Here’s one that caught me out slightly as Jon explains, “From Martin’s brilliant The Bramble Briar album. It’s surprising that Bellamy never set this wonderful poem – but I’m very glad that Martin (also a Kipling buff) did, and did it so brilliantly too.”
I’ve got so used to the Bellamy/Kipling connection, but it’s nice to hear someone else take up the challenge. Although Martin has long been known as an exceptional player rather than writer his ability with a melody isn’t in doubt. This one, however, seems to have taken him by surprise as Mainly Norfolk reveals. Anyway who better than Kipling to turn to for the words and as Martin says, this seems most timely.
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Beautiful.
Good old Rudyard. He never ceases to make us reflect on life. A very sensitive rendition,John.
Enjoyed the well-crafted poem,tune fits well and beautifully sung. However,
the poem lead me on expectantly.. but such a disappointing ending. (sorry Rudyard)
I was waiting for a snake/apple /Eve to bring to a climax……why cut the tree down?
World renowned poets…I ask yer!…leavin’ a fella with a disappointing ending!
That was simply lovely!
Beautiful tune, well sung. I don’t have much time for R Kipling generally, but I thought this was really touching, and has a feel of William Blake to it- industrial revolution harnessing the earth water and fire, and dreaming under the tree of knowledge gone to glory… off to find a book of poems!!
Loved it – I really must learn this one!
Nice version Jon.
Martin, is Martin Simpson for those of us not on first name terms.
I have The Bramble Briar, although I did not realize this was a Kipling.
JohnB
That was rather marvellous. Kipling did have this habit of putting big ideas into short plain words, using lots of Capital Letters and then ending the line with an exclamation mark! All of which tends to make him seem simultaneously hectoring, ingratiating and condescending to our ears, like a bad prize-day speech. But after listening to a few of Bellamy’s settings I’ve had to re-evaluate him – he really was a hell of a poet.
Do you have, or have you writen a translation for the tune, that martin simpson invented? I would love a copy if you have thanks.