Albums
Songs Lost & Stolen is the much anticipated new album from acclaimed Derbyshire singer Bella Hardy and the first to feature all her own material. Having made a name for herself in traditional English music with her debut album Night Visiting, and its follow-up In the Shadow of Mountains, it was clear that Bella was more than just a fine interpreter of folk songs. Nominated for a BBC Folk Award for the self-penned ‘Three Black Feathers’ from Night Visiting (later covered by Jim Moray on his award winning album Low Culture), Bella’s next record In the Shadow of Mountains featured much more of her own work, including the Lennon & McCartney-esque ‘Sylvie Sovay’, a reimagining of folk’s eponymous highwaywoman as an abused wife on the brink. It was described by English Dance & Song magazine as “destined for classic status”.
On Songs Lost & Stolen, Bella has combined the traditional styles and ballad forms that have always been at the centre of her work, with a gift for poetry and Angela Carter-inspired twisted tales. She’s created an album that touches on both the fantastical, story telling elements of Kate Bush, and the lovelorn songwriting craft of Carole King. Songs include ‘Bridge of Dean’ – a tragic tale inspired by the fears that lurk in our own imagination, and ‘Rosabel’ – a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, with hints of early Joni Mitchell. Opening track ‘Labyrinth’ explores the Greek myth as a metaphor for modern relationships, as the music swells with tempestuous, almost Florence & the Machine-like drama.
The album was produced by Mattie Foulds, a member of critically acclaimed collective The Burns Unit alongside the likes of King Creosote, Emma Pollock and Karine Polwart and a veteran of the vibrant Cape Breton music scene. Mattie brought a lush and textured sound to Bella’s songs, aided by former Kate Rusby & Eddi Reader guitarist Anna Massie, Perthshire fiddle prodigy Patsy Reid of the band Breabach, Lau’s Kris Drever – contributing stunning slide guitar and backing vocals, Juliard graduate Su-a Lee (on both cello and musical saw!) as well as long-time collaborators Corinna Hewat on harp and Chris Sherburn on concertina.
But at the centre of it all is Bella’s soaring and captivating voice, inhabiting her characters and spinning her stories with an equal balance of strength and sensitivity. Songs Lost & Stolen is a stunning and ambitious step forward from a unique and fascinating songwriter.
In The Shadow Of Mountains
In The Shadow of Mountains breaks to the very heart of Bella’s music. Self produced and uncompromising, it is a collection of unique and stirring interpretations of traditional songs, equally balanced with a mix of compelling originals. The inspiration of her roots in the Dark Peak village of Edale is starkly evident, with music named after local landmarks Broadlee Bank and Crowden, and traditional song “All in the Morning” from the neighbouring village of Castleton featuring guest vocals from the Hardy family.
Night Visiting
Bella’s debut album features a selection of top musicians, including harpist Corrina Hewat of The Unusual Suspects, Chris Sherburn, concertina genius of Last Night’s Fun, Hannah James of Kerfuffle, 422′s Joey Oliver and The Askew sisters. The 11 songs include Bella’s unique interpretations of traditional classics from “All Things Are Quite Silent” and “Bonny Susie Cleland” to “Searching For Lambs”. Bella also demonstrates her song writing prowess in “Alone, Jane?” and the night visiting song “Three Black Feathers”.
