Single Exclusive: northeasterner – Lark Ascending

Tyneside‑raised and now Northumberland‑based singer‑songwriter John Homer — aka northeasterner — returns with a brand new single, which we’re delighted to preview ahead of its 1st April release. Lark Ascending is a mysterious tale set in Berwick, a self‑penned piece beautifully captured across sessions in Newcastle and Copenhagen, featuring Tony Davis on piano, Trevor Wilkinson on tenor horn and Gustaf Ljunggren on strings.

Sonically, tentatively strummed acoustic guitar, delicate piano touches, sprightly strings and warm brass interludes create a crisp, engaging backdrop for John’s heartfelt, intimate vocal delivery.

Here, John tells us more… “I occasionally write songs which feature real people in imaginary situations. ‘Lark Ascending’ describes the composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams and the artist, LS Lowry meeting in Berwick.

Lowry visited Berwick several times and painted a number of scenes there, but as far as I know, Vaughan Williams did not visit the town and did not share a pot of Earl Grey with Lowry over breakfast. The opening section of the track features a snatch of ‘Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus’ by RVW, a nod to his folk song collecting. I was really fortunate to have the help of three excellent musicians, Tony Davis, piano, Trevor Wilkinson, tenor horn and Gustaf Ljunggren on organ and string quartet.”