For some time I have wanted to create an acoustic album of original folk songs, but the project has been a very long time waiting for lack of time, money and facilities. I then decided that I should try to create a much shorter and more manageable album just to let people listen to some of my music and get an idea of what I sound like. To make the project affordable, it was to be recorded, performed and produced by myself. Although it was meant to be a reasonably simple process, it certainly wasn't. I somehow managed (against the will of the gods) to hire microphones and a chapel to record in for free, only to find builders were to be hammering away on the roof for the next however many weeks, forcing me to do most of my recording in a darkened chapel in the dead of night. Having done a first set of mixes, I managed to destroy the original files of the recordings, meaning that my mixes were the final mixes, whether I liked it or not. However, I have still, more or less, ended up with what I set out to do; an album of songs that I enjoy playing and listening to. The title was taken from a line in the opening song of the album. I felt 'Lend an Ear' was appropriate because it is all I'm really asking people to do. Have an listen, and just take it for what it is. I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed creating it. Accordion, Acoustic Guitar, Irish Whistle, 12-string Mandolin, Percussion, Piano and Vocals - Joshua Burnell Vocals on ‘Ye Jacobites by Name’ and ‘The Skylark and the Oak’ - Frances Sladen All music and lyrics written by Joshua Burnell, except: ‘Ye Jacobites by Name’ - Traditional, lyrics by Robert Burs ‘Bilbo’s Last Song’ - Donald Swann ‘Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold’ - Lyrics by J.R.R.Tolkien Produced by Joshua Burnell. Recorded in the York St John Chapel and in a small bedroom. Design by Joshua Burnell. With thanks to: Emily Rowan, Ian Wilson, Jonathan and Julie Burnell, Peter Raymond and the York St John Chapel. Also to Rab Ferguson and James Cramphorn for bringing cake. Published by Misted Valley Records. The copyright of this sound recording is owned by Misted Valley Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorised public performance, broadcasting, and copying of this product are prohibited. Copyright © Joshua Burnell 2013