Renowned English folk singer, Shirley Collins, met the famous American musical historian and folklorist, Alan Lomax at a party hosted by Ewan MacColl. In this highly personal and heart-rending account, she describes her year-long stint as Lomax’s assistant and lover, and their diligent work uncovering the traditional music of America’s heartland.
The result is a finely woven tapestry of one woman’s journey, both emotional and musical, and her discovery of a world of beauty and dignity, as well as deprivation and prejudice, amongst the folk musicians across the water in America.

America Over The Water: A Musical Journey With Alan Lomax

Collins, Shirley

Humor & Entertainment

S A F Pub Ltd

The Gospel with a Twist and more...: I Bet You Never Heard It Like This!

I Bet You Never Heard It Like This! For those who are spiritually inclined and well-versed on quoting scriptures from the Bible, you will be enlightened to hear it from an amusing perspective. For those who think the Bible is dull and boring and have little or no interest in reading it, this book will change your mind! The biblical references are included not only to validate the facts but also to ignite your curiosity to examine the full intriguing stories and their miraculous outcomes. Then, there's more. The selections will touch every emotion in your being, from deep soul-searching to laughter and tears of joy. It will invite you to reflect on incidents or precious moments in time like hearing a favorite "love song" that vividly takes you back to a special place or that special someone. You will find favorite passages to read over and over again. Occasionally, you will find yourself reciting excerpts, in thought as well as general conversation--the same as you often do with famous lines from prominent movies, such as Forrest Gump, Gone with the Wind, The Color Purple, Tyler Perry's character "Madea," etc. You will not dare put this book upon the shelf to collect dust. Instead, you will want to keep it by your bedside or at a moment's reach. It will have a lasting impression on all ages, for all occasions, for years to come. This "collection of knowledge" also teaches lessons of trust, faith, and perseverance. In the midst of our trials and tribulations, there will be a time of joy! "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Ps. 30:5 KJV). Check out The Gospel with a Twist and allow it to " explore your mind!"

Literature & Fiction

Poetry

Christian Faith

Review\nShirley is a time traveller, a conduit for essential human aches, one of the greatest artists who ever lived, and yet utterly humble―Stewart Lee\nWithout doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures―Billy Bragg\n'Shirley is a time traveller, a conduit for essential human aches, one of the greatest artists who ever lived' Stewart Lee\n'Without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures' Billy Bragg\nIn America Over the Water, celebrated English folksinger Shirley Collins offers an affecting account of her year-long stint as assistant to legendary musical historian and folklorist Alan Lomax. Together, they travelled to Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Georgia, discovering Mississippi Fred McDowell and many others, in their tireless work to uncover the traditional music of America's heartland.\nBlending the personal story of Shirley Collins' relationship with Lomax and offering a unique first-hand account of a country on the brink of the civil rights era, America Over the Water cuts right to the heart of the blues in a fascinating account of Collins' and Lomax's ground-breaking journey across the southern states of the USA to record the music that started it all.\nOriginally published over fifteen years ago, this definitive edition includes a new introduction by Shirley Collins.

America Over the Water

Biographies & Memoirs

Arts & Literature

White Rabbit

A memoir from one of Britain's legendary singers, folklorists, and music historians.
A legendary singer, folklorist, and music historian, Shirley Collins has been an integral part of the folk-music revival for more than sixty years. In her new memoir, All in the Downs, Collins tells the story of that lifelong relationship with English folksong―a dedication to artistic integrity that has guided her through the triumphs and tragedies of her life. All in the Downs combines elements of memoir―from her working-class origins in wartime Hastings to the bright lights of the 1950s folk revival in London―alongside reflections on the role traditional music and the English landscape have played in shaping her vision. From formative field recordings made with Alan Lomax in the United States to the “crowning glories” recorded with her sister Dolly on the Sussex Downs, she writes of the obstacles that led to her withdrawal from the spotlight and the redemption of a new artistic flourishing that continues today with her unexpected return to recording in 2016. Through it all, Shirley Collins has been guided and supported by three vital and inseparable loves: traditional English song, the people and landscape of her native Sussex, and an unwavering sense of artistic integrity. All in the Downs pays tribute to these passions, and in doing so, illustrates a way of life as old as England, that has all but vanished from this land.
Generously illustrated with rare archival material.

All in the Downs: Reflections on Life, Landscape, and Song (Strange Attractor Press)

Strange Attractor Press

God - Moments In My Life: A Memoir

Religion & Spirituality

Independently published

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