Calderstones Park in Liverpool, UK is home to six megaliths that once formed the entrance passage to a dolmen burial tomb, likely similar to the well-preserved sites found at Bryn Celli Ddu, and Barclodiad y Gawres in Anglesey. From being rearranged into a more aesthetically pleasing 'druidic' presentation by a wealthy landowner in the 19th century, to being locked away in a glass vestibule in the 1950's, and now housed in a bespoke exhibition at the park's visitor centre, the stones have endured a tumultuous journey.

The Calderstones (2021) is a composition for cello and tape in six movements. It is a fantasised chronology of the six megaliths at Calderstones Park, exploring the relationship between the stones and the humans that have interacted with them over the past 5000 years. Shifting between sparse solo cello and dense choral textures, this work draws as much on folk influences as it does on ambient and improvised music.
* * * * * * *
'my pillow is made of pebbles' is a product of reflection on our relationship with tools, agricultural need for growth and imagined histories.

literally using these neolithic era rocks on our ‘modern’ instrument to create a rugged conversation of sorts between these concepts. - James McIlwrath

James is an irish experimental composer/performer currently undertaking a phd, working collaboratively with Birmingham based theatre company Stan’s Cafe.

James makes things and does things.
www.jamesmcilwrath.com
* * * * * * *
Using sketches, made by J.L. Forde-Johnston, of the carvings found on the Calderstones as graphic scores to meditate on, the duo improvisations on the second half of this album explore the concept of empathising with early humans via the objects they interacted with, and the art they created.

Nick Branton is a Liverpool based Clarinet and Saxophone player. He is deeply involved in the City’s music scene, from traditional jazz through to wonky-pop, however his main interests lay in the more experimental side of things with avant-jazz and free improvisation. Focusing his attention more and more on bass and Bb clarinets, he plays in many ad-hoc groups with musicians from across the north-west, as well as various long term ensembles. Nick has had his work aired on Late Junction and last year he self-released his first solo album, “Sumi”. His most recent work is exploring the combination of free improvisation with composition.
* * * * * * *
I wish to thank Uli Heinen, my cello tutor for the past 4 years at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, for his support, insight, and endless encouragement.
I would also like to thank: my parents and family, Katie, Dan, James, Nick, and everyone else who has supported me throughout this project and made it possible.