Release Date - 19.11.19
Digital Download/CD
“Political, poignant....profound” Americana, UK.
"Guardians Of Our Time’ is an essential folk and contemporary songwriter album for the modern world" Folk Radio UK
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Edd Donovan,acclaimed singer-songwriter, released his third studio album, 'Guardians Of Our Time', on 19th November 2019. Edd is a highly distinctive singer and songwriter with a rare, original talent. His sound is heartfelt – comforting, yet challenging – wise. He’s a folk songwriter in the most contemporary sense. He crafts songs that tell stories of modern life; a lyrical alchemist weaving meaning with glorious melodies.
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His critically acclaimed début album, Something To Take The Edge Off, was released in April 2014.
The album garnered high praise in the press and radio. Edd’s professional experience as a Social Worker has inspired a number of his songs (he continues to work as a Mental Health Social Worker) and The Guardian’s article on Edd, “The Singing Social Worker” gained his songwriting international attention.
Edd released his second album, Making Mountains (Vol. 1), in June 2016. A remarkable piece of originality, it contained tracks such as ‘I Am’ which was selected by Reg Meuross for his Radio 2 Folk show playlist in January 2018 with the words, ‘Edd Donovan isn’t famous, but with songs like this he should be’.
Tracks from both of these releases have been played on BBC6 Music, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, various BBC folk shows, Baylen Leonard's Front Porch, BBC Introducing and many folk and Americana radio shows internationally.
Edd has toured extensively throughout the UK since 2014, playing everything from solo shows to 10 piece band concerts, including support slots for John Smith, Reg Meuross, Ralph McTell, Boo Hewerdine, Micah P Hinson, Megan Henwood, Devon Sproule, Emily Barker and many more.
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Highlight Tracks for radio play:
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Eva
Guardians Of Our Time (radio edit available - contact here)
Meeting's Adjourned
Folk Man Blues
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Updated 01/01/2020
Reviews
"Guardians Of Our Time’ is a modern-day folk song for people with a taste for beauty, adventure, nature and wonder. His best album yet." Folk Radio UK
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"Hearing Bowerbird or Eva and Seen By The Road evoked memories of hearing Seth Lakeman or John Martyn for the very first time; such is the way Donovan makes a complex story and chord progression sound very easy on the ear, while still bamboozling the brain." Rocking Magpie
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"He is writing some of the most creative and thought-provoking material on the folk scene" Shire Folk
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Edd says:
“Making this album really took me back to my early years of recording at home on a 4 track with the ability to experiment, record at will and capture something personal, raw and beautifully authentic. Authenticity is so vital to my process as a songwriter that it felt really special to be able to honour that in this recording.
The artwork is by Brooklyn, NYC, based artist, Gigi Chen, whose subject matter is mostly birds, especially Bowerbirds who I particularly hold dear (my favourite song from my last album, ‘Bowerbird’ has been re-developed for the current album). I fell in love with her imagery and am delighted to be able to use it for my very own piece of art!"
Edd’s new album, Guardians Of Our Time, was recorded at Edd’s home throughout 2018 and 2019 and is a marked contrast to the full band sound and production of his last album ‘Making Mountains Vol 1’ (2016). Edd has self produced using mostly what he can create with his voice, guitar and keyboards (even iPhone recordings).
There is a subtle influence of the more experimental albums that Edd was inspired by during this period, such as Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Carrie and Lowell’, John Southworth’s ‘Niagara’ and Father John Misty’s ‘Pure Comedy’.
It also features Chris Cundy (Timbre Timber/Cold Specks) on Bass Clarinet and Emma Parker on Harmony Vocals. The result is something intimate, experimental, sublime; a beautiful soundscape with Edd’s trademark socio-political lyrics and meticulous imagery taking centre stage. The driving theme through this album is very current. It fundamentally addresses the need for change, personally and collectively, in the face of environmental and political crisis.
‘Guardians Of Our Time’ is the title track of the album. A rallying call, a celebratory protest song where ‘young hearts, young minds bring the revolution to life'. Edd’s professional experience also continues to influence his songwriting, ‘Eva’, is an intensely moving tribute to a dementia sufferer.
He also ventures into more surrealist concepts; an ethereal road trip through aspects of hope ('Whatever It Is'), death ('Folk Man Blues) and rebirth('Butterfly'). 'Meeting's Adjourned' covers political paralysis. On a lighter note, 'Tweedy's Song' is about a local clown!
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