Gary Miller Songs

All tracks written & composed by Gary Miller, except ‘Battleships’ (lyrics adapted by Gary Miller from a collection of phrases and comments by the ‘Reflections on War’ community arts group).
All tracks: Copyright Control MCPS/PRS.

Recorded in the Cosmic Egg, on various scattered days between August and November 2009.
Produced, Engineered and mixed by Iain Petrie.
Remastered at Castle Sounds Studio, Pencaitland by Stuart Hamilton on 4th December 2009.

GARY MILLER – vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, percussion.
IAIN PETRIE – electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, djembe, percussion, programming, vocals.

Additional Musicians:
ARTHUR CROSS – whistles and backing vocals on ‘Twa Scots Soldiers’.
RACHEL CROSS – fiddle and backing vocals on ‘Twa Scots Soldiers’.
SHEILA CROSS – backing vocals on ‘Twa Scots Soldiers’.
GRAEME KENNEDY – cornet on ‘Bold As Brass’.
ALISTAIR PETRIE – piano and hammond organ on ‘Bold As Brass’, ‘Sister of Mercy’, ‘Somewhere at the Front, Somewhere’, ‘Grandpa Mill’, ‘A Hospital Ship at Tobruk’ and ‘Soldiers of The Lord’.
BARBARA PETRIE – lead vocals on ‘Grandpa Mill’ and harmonies on ‘Bold as Brass’ and ‘Battleships’.
And not forgetting the Veterans of Mons Male Voice Choir for their stirring rendition of ‘Soldiers of The Lord’.

"This CD grew out of my involvement in the community arts project ‘Reflections on War’ at York Art Gallery, as part of the Territories Project for York Museums Trust. Assistant Curator of Arts Learning, Gaby Lees asked me to facilitate a series of songwriting and poetry workshops over 6 sessions in April-June 2009. It was my pleasure and privilege to meet and work with a wonderful group of people in developing an exhibition based on war-themed art and memorabilia from the Museum’s collection, as well as personal stories and recollections on the subject of war. The work created by the participants (a fascinating collection of poems and stories) is collected in two superb books which perfectly supplement this fine exhibition. In addition, I was inspired through the project to create a series of songs of my own, often inspired through direct involvement with the participants themselves. I was particularly interested in focusing on the personal impact of war through its effect on individuals. When the opportunity arose to record some of these songs for this collection, I never imagined at the outset that the results would be made available to be heard outside the small circle of people involved in the original project. The recording project, however, developed and grew and took on a life of its own - and so here are the results for all to hear!"

(Gary Miller - ‘Reflections on War’ CD sleeve notes)

"Gary Miller has a distinctive voice which he uses to deliver songs in a very direct manner. On this CD, however, he has experimented with different approaches. These contrasts, combined with varied musical arrangements on each track and Gary’s ability to compose strong melodies, make for a riveting listen... those who seek challenge and intelligence in the music they listen to will, like me, welcome the re-emergence of this unique talent." (Joe Grint, Tykes News, UK).

"Lots of actually quite decent songs about soldiers and war with good folk-rockish arrangements." (fRoots, UK).

"A very exciting, multi-faceted view of war from Gary Miller. Gary and his brother formed the Whisky Priests and produced many wondrous cds filled with the culture and folk art of the North-East of England. This look at war is equally folky and earthy. But it is also reflective and inspirational - comforting. Great listening with a variety of styles and textures. Highly recommended. The CD is truly inspiring and uplifting and covers the phenomena of war now so much a part of our own experience today. Well worth listening to." (Conrad Jay Bladey, Hutman Productions, USA).

"His lyrics are of the same quality as those popular WW1 songs from Scotsman-turned-Aussie Eric Bogle. Musically he is branching out in different directions, there are tracks we're used to from the Priests, but he is also covering new ground... Gary Miller is back on track." (Walkin' T, Folkworld, Germany).

"What can I say - The Whisky Priests were one of the great under-rated bands, and Gary is one of the greatest songwriters the UK has ever produced and again, much uner-rated. This album is sheer genius. Buy it now." (Anders Moskus, iTunes).