This highly evocative opening track was largely inspired by the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor. According to the legend a local lad – Mathew Trewella - from the small village of Zennor in Cornwall falls in love with a beautiful mermaid. She bewitches him, and the pair disappear together into the sea. The haunting lyricism of this track reflects the bittersweet nature of this tale.

The mood of this track is peaceful and reflective. It evokes a feeling of returning home to a much loved place, where the home fires have been kept burning in long awaited anticipation.

This light hearted track opens with a piano theme which sets the scene for the hustle and bustle of an English country kitchen, where much baking and preparation is ensuing, before the relaxing afternoon tea takes place on the lawn.

During the writing of this track, the death occurred of my  beloved Grandmother, at the age of ninety-five, and this music is dedicated to her memory.

Elly was a quiet and reserved lady, who enjoyed looking after her home. She had a quick sense of humour, and people warmed to her as a result. She was widowed during her thirties, and worked hard bringing up her two sons. Elly had a gentle nature, and never complained about the hardships she had endured.

The track opens with a beautiful and reflective melody, which is ‘Elly’s Theme’. Elly loved music, and would potter around the house humming to herself.  One can imagine her singing this very tune.

It is significant that the main theme features the violin, as Elly Fellows married a hugely talented violinist and composer – Alfred – and they went on to have a son, who was also, called Alf. He went on to become a very able violinist, and was taught by his father. Alf had a daughter with his wife Dorothy, and she happens to be the composer of this album!

One of the most tranquil places in the world to spend time at is Rose Farm, which is situated near Penzance, Cornwall, in a small hamlet called Chyanhal. Rose Farm is an oasis of peace, and this is partly due to the wonderful people who run it – Penny and John Lally, but is also due to the fact that a ley line is situated beneath the living room of the farmhouse!

The music was written during one of many stays at the farm, and inspiration was also derived from the wonderful poems written by Penny, who has in fact published an anthology of her work<

Here is an extract from one of Penny’s poems entitled' Early Morning’:

Warm sun, wet grass, butterflies on blackberries

Busy morning bees

Crowing cockerels, distant crying calves

Wisps of early mist snaking, serpent – like

Through the valley trees

This track was written on a sunny October morning, on a bench in the fishing village Newlyn in Cornwall, overlooking Mount’s Bay. The sunlight was picking out the ripples in the sea, and all around was the sound of my children laughing as they ran about with their Dad on the coast. Newlyn is a colourful and bustling hive of activity, as it is a working fishing village. The music reflects this, as the track opens with a sparkling theme, which recurs throughout the track, as the olden days – which includes a pirates dance – gives way to modern times. The theme links the heritage of Newlyn, as it reunites past fishing traditions with modern life of this beautiful Cornish fishing village.

The beautiful and romantic cove of Porthgwarra in Cornwall is the setting for this track.  It tells of the legend of Nancy, the daughter of a rich farmer, who falls in love with William, a fisherman’s son, who happens to work for Nancy’s father. During the summer months, William would take time off, and go out to sea. Nancy’s parents did not approve of the relationship, but the couple remained committed to each other. Finally Nancy’s father agreed to them marrying on one condition - that William proves himself by going off to sea for three years in order to seek his fortune. Nancy would walk along Hella Point – known as ‘Nancy’s Garden’ - each day, hoping to catch a glimpse of his boat returning. One night, she hears William calling for her outside her window, telling her to join him on his boat at the nearby cove. The two take on a ghostly appearance, and it later emerges that William had already drowned at sea that day.

The spirits are evoked in this track, as the violin takes on a devilish role. Hobgoblins and faerie folk dance in a deranged and hypnotic fashion. The music has an eerie and trance like atmosphere, as the ritual progresses to its shattering climax.  

I would like to thank the following people for their invaluable help!   Phil, Dan and Lee for their endless support and patience!   Mark Lane, who co wrote and recorded this album with me, and for his brilliance and expertise.  Tina and Jake. To the following Cornish people –  Penny and John Lally, Cassandra Latham, Cheryl Straffon. And last, but most definitely not least, our family and friends for their constant encouragement.   This album is dedicated to the memories of Alfred Fellows Reginald Aston Ellen and Alf Fellows   Click here - to purchase Sue Aston CDs

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