musicsongs by Tangential Trio feat Brigitte Beraha and Ian Brownlie
What do we remember about music? How is it connected to our memories of life? What stories can music restore, at a time in life where memory may be fading?
We explored some of these ideas in 'musicsongs' - a songwriting project with participants from Wymondham Dementia Support Group and South Norfolk Parkinson's Support Group that took place over the summer of 2024. We listened to music that is connected to the lives of the participants, on a portable record player and more often a Bluetooth speaker.
We also sang along to some favourite songs and played percussion. Through this process, we wrote lyrics and melodies, which were formed into 5 songs by Chris Dowding and Ian Brownlie, who led the workshops. The songs were then recorded by the Norwich-based Tangential Trio, with guest appearances by Ian, on baritone ukulele and vocals, and London-based vocalist Brigitte Beraha.
We hope you enjoy exploring our memories and experiences connected to the music we listened to, presented with artwork by the participants. If you'd like to explore the project further, we made a Spotify playlist, which we encourage you to sample:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0mpLJikectkGTmMjVIFPSs?si=fed8024148954951
Keep on listening..!
Many thanks to Lynn, Trixie, Deborah and Sarah for their organisational help. musicsongs was made possible with funding from the Norfolk Community Foundation's Saracen's Fund, and was produced by Musical Keys, through workshops led by Chris Dowding and Ian Brownlie.
We would like to dedicate this project to the memory of John Rutherford, for inspiring conversations about music.
Tracklist
| 1. | Straight Back Again | 4:12 |
| 2. | Body Language | 3:13 |
| 3. | The Librarian | 5:24 |
| 4. | Pat's Song | 3:21 |
| 5. | Relationships | 3:02 |
Credits
Brigitte Beraha - vocals & electronics
Chris Dowding - trumpet, laptop synth, piano & effects
George McKay - double bass
Jake Lay - drums
Ian Brownlie - baritone ukulele & vocals on ‘Pat’s Song’ & ‘Relationships’
All songs written with Wymondham Dementia Support Group and Parkinson’s UK Wymondham Support Group, in workshops led by Chris Dowding and Ian Brownlie, in Summer 2024. Recorded by Kev Burton at The Forge studio on 7th September 2024. Mixed and mastered with Paul Keeler. Artwork made by the participants in a session led by Annie Brundrit, with design by Oliver Payne. Words on 'Pat's Song' by Pat Turner, all other lyrics written collaboratively with the groups.
License
All rights reserved.
Musical Keys is a Norwich based charity providing a service to people of all ages with disabilities and/or additional needs across Norfolk and the surrounding region.
Our programme of music and arts based activities is designed to enable participants to learn new skills, build confidence and improve motor skills and coordination through interactive sessions where self expression can thrive.