music
I sometimes write, record and perform songs, mostly as a duo - One Star Awake - with Paul Cooke (guitar, vocals) that we formed in 2009. We've played at arts trails, St Stephen's Church and various other gigs in smaller intimate venues. In earlier bands, I've also played support slots to Martin Carthy and Flook.
Our set’s a mix of my own material, traditional folk songs plus the odd cover, leaning towards the dark and melancholic.
You can listen to some of our tracks below, including Wintersong, a winter-themed 4-track EP we released in 2013 on the Hortus Media label.
A new EP - Forsaken (part of my exhibition of the same name) - will be released in digital form later this year.
Wintersong
Wintersong was released in November 2013 on the Hortus Media label.
The 4-track EP features the track Winter Blessing by Sue Mara, two songs created from poems by Robert Louis Stevenson and Carol Ann Duffy, plus a traditional folk song. All are free to download.
Tracks
1. Christmas at sea (3.51) Words - R.L. Stevenson; Music - Sue Mara
2. The bee carol (3.28) Words - Carol Ann Duffy; Music - Sue Mara
3. The snow it melts the soonest (2.49) Traditional
4. Winter blessing (2.56) Words, music - Sue Mara
Arranged by: Tracks 1-3 - Sue Mara & Paul Cooke; Track 4 - Sue Mara
Recorded & mixed at Wilder Studios, Bristol
Reviews
“…sung to perfection…shadowy folk tales by a enchanting voice that imparts a haunting presence…this collection leaves you wanting more…” (Folkwords magazine)
“…a haunting, gently compelling release…” (Fatea Records)
Butterfly (words/music: Sue Mara)
Vocals: Sue Mara Guitar: Paul Cooke
Solace (words/music: Sue Mara)
Vocals: Sue Mara
Bushes and briars (traditional)
Vocals: Sue Mara & Davide Ariasso
My Johnny was a shoemaker (traditional)
Vocals: Sue Mara & Anna Kissell