In Place by Colin Riley: Beyond Borders
In Place explores a sense of place in the British Isles; how it informs our cultural identity; shapes our language and dialects; provides both solace and stimulation, and contains histories both universal and personal. It speaks to all corners of the British Isles; Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England. It also crosses art-form boundaries.
Composer Colin Riley is collaborating with writers for whom place is a recurring theme (Robert Macfarlane, Paul Farley, Selina Nwulu, Nick Papadimitriou, Jackie Morris, Richard Skelton/Autumn Richardson). This specially created writing will form the core of a set of songs for vocalist Melanie Pappenheim and a 4-piece ensemble (piano/keybords-Kate Halsall, viola-Nic Pendlebury percussion-Stephen Hiscock, bass guitar-Ruth Goller).
The UK tour starts in November with the premiere at Sound Festival Scotland, who have commissioned the piece. As well as live performances there will an album, specially created film, radio broadcasts and additional materials.
In Place is a significant body of innovative work. It will a) act as a vehicle for strong and diverse cross-artform audience development, b) be a catalyst for linking with art-communities and organisations; c) harnesses the zeitgeist of current popular interest in field recording, nature writing, wordhoards, regional dialects and psychogeography.
Colin Riley’s work draws on a range of elements including new technologies, improvisation, song-writing and large-scale classical form. His work is difficult to categorize, embodying a genuine integration of stylistic approaches. This project will also see him utilizing his skills as a collaborator, leader, producer and researcher.
Listen to the album here
Listen to Podcast 1: ‘It Does Nothing, Absolutely Nothing But Be Itself’
Listen to Podcast 2: ‘Grafted Landscapes’
Listen to Podcast 3: ‘Solid Breakfasts and Gloomy Sundays, Smoky Towns and Winding Roads, Green Fields and Red Pillar Boxes’