The GentleFolk duo have released a CD, with five of their most popular tracks. It is available by contacting the duo through the website (using the Contact information here) or from one of their performances.

We called this mini-CD FIVELING because a Fiveling is defined by the Shorter Oxford Dictionary as "A twin crystal consisting of five individuals" – in other words, Patrick, Suzanne and their five songs.

The five tracks

• The Keeper (Trad. arr. Higgins)
  • (Suzanne: Vocal [Solo], Guitar
  • Patrick: Vocal [Chorus])
• The Rose of Tralee (Glover. arr. Higgins)
  • ( Patrick: Vocal
  • Suzanne: Guitar)
• Let him go, let him tarry (Trad.)
  • (Suzanne: Vocal)
• Gortnamona (Percy French)
  • (Patrick: Vocal)
• I’ll tell me Ma (Trad. arr. Higgins)
  • ( Patrick: Vocal [Solo]
  • Suzanne: Vocal [Chorus], Concertina)

NOTES on the tracks

The Keeper Tradition has it that the song is a coded reference to the six wives of Henry VIII

The Rose of Tralee A sentimental Irish ballad which has spawned the modern day "Rose of Tralee" Beauty Contest

Let him go, let him tarry An Irish traditional song in which the protagonist’s attitudes prefigure those of Women’s Lib

Gortnamona Percy French (1854-1920) wrote this song after the death of his wife

I’ll tell me Ma A Belfast skipping street song in which the players pair off

Notes on the performers

Suzanne Higgins and Patrick Ward have been singing together since 1989 when they formed the parlour duo The Caledon Singers, which has given over a thousand performances – many of them for Music in Hospitals. The GentleFolk is the folk arm of their activities. Suzanne cut her folk singing teeth in the then smoke-filled clubs of Yorkshire, while Patrick’s extensive repertoire was gleaned from the celebrated Fitzy’s Bar at London Irish Rugby Club

• Recorded 2004 by Gone to Lunch Productions

• Recording Engineer: Mike Natkanski

• Photography: Martin Jones

• Design by www.scotiawebs.com