BentLand Press

23/09/2022

Well I think this counts as news! After 25 years of waiting - and somewhat prompted by the publication of the Rook Book last year, the original Rook Manuscript has re-surfaced! https://www.wallpapermusic.co.uk/uncategorized/rook-rediscovery/

It’s been just over a year since the Rook Book went to the printers containing all the information I’d gleaned about the man and his music. The book is not only a transcription of the music but also the culmination of many years of research and ultimately a story I had to share. Despite many att...

12/11/2021

Woohoo! (part 2) - it's taken far longer than I had expected but I think the finished product is worth it...

The Rook Books have arrived!

Subscriber copies are being issued over the next couple of weeks. Thank you for your patience – and I hope you enjoy the books! Now I know the combined weight (2.6kg) I can also start looking at postage options for international subscribers as well.

If you missed the subscription window – have no fear, I invested everything from the subscription into the extended print run and have plenty of ‘extra’ copies on hand:
http://www.wallpapermusic.co.uk/product-category/books/

09/10/2021

Alongside getting the Rook Manuscript publications into print, here's another project I've been working on!

The Lockdown Ledger is a collection of tunes composed by various of members of Cross the Wannies - either composed during connected with the lockdown. Featuring 38 tunes from Ian Scott, Don Clegg, Roy Hugman, Kay Adamson, Chrisy Donaldson & Rob Say.

Available now: https://www.wallpapermusic.co.uk/product/the-lockdown-ledger-cross-the-wannies/

A collection of 38 new tunes in the Northumbrian tradition from members of Cross the Wannies mostly composed over the last 18 months when traditional music nights were restricted. Includes jigs, reels, marches, hornpipes, waltzes and airs from Don Clegg, Roy Hugman, Rob Say, Ian Scott and others.

09/10/2021

Woohoo! (Part 1) - first installment of the Rook Book Player's Manuscript has arrived. Machine that makes the cloth covers is causing remaining heartache - hope to have a positive update shortly.

full details here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-john-rook-manuscript/updates/166199

16/09/2021

An update on the Rook Books - after a longer than expected delay - printing is finally in progress!

More info here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-john-rook-manuscript/updates/164843

25/05/2021

Just over a week to go for anyone wishing to subscribe to the Rook Book. Many thanks for all your support so far - really looking forward to seeing it all in print in July!

Here's a wee snippet from Rook's Journal - 29th May 1833 (Weds):
"After Bkt made a final Sketch in Mr Donalds album and another for Mr Dunn – Mr Donald and Rigg jnr came to invite me to their Timber raising. After dinner writing part of the letter to my Father till 4 then cleand up and oph to Mr D’s to T – there was a great company of the working class. - Mr Howard and the Dancing Master was there with a very curious fiddle – did not think much of his playing the company broke up about 12, a few of them (Kitchen Compy) fold us –"

The 'curious fiddle' may well be a pochette - a small violin designed for easy transport.

03/05/2021

Well that all happened very quickly! Target reached in 8hrs and stretch goal in ~10 days! Subscriptions remain open throughout May - thank you all for your support

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-john-rook-manuscript/updates/155375

22/04/2021

Subscriptions for “The John Rook Manuscript” are now open. You can subscribe over here on the crowdfunder platform: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-john-rook-manuscript

Publish the 1840 music manuscript of John Rook and details of his life and role in music in North Shields and Cumberland in the early 19thC.

19/04/2021

The Rook Book is nearing completion and barring any print issues will be available to subscribers from the 30th July 2021!

But you don't necessarily have to wait that long; subscriptions open on Thursday 22nd April and will run for 6 weeks on crowdfunder.co.uk There will be a variety of rewards available:
- Player's Manuscript – £16 (RRP £16 + P&P)
- Hardback subscription – £35 (RRP £45 + P&P)
- Hardback + Player's – £45

The crowdfunding rewards include postage (or personal delivery!) to the UK – if you want to subscribe from abroad, I’ll need to charge postage at cost. Simply support the crowdfunder and let me know and we’ll sort something out. Surface mail to the US is about £12 at the moment .. air mail is somewhere between £25 & £30!

10/03/2021

Thirty Years Collection - compositions of Stewart Hardy http://www.stewarthardy.co.uk/product/thirty-years-collection/

This melodic record of thirty years as a professional folk musician contains more than 120 original compositions (some with harmony lines) inspired by family, friends, teaching and touring.