Release Date: 15 February 2010
Label: Park Records
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 769934010829
Description
When Tim Hart passed away on Christmas Eve 2009, it brought to an end a career that began as part of a young duo, went on to see him form Steeleye Span, one of the most influential bands in British music history, before leaving the industry to work as a writer and photographer in his adopted home of the small Canary island La Gomera, coming out of retirement to perform with Maddy Prior at her Electric Proms performance in 2008.
Having been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008, he spent much of his final year living and receiving treatment in the UK before returning to the Canaries shortly before his passing. There was, however, one final project that Hart desired to see come to fruition. Originally recorded in 1981 as a gift for his then three year old son, Hart had been inspired to record his own album of nursery rhymes by the appaling standard of releases on offer at the time. Yet, being Tim Hart, this was no ordinary collection of children's songs. Calling on his firends to help him, My Favourite Nursery Rhymes featured many names familiar to Steeleye fans, including Maddy Prior, Bob Johnson, John Kirkpatrick and Rick Kemp, as well as musicians such as BJ Cole and Davy Spillane.
What might sound like the oddest of projects actually turned out, in the singer's own words, as the most enjoyable recording session he had ever taken part in. The material too proved to be entirely suitable for such company, with the likes of 'Hush Little Baby', 'Who Killed Cock Robin?' and 'Oranges and Lemons' more closely related to folk songs than you might imagine - all dealing with dark and evocative imagery.
Thus these recordings (now coupled with a second album that Hart recorded shortly after) not only captured the child like wonder of familiar tunes but also their more adult themes - resulting in an album that genuinely appeals to all ages. For Steeleye completists too it is a must have, bringing as it did so many band members together.
Tim Hart wanted to see these recordings re-released in order to play them to his grandchilden. To the great sadness of the musical world at large he never lived to see that dream come true, but his legacy is one that will stand the test of time and in My Favourite Nursery Rhymes he has created an album to delight both his own family and a whole new generation of children - not to forget the odd adult. Truly one of a kind.
Tracklisting
Maddy Prior With Hannah James & Giles Lewin
Maddy Prior With Hannah James & Giles Lewin
Brass Monkey
Steeleye Span
Steeleye Span
Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band
Various Artists
Tim Hart
Tim Hart
