McKowski – the solo alias of Mark McCausland (The Lost Brothers / The Basement) – has confirmed a surprise record for the festive season: ‘Winter Guitar Hymnals From The Boneyard’.
Available now on Bandcamp, the record will be made available to hear on all streaming services next Friday (22 December) in time for Christmas.
The album is preceded by two singles, an original composition called “Laura’s Theme”, plus “Christmas Medley”, an atmospheric instrumental that borrows from Mendelssohn and other traditional pieces.
Amongst its tracklist, listeners will find spacious renditions of traditional hymns (“Auld Lang Syne”, “Away In A Manger”, “Silent Night”, “Joy To The World”), McKowski originals worked in a festive style (“Bells of the Pygmy Pony”), an uplifting “Christmas Medley” that draws on the works of Mendelssohn and classical contemporaries, and even a Country & Western version of “White Christmas”. ‘Winter Guitar Hymnals…’ also features one brand new composition, “Laura’s Theme”, made available for the first time here. The album is dedicated to ‘Blind Joe Death’ AKA the late American fingerstyle guitarist and composer John Fahey, whose “Red Pony” is also covered here.
Taking us inside his latest creation, McKowski says:
All tracks were played and recorded by McKowski at Boneyard Studios, except “Laura’s Theme”, “Return Of Pygmy Pony”, and “Red Pony”, which were recorded in the BBC’s Foyle Studio. Mixed by St Francis Hotel who creates a pin-drop atmosphere throughout, the record was mastered by Stephen Ceresia. Additional cello sections were added by Laura McFadden.
1. Auld Lang Syne (traditional,)