'Scattered Chapters' by Gordon Giltrap & Paul Ward

[The Elf]

I am thrilled and proud to reveal that the new project, 'Scattered Chapters', by virtuoso guitarist Gordon Giltrap MBE and Paul Ward (of this humble parish!) is now available from Psyochotron Records.

'Scattered Chapters' is a dynamic multimedia project created during lockdown. It takes the form of a brand new Gordon Giltrap/Paul Ward album, alongside a beautiful book published by
Wymer Publishing.

There are 18 compositions in all. Three of the pieces are the creations of Paul Ward. There is an orchestral version of an early Giltrap tune and a reworked Celtic flavoured version of the classic 'Heartsong'.

Special guests on the album are Jenny Hanley - spoken word; Ian Mosley (Marillion) - drums; Rod Edwards (Edwards Hand, The Gordon Giltrap Band) - keyboard arrangements; Nick Hooper - guitar; John Devine - pipes and whistle.

The book features short stories written by world-famous, award winning composer, guitarist and author Nicholas Hooper, a man who has composed music for over 250 films, the most well-known being scores for two Harry Potter films. Nick is also a self-published author and was deeply inspired by the back stories that inspired the music.

The book also contains details of individual artwork from some of the most exciting artists working in the UK today. Each of them was captivated by the project and the end result is a stunning array of paintings, ceramics, glass art and jewellery reflecting the stories and the tunes, all faithfully reproduced in the book.

Also released is the video 'The Making of 'Scattered Chapters', that features artwork, music and a reading by Nick.

It's been an emotional journey on many levels, some of which I have shared in this very forum. I think that comes through in every atom of this project.

I'd love to hear what people think of the results...

[RichardT]

Wow, what a fabulous idea!

[Eddy Deegan]

This looks (and sounds!) amazing. I loved the video and am now eagerly anticipating a couple of deliveries!

[Drew Stephenson]

I shall check this out tomorrow when I am awake.

[Martin Walker]

Bravo Paul (and of course Gordon, who I met some years back at a Paul White Christmas party )

[The Elf]

Early signs are extremely encouraging! Thanks for the kind words, chaps.

[Drew Stephenson]

I think I'm being a bit dozy here but I can't find where to actually listen to anything?

[The Elf]

I think I'm being a bit dozy here but I can't find where to actually listen to anything?

You can hear some of the music playing throughout the video: https://youtu.be/q8NS5eJxKBg.

The video's opening track is 'Starfield'.

[Drew Stephenson]

Thanks Elf.

[The Elf]

BTW, the noise you hear at the beginning of 'Starfield' is the genuine sound of a comet...

[Kwackman]

After hearing the opening track on the video the CD was ordered immediately!
That "Car boot sale Squier strat" sounds great.
Looking forward to hearing the CD

[Drew Stephenson]

BTW, the noise you hear at the beginning of 'Starfield' is the genuine sound of a comet...

[Wonks]

I've ordered my copy.

[The Elf]

Thanks, guys. I'm heading down to Birmingham today to sign some copies of the CD.

[awjoe]

Also released is the video 'The Making of 'Scattered Chapters', that features artwork, music and a reading by Nick.

The track in this video is wonderful.

[Arpangel]

Brings back memories, saw him a few times as he used to play the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone when I was young.
Lovely playing, and recording, good space.

[Folderol]

Just watched the video, and was totally blown away by it. This is truly an astonishing and all inclusive work.

[The Elf]

Just watched the video, and was totally blown away by it. This is truly an astonishing and all inclusive work.

Thank you.

It's been such a privilege to work with all of the creative minds behind this project. Once we realised what was starting to emerge it took on a life of its own. Nick's stories spoke to the music, and the music spoke back. Then when some of the images of the artwork arrived it pushed the music in directions we hadn't yet imagined.

One story I can share... 'Requiem' is one of my compositions. It was written in a single evening. The only way I can describe it is that it was as if the piece already existed, and all I was doing to trying to record it as quickly as possible as it was 'dictated' to me. It was actually hard to keep up. The next morning I had something I could send to Gordon.

Gordon sent his parts back to me and within minutes of sending the first version he called me to tell me it 'wasn't right'; I knew exactly what he meant. The next version was 'right'.

I'm not much for 'woooo-hooooo' mysticism, but there was something going on with that piece of music. It's as if it wrote itself. When it was right we knew.

There's more to this specific story, but I'll leave it there before it gets weird.

[tea for two]

One story I can share... 'Requiem' is one of my compositions. It was written in a single evening. The only way I can describe it is that it was as if the piece already existed, and all I was doing to trying to record it as quickly as possible as it was 'dictated' to me. It was actually hard to keep up.

Elf would you upload just your part. The way you say this is similar way Vangelis in his later years talked about music he made.

[Kwackman]

I have got the CD, and it's wonderful. Loads of things to attract more listens. There's nice harmonised guitar runs in first track, there's a track with acoustic guitar and piano where the sounds are distinct and aren't clashing, there a great guitar duet track, and the last track is like meeting an old friend you haven't seen since the 70s!... and much more.
I was going to note down the names of tracks with comments, but in the end I just listened and enjoyed.

[The Elf]

Why, thank you, sir! We aim to please.

The masters have just gone off to the cutters, so a vinyl version will be available soon.

The track listing for the vinyl will be:
Star Field
Scattered Chapters
One For Billie
Sharing Days
Through Braden's Door
The Stars Look Down on Linda
The Kissing Gate
Requiem
Precious
The Melody Weaver's Son

I'm happy to discuss any of the tracks, if anyone has any questions about how (or why?) it was done.

[tea for two]

One story I can share... 'Requiem' is one of my compositions. It was written in a single evening. The only way I can describe it is that it was as if the piece already existed, and all I was doing to trying to record it as quickly as possible as it was 'dictated' to me. It was actually hard to keep up. The next morning I had something I could send to Gordon.

Gordon sent his parts back to me and within minutes of sending the first version he called me to tell me it 'wasn't right'; I knew exactly what he meant. The next version was 'right'.

I'm not much for 'woooo-hooooo' mysticism, but there was something going on with that piece of music. It's as if it wrote itself. When it was right we knew.

There's more to this specific story, but I'll leave it there before it gets weird.

I listened for Requiem. It has a stillness to what you played.
Even if you didn't say how it was made through you, I'd say there is a stillness to it.

[The Elf]

Thanks for listening. Your words of response are much appreciated.

'Requiem' has taken quite a journey since it was released. I get messages from all around the world saying how they find it comforting. I understand completely - I wrote it at a time of loss, and I have been back to it in time of loss, which has been all too frequent this past couple of years.

Somehow it says to me 'rest for a moment... and then take another run at life'.