Listen to parts of it at Hear the drones
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1. Nell Gwynn’s Oranges (Grocott/Petter/Dawkins/Leaman)
An exercise in creative democracy with four parts each composed by a Drone. This musical camel was named at a gig in Lauderdale house, home of our eponymous heroine.
2. The Not Waltz (Grocott/Petter)
So-called because it isn’t quite.
A waltz.
If you tried to, you would probably fall over…
3. Complicated Simon (Grocott/Petter)
A journey on a train, gazing out of the window as the world flows by. The Simon of the title refers to the late great Simon Jeffes.
4. Dyllis Doors (Dawkins) (Captain Ahab’s words - Petter)
“Dyllis, doors to manual.” These words, heard over the tannoy at the end of a flight, are the inspiration for this dreamy evocation of life above the clouds - a life inexorably coupled to the tread of heavy steps on earth below…
5. Aint Done Wrong (Grocott)
6. Learning to Fly (Leaman)
Learning To Fly grew gradually and gained confidence - which Giles compares to his children growing up. Over the years the tune has matured like a fine wine to its current heady state, voiced by cuatro and ukulele.
7. Sweden (Dawkins)
A small piece for a very large country that is full of memories and mysteries.
Night has fallen – it’s time for the Tomten to come out!
8. It’s True (Grocott)
Stepfatherhood.
9. Hoedown (Grocott)
Many thanks to Elliet for suitably yeeha fiddling and to Rory for his unique harmonica playing on this knee-slapping dance tune.
10. Drononium (Leaman)
11. Radio on the Fridge (Petter)
Somewhere in a basement in Dalston, a battered old Grundig sat on a humming fridge. Coming down to make tea that winter morning, strange and wonderful music emanated from its speaker. Whence came this rich sonority? What instruments and peoples wove it’s cyclical patterns? The tea was made, the floor was cold, the fridge hummed, the radio droned – I left without my questions answered.
12. Somebody Lost It (Grocott)
A jig in many modulations - originally composed for the credits of a film.
13. Television Land (Grocott)
The siren call of the television, fame etc.
14. Eggleyphone (Leaman)
Another of Giles’ instruments - made from wire eggcups – made to accompany the poet John Hegley.
15. Stumbelina (Petter)
“What do you call your music?” we are often asked. Turn off that part of your brain and enjoy the dancing toys. (Come and see us live.)