Joshua Burnell teases his 2024 Tour with a tremendous version of Fairport Convention’s Farewell Farewell.

Originally performed by Fairport Convention on their 1969 album Liege & Lief, with lyrics by Richard Thompson, Farewell, Farewell is a well-loved, 20th century classic. Joshua Burnell has respectfully put his own unique 21st century spin on the song. A piece that’s been covered in some amazing interpretations, it’s a new and simply fantastic arrangement.

With all instruments, vocals and production by Joshua Burnell, Farewell Farewell represents an innovative artist who can reach into the past. He conjures up visions and sounds to invoke the essence of the folk revival. He is able to reimagine to both challenge and delight listeners in 2024.

“I wanted to take whatever expectations people have about the typical instrumentation in folk music and throw it out the window,” says Josh. “I started by experimenting with texture. The drone you hear at the start of the track is an accordion played through a rotary speaker. This gave the impression of something ancient yet contemporary.”

why this song from the vast Fairport catalogue?

“For me, it is a song about coming to terms with change and moving forwards,” says Josh. “The last few years have been difficult for a number of reasons but I feel like I’m beginning a new chapter both in my personal and musical life. On tour, I feel privileged that people often open up and share personal stories with me. They’re often about how music helped them through some of the toughest times. I know this song means a lot to many people, so it feels like the right time to sing it.”

Having performed at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention in 2023, there is a poignant symmetry between the tragic circumstances leading up to the Fairport version in 1969 and the sad passing of Gerry Conway. The late Fairport Convention drummer who died of MND earlier this year. Josh adds: “I was deeply saddened when I heard Gerry Conway had died . He played on so many of my favourite records that he drummed along to the soundtrack of my 20s. I had a half-finished version of this song that I wasn’t sure about and the news of Gerry Conway’s death inspired me to finish it. A tribute to everything he accomplished.“

2024 tour dates here; and there’s going to be trouble of Farewell Farewell doesn’t feature in the setlist!

Joshua Burnell online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Soundcloud / YouTube

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