Cover painting: “Snowfall on the Apple Tree” by David Schofield
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Building from the success of The Past and the Sky, Separations is a musical exploration of different aspects of separation. The story based songs cover the losses and gains from relationship break ups (Hats; The road I took with you), bereavement (Jeanie; Singing on), economic/geographic displacement (Floor 23; Out to the other side) and more besides.
As on The Past and the Sky, humanity and humour comes to the fore in the finely crafted lyrics. While the melodies are primarily accompanied by acoustic guitar, Separations also includes three piano based tracks co-writtten and arranged by the multi-talented Maria Quinn. Separations is produced by Blazing Fiddles’ Angus Lyon, and features the stellar fiddle playing of his bandmate Jenna Reid. |
More background here from Colin...
Sometimes an album needs a bit of explanation. During the past year I wrote a lot of new songs and got thinking about whether some might fit together in an album. At first, I thought they were very disparate. But, aided by a glass or two, I had the revelation that they were all songs about different aspects of separation. So, ironically, the connecting theme turned out to be separation. The nerd in me then tried to sort these into types and came up with six:
Sometimes an album needs a bit of explanation. During the past year I wrote a lot of new songs and got thinking about whether some might fit together in an album. At first, I thought they were very disparate. But, aided by a glass or two, I had the revelation that they were all songs about different aspects of separation. So, ironically, the connecting theme turned out to be separation. The nerd in me then tried to sort these into types and came up with six:
- Someone leaves/is leaving/is left due to issue/s in personal relationship/s
- Someone dies and others experience grief
- Separation/dislocation due to economic reasons/power
- Doing things at arm’s length (organisations/individuals)
- Separation of aspects within own life – work/feelings/personal space/morals/roles
- Standing outside self, looking on/in
Reviews/Comments
An excellent new album by Colin Macduff
Iain Anderson, Radio Scotland
The biggest compliment I can pay to Colin is that his work 'stands up'. Between second and third listens I put on Paul Simon's recent masterpiece 'Seven Psalms' and Colin's playing and singing most certainly bear comparison with the all-time great. Colin is a talented craftsman, and he sings with humanity and soul.
Andy Smythe, Fatea Magazine
A wonderfully adept second album by Mr. Macduff, one that leads by example.
Ian D. Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision
An intimate album of big ideas, finely observed details delivered through sensitive arrangements, delivering some surprises and pleasures
Marc Higgins, Time Past and Time Passing
Macduff's lyrical skill is that he doesn't deal in lofty philosophies, but in the minutiae of life that hold an inordinate influence on our emotions
Trevor Raggat, R&R Magazine
With his gentle vocal and engaging storytelling, Separations acts as an excellent showcase for Colin MacDuff’s fine songwriting
Darren’s Music Blog
An excellent new album by Colin Macduff
Iain Anderson, Radio Scotland
The biggest compliment I can pay to Colin is that his work 'stands up'. Between second and third listens I put on Paul Simon's recent masterpiece 'Seven Psalms' and Colin's playing and singing most certainly bear comparison with the all-time great. Colin is a talented craftsman, and he sings with humanity and soul.
Andy Smythe, Fatea Magazine
A wonderfully adept second album by Mr. Macduff, one that leads by example.
Ian D. Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision
An intimate album of big ideas, finely observed details delivered through sensitive arrangements, delivering some surprises and pleasures
Marc Higgins, Time Past and Time Passing
Macduff's lyrical skill is that he doesn't deal in lofty philosophies, but in the minutiae of life that hold an inordinate influence on our emotions
Trevor Raggat, R&R Magazine
With his gentle vocal and engaging storytelling, Separations acts as an excellent showcase for Colin MacDuff’s fine songwriting
Darren’s Music Blog
Buy the CD
The CD is available from: https://www.birnamcdshop.com/product/colin-macduff/
Lyrics booklet download
You can download a booklet with the album lyrics directly from here:
You can download a booklet with the album lyrics directly from here:
| Separations lyrics booklet.pdf |