Kitty Jay (album)

Background of each track

The inspiration for each track (with the exception of track 5) is briefly described in the programme notes.

"John Lomas"

John Lomas was a servant who fell in love with his mistress, and his passion for her leads him to murder.

"The Bold Knight"

This piece was inspired by a story that Mr Lakeman heard. It is about a knight lying injured upon a moor, not knowing what fate will befall upon him, until a girl arrives to save him, but she dies herself for that kind act.

"Fight For Favour"

A song about the battle to claim land when people began to emigrate to America.

"Kitty Jay"

This piece is about the servant girl, Kitty Jay, who killed herself on the moors. Her grave lies out of Ashburton towards Hound Tor, at a crossroads where fresh flowers lay. This piece was performed at the Mercury Music Prize.

"Farewell My Love"

No further information.

"Blood Upon Copper"

About suffering men who worked for weeks on end at a copper mine.

"Henry Clark"

Henry Clark was a well loved shipbuider from Plymouth who suffered from a strange fate.

"The Storm"

One of Mr Lakeman's stories that he was told, about a captain and his crew who sailed out of Plymouth Sound, and as night draws in a storm is brewing.

"Cape Clear"

A mournful melody performed in a church (St Andrew's) in Buckland Monachorum.

"The Ballad of Josie"

About a couple who go for a walk one morning. The man returns alone, but the woman is never seen again.

"The Streamers"

Based on a traditional melody called "The Stream of Lovely Nancy".

Track listing

1. "John Lomas" (traditional) – 3:52
2. "The Bold Knight" (Seth Lakeman) – 3:51
3. "Fight For Favour" (Seth Lakeman) – 4:03
4. "Kitty Jay" (Seth Lakeman) – 3:12
5. "Farewell My Love" (Seth Lakeman) – 2:22
6. "Blood Upon Copper" (Seth Lakeman) – 3:04
7. "Henry Clark" (traditional) – 3:02
8. "The Storm" (Seth Lakeman) – 2:41
9. "Cape Clear" (traditional) – 4:20
10. "The Ballad of Josie" (Seth Lakeman) – 3:25
11. "The Streamers" (traditional) – 2:43

Personnel