‘Wyrd Tales of an Antiquary’ provides further evidence of Roland’s continuing maturity and development as both a singer-songwriter with a unique and distinctive style and as a composer of contemporary classical music. The album features a collection of what he calls ‘extended narrative songs’ (ie 8+ minute songs comprised of several segments which tell a complete short story) and instrumental interludes taken from his ‘Grimm Fantasy For Orchestra’ (here in their original demo form with all the instruments played by the composer.)

The combination of the pastoral interludes and the delicately orchestrated acoustic songs create an atmosphere evocative of dark fairy tales and unsettling supernatural encounters, a blend which has earned Roland a select and fiercely loyal following that continues to grow with every new release and live appearance.

“I wasn’t intending to record another solo album, but three years ago I was invited to contribute two new songs to an H P Lovecraft project and when that was postponed I found I had enough songs to add to them to make for a solo album (including three inspired by the atmospheric English ghost stories of M.R. James, one of which - ‘Lost Hearts’ - was a short suite with narration that was to have formed the core of a chamber opera). So, it all seemed to come together beautifully and I can honestly say that no other album of mine has given me as much pleasure and satisfaction to make or to listen to and I hope others will love it just as much.”

In other words, another gem from one of the best songwriters alive, long time John Peel’s favorite: an intimate masterpiece with a folk/songwriter flavour.

Tracklist

Grimm Fantasy Prelude

The Cats of

Grimm Fantasy Interlude #1

The Music of Erich Zann

Grimm Fantasy Interlude #2

Count Magnus

Grimm Fantasy Interlude #3

Montague

Grimm Fantasy Interlude #4

Mr Humphrey’s

Grimm Fantasy Interlude #5

Grimm Fantasy Interlude #6

Lost Hearts:

Summer of 1810

A Curious Dream

Uncle Dear

Come & Play With Me

Grimm Fantasy Coda

All songs performed and composed by Paul Roland

Annie Barbazza - background vocals