James Yorkston and Nina Persson combine on new album ‘The Great White Sea Eagle’.
The Scottish songwriter returned to his studio in Cellardyke, Fife last year, and found himself drawn to the piano. Gazing out the window at the sea as songs came to his fingers, he then sent them to Karl-Jonas Winqvist, leader of the Second Hand Orchestra.
The two worked together on James’ previous record ‘The Wide, Wide River’, and decided to advance these sketches once more. A further vocalist was required, and through Jonas the Swedish artist Nina Persson was recruited to the album.
Out on January 13th, new LP ‘The Great White Sea Eagle’ is part of a rush of creative energy from the Scottish artist – his new novel The Book of The Gaels is receiving widespread plaudits, too.
The album saw the songwriter bring his music to the ensemble, with minimal prior knowledge or rehearsals – improvisatory and reflective, each song was allowed to find its own path.
Of the recording process, James comments…
Everyone who was playing in The Second Hand Orchestra, in their own way they are all unique and colourful players. There was no-one there who didn’t know what to do. I would bring them the songs, we would start one – I would play it, and second time round people would start singing and playing, and by the time we had done it three or four times we would hit record and we would be ready to go.
And the thing that they all had was the ability to give each other space and to come up with their parts based on what other people were playing naturally was a very quick process, and they were all so open, nobody was egotistical. Everything was just happy. I love the wildness in it.
Ahead of the record James Yorkston has shared new song ‘Hold Out For Love’, accompanied by a bold, emotive live video.
Tune in now.
Photo Credit: Sian Adler
