Rock Regeneration

Local Celtic folk rock band “Black Water County” have teamed up with mates from the quality rock band “Walk the Night” to release a cover of the Pogues’ and Kirsty MacColl’s Christmas classic song “Fairytale of New York”. 100% of the net download proceeds are being donated to the fantastic charity – John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

The charity raises cash to fund scholarships for young people. Supporting their personal development and the pursuit of their ambitions and was set-up in honour of Royal Marine, Lt John Thornton from Ferndown, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008.

The new version of “Fairytale” displays Black Water County’s definitive style with Tim Harris and Shan Byrom sharing lead vocals, combined with Shan’s penny whistle, Gavin Coles’ mandolin and Brad Hutchings’ acoustic guitar. Walk the Night’s input adds a new dimension when compared to the original song, evidenced by the distinctive and stylish rock guitar and bass licks from Rus Scagell and Scotty Farron and Chris Payn’s classy piano intro. Both bands share talented drummer, Andy L Smooth. ‘Fairytale’ was recorded and mixed by Mark Harris from Violent Mole Studios and mastered by Will Harris from WH Productions, with artwork designed by Paddi Graphics and will be available on iTunes and Amazon from 2nd December 2013. BWC and Walk the Night are gigging extensively in the run-up to Christmas, including performances on the Bournemouth Square stage and, where possible, will perform the song live – please check their respective Facebook pages for details of their events as well as being able to view the accompanying video.

Both bands feel very close to the JTYAF, with 5 of the combined 8 members (aged between 18 – 20) having attended Ferndown Upper School – John Thornton’s old school, which maintains close links with the charity run by Peter and Linda Thornton – John’s parents. They also know many young people who have benefitted from JTYAF’s support. The single release is another fundraising effort by Rus Scagell, who ran this year’s inaugural Bournemouth Marathon for the charity.

Both bands plan to perform the song together live for the 1st time ever at the Anvil in Bournemouth on the 1st December.

Black water County are
Tim Harris – Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar
Gavin Coles – Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bradley Hutchings – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Andy L Smooth – Drums & Percussion, Backing Vocals
Shan Byrom – Lead Vocals, Tin Whistle, Melodica

Walk The Night are
Chris Payn – Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard.
Rus Scagell – Guitar/Vocals.
Scotty Farron – Bass/Vocals.
Andy L Smooth – Drums/Vocals.

Band Links
http://www.blackwatercounty.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/WalkTheNightUK