WAVE OVER WAVE

Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne

This recording started with a set we did at the 1994 Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, when Graham Stairs of Latitude Records suggested we record a collection of old and new songs based on shared vocals and the traditional lifestyles and industries of Atlantic Canada. It seemed like a good idea and this is the result. We included the Net Hauling Song because it fits the concept of the album, it's a great song and Fergus already knew it. Same goes for the Rig Workers Alphabet, a contemporary addition to the ABC's of work. We had great fun recording it, so we hope you sing along and enjoy it.

"Newfoundland free spirits Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne sang a polished and thoroughly professional set of sailing tunes, original and older shanties, a stirring performance by two of the best folk musicians on the East Coast." -- Stephen Pedersen, The Chronicle-Herald, The Mail Star, Halifax (Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival,)

"They (Payne and O'Byrne) bring an obvious love and affinity for traditional song to this finely-balanced though varied collection, and their individual contributions mesh seamlessly...... a treat for the academic, the enthusiast and any interested listener. It certainly is for this writer!" -- Tom Lewis, The Canadian Folk Music Bulletin de musique folklorique canadienne. 

"....songs wouldn't sound out of place at any kitchen party in the region....O'Byrne and Payne handle all the instruments and vocals with practiced skill....straightforward arrangements and performances a welcome change....standouts here are too numerous to mention." -- Curtis Rumbolt, The Express, St. John's, NL 

"...great new disc....great singers...lively arrangements....Payne's original songs...are fine additions to the storehouse of occupational songs and have the taste of salt spray on them to boot....satisfyingly rough and hearty. Great stuff, b'ys!" -- Steve Winick, Dirty Linen, USA

"....well known names in Newfoundland folk circles....full-bodied singing on shanties.... impressive.... fulfills promise.... strong ballad singing.... anthemic choruses stay lodged in brain cells....excellent compilation of Newfoundland sea faring songs." -- John O'Regan, Rock 'n Reel, Ireland 

"....strong voices.... rollicking sea shanties.... major local talent." -- Kelly Davis, Clarenville Packet, NL

"...splendid addition to the recorded music of the Maritimes...their own compositions (are) solidly within the tradition...arrangements are well-balanced and support the strong vocals...great choice for listening, collecting new songs or learning about the culture of the Maritimes." -- Sing Out!, USA

Credits:

All Songs Traditional Except:
Rig Workers Alphabet by Jim Payne (Socan)
Cape Breton Silver by Allister MacGillivary (Cabot Trail Music, Socan)
Wave Over Wave by Jim Payne & Janis Spence (Socan)

Fergus O'Byrne Vocals, Banjo, Bodhran,Concertina, Guitar, Tin Whistle
Jim Payne Vocals, Accordion, Fiddle, Guitar, Tin Whistle
Arrangements by Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne
Cover Concept by Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne

Layout & Design by Robert Buck
Maps Courtesy of The Center for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Photos by Justin Hall

Recorded at Audio Garden May-June 1995
Engineered by Rick Hollett
Produced by Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne