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Homecoming

by Alex Cumming

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    Homecoming is the debut solo album from folk singer and accordionist Alex Cumming. This album explores the world of traditional song and dance music from both sides of the pond and takes you on an exciting and emotional journey through the thoughtful and intricate arrangements. The album is produced and recorded by Alex's long-time collaborator Pete Ord and features the incredible musicianship of fiddler Audrey Jaber, guitarist Max Newman along with various special guests.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Homecoming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 5 Alex Cumming releases available on Bandcamp and save 10%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Homecoming, The Fox, Isolation Sessions: The Songs, Clean Up Party, and Short Sharp Show: EP. , and , .

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1.
From Boston Harbour we set sail, The wind was blowing a devil of a gale, With our ringtail set abaft the mizzen peak And our Rule Britannia ploughing up the deep. Big bow-wow! Tow-row-row! Fol de rol de ri do day! x2 Up comes the skipper from down below, He looks aloft, he looks alow, He looks alow, he looks aloft, And its “Coil up your ropes there, fore and aft!” Then down to his cabin he quickly crawls, And unto his steward he loudly calls, “Go, mix me a drink that’ll make me cough, For it’s better weather here than it is up aloft.” While we poor sailors standing on the deck, With the blasted rain all a-pouring down our necks; Not a drop of grog would he to us afford, But he damned our eyes at every other word Now the beggar is dead and gone, But darn his eyes, he’s left a son; And if to us he doesn’t prove frank, We’ll very soon make him walk the plank And one thing which we have to crave, That he may have a watery grave, We’ll heave him down into some dark hole, Where the sharks’ll have his body and the devil have his soul.
2.
Now the sun it doth decline, Pour the beer and pour the wine; Let us lead your thoughts astray From the world and from the day. Dark the night and long till day, Do not bid us further stray. x2 We bring songs from history, Love and war and mystery. We can lead you from despair Or can chill the darkening air. You can choose to pass us by With a cruel or scornful eye. We will see the ending through; Then we’ll turn and say to you …
3.
Homecoming 06:09
4.
Come all of you fellows that carry a gun, I will have you sent home by the light of the sun, For young Jimmy was a fowling, and a fowling all alone, When he shot his own true love, his own Polly Vaughan She was walking through the green fields, when a storm it came one, And she hid in the green bush, the shower to shun. With her apron around her, he mistook her for a swan, And he shot his own true love, his own Polly Vaughan When first he came to her and found it was she, A shakin’, a tremblin’, his eyes scarce could see. “Oh well now that you are dead love, and your sorrows are all o’er, Farewell my dear Polly, I will see you no more”. Then off ran young Jimmy with his dog and his gun, Saying “Uncle, dearest Uncle, have you heard what I have done? Oh cursed be that gun smith that made my own gun, For I shot my own true love, in the room of a swan” Then out came old uncle with his locks hanging grey, saying “Jimmy, dearest Jimmy, don’t you run away, With her apron around her, he mistook her for a swan, and they never will hang you for the crime that you have done”. Well the trial it did come on, and Polly appeared, crying “uncle, dearest uncle, let Jimmy go clear, With my apron around me, he mistook me for a swan, and his heart still lies bleeding for Polly, his own”.
5.
And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England's mountains green? And was the holy Lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures seen? And did the countenance divine shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here among these dark satanic mills? Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, till we have built Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land.
6.
7.
There was a man who lived in England And he was of some high degree He became uneasy, discontented, Some fair land, some land to see. He sailed east, and he sailed west And he sailed o’er the Turkish shore Till he was caught and put in prison, Never to be released any more The Turk he had but one lone daughter And she was of some high degree She stole the keys from her fathers dwelling And declared Lord Batesman she’d set free She led him down to the lower cellar And drew him a drink of the strongest wine Every moment seemed an hour Oh Lord Batesman if you were mine! Let’s make a vow, let's make a promise, Let’s make a vow, let’s make a stand; You vow you’ll marry no other woman I’ll vow I’ll marry no other man They made that vow, they made a promise They made a vow yes they made a stand He vowed he’d marry no other woman She vowed she’d marry no other man When seven long years had rolled around It seemed as if it were twenty-nine She bundled up her finest clothing And declared Lord Batesman she’d go find She went till she came to the gate, she tingled It was so loud but she wouldn’t come in Is this your place she cried Lord Batesman Or is that you’ve bought your new bride in? Go remember him of a piece of bread Go remember him of that glass of wine Go remember him of that Turkish lady Who freed him from the iron, cold bonds He stamped his foot upon the floor He burst the table in pieces three, Saying I’ll forsake both land and dwelling For the Turkish lady that set me free She went till she came to the gate, she tingled It was so loud but she wouldn’t come in She’s got more gold on her little finger Than your new bride and all your kin.
8.
Bold Nelson 03:23
On the Twenty-First of October, before the rising sun, We formed the line for action, my boys, at twelve o’clock begun Brave Nelson to his men did say: “The Lord will prosper us this day. Give them the broadside, fire away.” On board the man of war x2 Then broadside to broadside our cannon balls did fly, Like pale stars, their small shots all round our deck did lie. Our mast and rigging they were shot away, Besides some thousand in that fray Were killed and wounded on that day On board the man of war x2 And then our brave commander in grief he shook his head: There is no relief , there is no reprieve, Great Nelson he is dead. It was a fatal musket-ball, That caused our hero for to fall But he died in peace, God bless you all On board the man of war x2 When the merchants of Yarmouth, when they did hear it so, They said: “Come brother sailors, to church now let us go. And there we’ll build a noble pile, All for the hero of the Nile Who gave his life for England’s isle On board the man of war.” x2 Our soldiers and sailors many noble deeds have done While fighting in foreign, many battles they have won. If the Nile it could witness there, Or the Capes of Trafalgar declare: There is none to Nelson can compare On board the man of war x2
9.
As I was a-walking down Watchet Swain Street A jolly old ship mate I chanced for to meet. Said I, “Hello sailor and welcome to home; In season to Watchet I think you have come.” “You remember once courting a pretty young maid, Well, you’ve been so long gone now she’s going to be wed. In Bristol, tomorrow, the wedding’s to be And I am invited for that thing for to see.” Jack went a got a licence that very same night. And he travelled up to Bristol as soon as t’was light, He sat in the Temple church yard for a while And he saw the bride coming which caused him to smile.. And he took that fair maid by the lily white hand, “You’re going to be married so I understand. Well if you’re to marry then you must be mine So I have come here for to baulk your design.” “Well alas,” cried the maiden, “oh what can I do? I know I was solemnly promised to you. But the sailor’s my true love and I’ll be his bride, There’s none in the world I can fancy beside.”. Well the man he roared like a man that was mad, “I’m ruined, I’m ruined, I’m ruined.” he said. So all of you fellah’s, get wed while you may, Or all those Jack Tars they will take them away.
10.
My life goes on in endless song Above earth´s lamentations, I hear the real, though far-off call That hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear its music ringing, It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? While though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth, it liveth. And though the darkness 'round me close, Songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm, While to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is all of heaven and earth How can I keep from singing? When tyrants tremble in their fear And hear their death knell ringing, When friends rejoice both far and near How can I keep from singing? In prison cell and dungeon vile Our thoughts to them are winging, When friends by shame are undefiled How can I keep from singing?

about

Homecoming is the debut solo album from folk singer and accordionist Alex Cumming. This album explores the world of traditional song and dance music from both sides of the pond and takes you on an exciting and emotional journey through the thoughtful and intricate arrangements. The album is produced and recorded by Alex's long-time collaborator Pete Ord and features the incredible musicianship of fiddler Audrey Jaber, guitarist Max Newman along with various special guests.

credits

released February 28, 2024

All tracks arranged by Alex Cumming with Audrey Jaber, Max Newman & Pete Ord

Alex Cumming: Lead Vocals, Accordion, Piano
with
Audrey Jaber: Fiddle
Max Newman: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Feet
Pete Ord: Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, additional vocals
Kathleen Ord: Orchestral Strings
And special guest backing vocalists: Rosie Calvert, Cate Clifford, Will Finn, Catherine Haines, Laurel Swift, Mira Claire Whiting.

Recorded at Northfire Recording Studio, Amherst MA, The Studio at Sunbeams, Cumbria UK, ODC Home Studio, Brattleboro VT
Recording & mixing by Pete Ord
Mastered by Stephen Kerrison for Weird Jungle
Produced by Pete Ord

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Alex Cumming Brattleboro, Vermont

Alex Cumming is a traditional Singer, Accordionist, Pianist and dance caller hailing from England, now living in Brattleboro VT, USA. He performs songs and tunes from around the United Kingdom and America with a great depth of knowledge of the tradition. Alex has made his mark on the folk scene with his rhythmic dance-able accordion style, strong voice and his fun and engaging stage presence. ... more

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