Reviews

Artist:Richard Trethewey
Album: Sons Of Cornwall EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 2
Website: https://www.richardtrethewey.org/

Richard Trethewey, a talented musician and music therapist grew up in Cornwall and has developed keen interest in the traditional music that tells the story of the remarkable history and tradition of the place. Currently performing with many other artists including The Rowan Tree and, occasionally, Harbottle & Jonas, just seven months on from the release of his fine "Two Halves" album, the Cornish bard issues "Sons of Cornwall" a new E.P. release of two tracks "inspired by Cornishmen (or adopted..) who did incredible things."

The first of these, 'Richard Jose', which features Richard on cittern and vocals, with Bec Applebee on voice and crowdy crawn (Cornish drum), is set to a tune adapted from the traditional 'The Blind Fiddler'. The song tells of the lad born near Redruth who crossed the Atlantic at the age of 14, following the death of his father, gaining the nickname of "the singing kid" in the process, thanks to the quality of his voice. The planned meeting with his uncle, in New York, failed to materialise and Richard made his way, alone, to Nevada, paying his way through singing in bars and saloons to Cornish miners who had already emigrated. Having established himself as one of the world's first recording stars on gramophone records, performing on Broadway and in San Francisco, he returned, triumphantly, to Cornwall in 1895 to perform in his home Lanner Chapel.

The second offering, 'The Old Gardener', another narrative story, is equally compelling, relating, as it does, the fascinating tale of one William Stephens, who came to St. Austell to work as a gardener. Called to preach, he joined the ever-expanding Methodist Church and began collecting money in order to build a permanent place of worship. Some visiting Oxford students got wind of this and conspired to rob him, under cover of darkness. However, upon entering his house he was sat up waiting. Beside him was a pile of black powder and in his hands he held a flint and steel. Having threatened to blow all to pieces, he proceeded not only to relieve them of all of their money, but forced them to sing the 100th Psalm too. Funds were now in hand to begin building the new Chapel. The potential robbers remained blissfully unaware that keen gardener William's black powder was in fact his year's supply of leek seeds. Although William did not live to see the opening of the Chapel in 1824 his legacy was ensured with the Chapel being named 'Leek Seed Methodist Church', whilst William's tomb also sits pride of place near its front doors. Again, Richard is responsible for both the words and music, providing piano and vocals, with additional Eb tuba and vocal contributions from Pete Bazeley and Molly Biscoe respectively.

Like fellow Cornwall resident, Angeline Morrison, Richard has a propensity for telling a good tale about fascinating characters, well worth a listen.

A delightful film, also entitled 'The Old Gardener' accompanies the song and is available to watch in the neighbouring column

David Pratt

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