

Reviews:
"The album is a corker.. terrific choice of songs and spot-on vocals, varied and immaculately played
backings, the thought that has gone into finding fresh versions.. the best Lord Randal I've ever
heard, the best Georgie, the best Lucy Wan, plus the astounding Sir Aldingar..... Brian Peters: a
new ballad hero.... a man who sings these vivid tales as though he read them in this morning's
headlines.... a man who loves the ballads and sings with passion..... brilliant CD."
Roy Harris, The Living Tradition

"An all-around terrific CD that also happens to be one of the best ballad albums out there. Brian
Peters has long been one of the very best performers in the field of English traditional song and
music... he sings and plays with consummate skill.... unusual ballads such as Sir Aldingar and
False Foudrage shimmer with magic and murder.. a folk-rock arrangement of Three Ravens worthy
of Steeleye Span.... tragedy, action, excitement, and humor, to say nothing of sex, drugs, and even
rock 'n' roll. You couldn't ask for more."

Steve Winick, Dirty Linen (USA)

"A singer with a long and distinguished track record.. a very good set, thoroughly worthy of your
time and attention."
Nic Beale, fRoots

"A well-balanced and enjoyable CD, with some memorable performances which support Brian's
reputation as a fine ballad singer.. Brian has taken a great deal of trouble, and visited a number of
sources, to compile versions of the ballads that make sense and 'sing well'.. nicely judged guitar
accompaniments, and a gloriously over-the-top electric extravaganza on Three Ravens."

Martin Graebe, English Dance & Song



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