Platelayer’s Walk
On Sunday August 4th 2019, recording artist Jay Dean, (lead singer of Wirksworth based Goddesses and founder of Dubrek Studios in Derby), played for the first time a new sound composition in the historic railway workshops at High Peak Junction. This was the result of months of creative activity and collaboration, working with the team at High Peak Junction, and fellow musicians the Russell Sisters.
Visitors were treated to this unique composition made up of sounds inspired by the heritage and surroundings of the workshops in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. The sound piece took in sounds from the Workshops, the forge at Leawood Pumphouse, traditional folk music, the river Derwent, birdsong and steam locomotives.
The Russell Sisters, musicians who feature in the sound collage also performed live as part of the event. The Russell Sisters are a folk duo combining harp and vocals and they perform folk songs from the British Isles many of which are inspired by local stories and traditions and in this case transport. A sense of place and roots is massively important in their work. Alisa also plays whistle and flute and Julie runs a community baking project centred around bread, music and traditions.
You can read more about Jay’s inspiration and research for the composition by downloading his artist statement here:
Listen to the sound composition below!
The Russell Sisters sang a song especially arranged for this event. Unfortunately we don’t have a recording, but the words to the song are below:
The Platelayer’s Walk Short Video
Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England as part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Great Place Scheme.
