Broadside Ballads Reconfigured is a Creative Scotland-supported project that creates new works of popular song based on the National Library of Scotland online archive. Broadside ballads are a form of popular music and entertainment that dates back to the 16th century. These ballads were typically printed on a single sheet of paper. They were sold in public places like market squares, fairs, and outside theatres. Broadside ballads were one of the earliest forms of mass media, providing news, stories, and entertainment to the general public. It’s release date is 05/01/24.

The ballads reflect the sentiments, values, and concerns of the people during different periods in history, making them a valuable source for understanding the past. The musical and poetic qualities of broadside ballads continue to captivate those who encounter them. This early public flyer art documented personal stories ranging from the last words of executed men, to the ecstatic paens of lovers and the dreams of adventurers.

These vital historical texts captured the imagination of Andy Alston (Del Amitri) and James Kirk (Orange Juice), the production team known as Alston/Kirk Overdrive – joined by American-Scottish producer/singer-songwriter Marilyn Carino (Mudville, DJ Scratch n Sniff), who spent a year developing these historical gems into songs, performed by themselves and a diverse mix of singers and musicians. The vocalists chosen range from USA to Perth Australia via Skye, Lewis and Glasgow.

This eclectic collection of catchy and surprisingly moving songs reveals that the emotions and life events that inspire people to create poetry and song remain unchanged over the centuries, and relevant to all genres and musical styles.

Broadside Ballads Reconfigured will be performed at Celtic Connections 2024, with a tour to follow.

Tracks:

• American Stranger (Marilyn Carino)

• Banks of Primroses (Frank Reader and Marilyn Carino)

• Blown Away (Kenny Macdonald and Christine Bovill)

• Brannan On the Moor (Andy Alston and Tippi)

• Nothing Can Unsay (Lavinia Blackwall)

• Call Me Back Again (Lara Biankin)

• Out of Horror, Beauty (Chris Craig and Anne Martin)

Available from Bandcamp, Birnam CD, Mono Records (Glasgow), and Last Night From Glasgow