PETER KNIGHT & JOHN SPIERS – Both In A Tune (KSCD002)

Both In A TunePeter Knight and John Spiers’ second collaboration is the album Both In A Tune – a title borrowed from Shakespeare’s As You Like It (‘Well met, honest gentlemen. I’faith, i’faith; and both in a tune, like gypsies on a horse.’).

Recorded and produced by the two much-loved and respected folk artists at Far Heath Studio in Northampton and Woodworm Studios in Oxfordshire, half the tracks are traditional and the other half originals, with two tracks, ‘Drone In D’ and Improv 3’ collaborative new works.

Four years after their debut collaboration Well Met’ which sprang into existence after ‘folk-giants’ gig together for FolkEast festival, is “a wellspring of British traditional folk tunes from which the pair produce startling and eclectic arrangements that flirt through the genres.”

Says Knight: “Since recording our first album, John and I have more experience of playing together. In this album we push the boundaries further without forsaking the integrity of the tune itself. Combining my interest in folk music and free improvisation is not always easy. It is probably more risky, but I believe it’s a risk worth taking.”

Opening with ‘Scarborough Fair’ like you’ve not heard it before – the track was a late addition to the album – with Knight and Spiers choosing to bring their own style to the tune which dates back to the Middle Ages. “A captivating opener.”

Knight continues: “The instruments sort of played themselves. We picked a tune we both knew but had never played together. We started playing and there it was, a piece of music we are both happy to have created together.”

London-born Peter Knight now lives in the south of France which finds its influence in the inclusion of two French folk titles on Both In A Tune. Self-penned ‘La Dance De Madame Meymerie’ ‘Le Berger De Laleuf/ Signposts’ and traditional French folk dance ‘Bourée De Concours’.

“Music of the unexpected, folk giants invite you on a voyage of discovery.” Both In A Tune is out now. You can join Peter Knight and John Spiers at their forthcoming live dates in March at venues across England.

Jodie Schofield

Artists’ website: www.peterknight.net

‘From A Lullaby Kiss’ – live: