Slave trade song cycle from Reg Meuross with Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne

“If ever there was evidence that music can be used to speak truth to power, then this album will in time sit as testament to that fact. From a British man of colour, a personal thanks must go to Reg Meuross and his team for taking on this subject matter. It is clear that a great deal of thought and care has gone into this project and that should be applauded” – Ifi Umoren – FATEA

Reg Meuross presents his stunning song cycle Stolen From God, with the sparkling playing of concertina wizard Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (Granny’s Attic).

The live show, which features a narration on the historical background to each song, was previewed during last year’s Black History Month. Featuring vocals from both musicians, alongside incredible instrumentation, it received a tremendous reception at shows in Bristol, London and Manchester.

“Reg Meuross is the ideal song writer to unpick the South West’s complex Slavery story. A subject that needs his clear sighted way with words…single of the year” – Tim Martin, FATEA.

Reg Meuross’s belief that folk songs provide a rapid and accessible route into history and its current relevance stood him in good stead when it came to tackling the history of the transatlantic slave trade in story and song. He unearthed both incredible tales and uncomfortable truths – now brought fully to life with this enlightening live performance.

Reg explains: “I realised how little I knew about Black History in Britain; how little I’d been taught growing up; how little I knew of Empire and how it was made; how little I knew of the grand mansions and sprawling estates, and the enormous handed-down wealth, and the great men and women of history who symbolised greatness and colonial and racial superiority and to a large extent how their greatness was achieved, and at what cost to others. It feels especially timely to take this new show on the road and share these stories with others.”

Cohen added: “Stolen From God brings attention to a seriously neglected era of British history with songs that are genuinely thought-provoking.  These new stories need to be heard”.

Press:

“…never has he made a more important or more deeply considered and researched album” 

Iain Anderson, BBC Radio Scotland

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An album which both moves and challenges the listener and a reminder that with the current government and media attacks on Black Lives Matter we are still having to fight the ideology which gave rise to the trade depicted in these songs.” 

Steve Johnson – Morning Star 

“… in Stolen From God, he has unquestionably written his masterpiece in a song cycle that turns an unflinching eye on the toxic legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, especially in his home in the South West of England. Shocked by his realisation of his ignorance of British Black History, of the Empire and how so many of the nation’s grand estates and lauded figures were tainted by the stain of slavery that had served as the foundation for their wealth and public acclaim.”

Mike Davies for Folk Radio UK

“Reg Meuros has written a masterpiece and the musicians  working with him on this are simply amazing. He couldn’t have made a better choice.” 

Mike Harding

“A stunning and important work of historical research set to some of the best folk tunes you’ll hear this year” 

Tim Martin – Americana UK

“Stolen from God, a new song cycle from Reg Meuross, marks the culmination of four years digging into the hellish history of the Atlantic Slave Trade” 

TradFolk

Audience feedback:

“Informative, moving and eloquent and the songs evocative and powerful”

“A difficult subject covered with care and compassion and a story that needed telling”

“I’ve just finished listening to the CD. I’m left with 3 feelings: admiration at the superb quality of the writing and musicianship; deep emotion at the power of the storytelling; anger at the abhorrence of the Slave Trade. You have done us a great service by bringing it to a wider audience: thank you!”

The first track from the album, Good Morning Mr Colston was released in December 2022, with the album released April 2023.

Tags: 2023, autumn, bedford, folk, gig, music, thatsallfolk