Music Releases
For as long as I can remember, music and words have been my passion. I was brought up surrounded by music and a story told through song is one of my favourite things. I was born and raised in South Yorkshire, where economy of words is something to aspire to, so a finely crafted folk song that shoehorns situation, context and emotion into three verses and a chorus really appeals to me. I have Breton ancestry and a strong affinity with all things Celtic so it was no surprise that I felt at home in Cornwall when I ended up here in 2006. In Cornwall, my professional career in marketing and my passion for arts, culture and heritage collided. I learned the language, researched the history of this magical place and I found the inspiration to write – music and words.
I’ve always been involved in music in some form but in 2014 I formed folk band, The Changing Room, with vocalist Sam Kelly. Since then, my original music in Cornish language has been broadcast live on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 2, The Changing Room’s debut album is listed in The Telegraph’s Best Folk albums of 2015 and we’ve performed live in several countries including Canada and the US. I’ve written two albums and four EPs for The Changing Room, but Hireth is my first release under my own name.
“Tanya Brittain is a fine songwriter, gifted with a warm contralto voice and an expressive delivery reminiscent of Sandy Denny (and I can give no higher praise).
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“Rich and fulsome. Hireth is an assured solo debut for Tanya.”
“A superb album that demonstrates that Cornish music, though little publicised since the iconic Brenda Wootton, still has a bright future ahead of it.”
“Tanya has the rich voice of experience and her band knows when to be respectful and when they can let go a little. The result is a beautifully balanced record embodying the feeling of hireth.
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TANYA BRITTAIN | vocals, piano, organ
ALAN PENGELLY | piano accordion
MARK BARNWELL | guitar, bouzouki
ANNIE BAYLIS | violin
MATTIE FOULDS | percussion
BEN NICHOLLS | double bass, bass guitar
Special thanks to: Cornwall-based musicians Alan Pengelly, Mark Barnwell and Annie Baylis for their contribution to this album and for helping to capture the magic and Celtic spirit in our special blend of musical styles; Mattie Foulds and Ben Nicholls for completing the sound; Ross Rothero-Bourge; Ken George for translating Dance With Me into Cornish; Tim Rose for letting me use his words to create Father Forgive Me; Melvyn Evans for his fabulous illustrations; Louisa Young for the inspiration for Just Go Quietly and Gareth Rhys Jones for his love and encouragement. Thanks to the British Council, Arts Council England, Help Musicians UK, PRS and FEAST Cornwall for investing in me.
All songs written by Tanya Brittain except Father Forgive Me (words by Tim Rose and music by Tanya Brittain), An Bluven Glas (music by Alan Pengelly), Oh Alas (traditional) and Dy Sul Vyttin (traditional). Genev Dons and Dy Sul Vyttin are sung in Kernewek – the Cornish language.
“A powerful chanteuse - one with a sharp pen. There is a sophistication to her writing. Tanya Brittain’s songs are steeped in hireth, but another word comes to mind - duende. ”
Words
“Engaging, witty and relatable.”
I’ve written three books, including one totally in Kernewek - the Cornish language.
Cornish by Design is a compilation of bi-lingual articles written in English and Cornish language, for lifestyle and culture magazine Cornwall Today. A light-hearted introduction to Cornish language and to everyday life in Cornwall.
Exploring what makes Cornwall different and how language plays an intrinsic part of Cornish culture, Cornish by Design is the perfect read for anyone with a passion for culture and heritage, or those intrigued by Cornwall as a nation. If you fancy learning a few Cornish phrases to use on social media, inside greetings cards, or in day to day life – this is the book for you.
Genev Dons is a collection of Cornish language song lyrics and poems and Gwrello Glaw is a compilation of song lyrics in Cornish and English.
