Jon Boden and friends give a new take on an old tradition.

Release Date: 20th September 2024

Label: Hudson Records

Format: CD / LP / digital

Never one to stand still in his solo work, the partnership with John Spiers or in re-routing/re-booting Bellowhead, Jon Boden finds a new approach to folk songs with the piano in the spotlight. Aided by an Arts Council England “Developing Your Creative Practice” grant and a trusted collection of collaborators, he brings the convivial sound of the domestic piano to the fore, creating a nostalgic glow that’s as warm as the rich colours of the cover photo.

the remnant kings – a fantasy folk band

Huge credit to The Remnant Kings – Rob Harbron vocals, concertina, harmonium, banjo; Sally Hawkins fiddle, oboe, cor anglais; M.G. Boulter vocals, pedal steel guitar, dobro, guitar; Sam Sweeney vocals, drums, fiddle; Ben Nicholls vocals, double bass, bass guitar plus Andy Bell as fifth Beatle (or sixth Remnant King) who add accompaniments which prove elegant and tasteful. The late Paul Sartin was a key member of the Remnant Kings for ten years and was involved in the early developments of this album and we can hear his influence across the record, perhaps embodied in the cor anglais and oboe parts played by Sally Hawkins which give a rich, almost medieval flavour.

family form

The focus on on awakening the sound of the old, well loved, slightly out of tune domestic piano and to reunite it with (or introduce it to) songs that might feel glad of the acquaintance. There’s form too in a family history that goes back to JB’s great-great-grandfather who would perform and record (wax cylinder style) parlour ballads for customers in his music shop. Only natural then and just a matter of time…

It’s a genre that’s often ridiculed, sometime fairly, as seemingly pompous and irritating; early folk song collectors despising such songs as fakery, but a collection of treasures are unearthed and added to the permanently elastic Jon Boden repertoire. His skill on the instrument finds a home in the the slower and more sentimental ballads. At the back end of the album, Rose Of Allendale (“a bonafide parlour song“) and Kipling’s poem, Danny Deever both strike home with mournful atmospheres and drones.

stories and journeys

The notes on the histories of the songs make for fascinating reading to accompany their journeys to Parlour Ballads. Referencing Kipling, the Copper family, Napoleon, Cyril Tawney (“one of the most important writers in the second folk revival) and a host of musicians and characters (and Cornish pasties), the common theme is the sound of the humble (presumably upright) piano. Folk traditions too, are maintained with the regular themes of death and tragedy not too far away.

For anyone wondering what to expect, the opening selection On One April Morning is a warm scene setting piece that typifies the subtlety and care over the arrangements. A familiar tune and the presence of lovely Nancy constantly nudges the memory banks. Maybe Early One Morning (just as the sun was rising) or the Watersons, the Tabors or the Morays being the catalyst.

The likes of Merry Mountain Child (you can almost feel the communal singing opportunity) and Old Brown’s Daughter are right at home in the music hall with the sort of ‘piano solo’ and pedal steel that Dylan has favoured in recent times. On the other hand, Mortal Care has a stark rumble of percussion and even Latino sway; some may even recall a hint of The Specials Ghost Town in the eerie voices.

bucking up

Oggie Man bucks things up with a sprightly guitar part – somewhat reminded of Richard Tomo’s Vincent Black Lightning particularly with the deep bass of “the oggie man no more” line. Perfect for the singable chorus part.

At the start of Merry Mountain Child, I find myself almost driven to sing All Things Bright And Beautiful , both the piano sound and melody instantly transporting me back many years to an infant classroom assembly. Sitting cross legged on the highly polished floor, learning words that would stay with me forever. I may even still smell it, although back then there was no pedal steel so thanks to MG for bringing me back to the present.

And therein lies the beauty of Parlour Ballads. A fine ensemble breathing life into an under the radar genre in which even the hard hearted will find a glimpse of sentimentality.

Here’s Merry Mountain Child:

Jon Boden online. Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / other

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