In Gowan Ring - Exists and Entrances Volume Two Autumnal Equinox 2002
(self-released)
One of the last of a dying breed, that of the wandering minstrel, Jon Michael B'Eirth (the only constant member of the travelling circus known as In Gowan Ring) returns with his second volume of ephemera, and, as with last year's initial offering, it is a collection of cover songs (Robin (Incredible String Band) Williamson's "The Lord of Man" and (I'm guessing from the credit) Psychic TVs "Just Like Arcadia"); traditional ballads (a sad and forlorn reading of "Under A Willow Tree," which prompted B'Eirth to observe, "it seems most willow songs have themes of unrequited or unfaithful love," and this is no exception. That statement could also be applied to a lot of wyrdfolk songs and "On the Butterfly's Wing," his contribution to the Hand/Eye compilation we were so excited about is also included herein); selections from out of print formats of earlier releases ("Of Skin and Tresses" featuring bells, chimes, flutes, various plucked instruments, and the occasional pot banging percussives is from the cassette version of Love Charms, and there's some haunting shell necklace "tinkle sounds" on the 100 second "Jeweled Jangles," also taken from Love Charms, that approximates someone caught up in one of those old love beads room separators that I can all but picture hanging in all the doorways around B'Eirth's house like a love child's mistletoe!); and, last but not least, a few old pieces of musique concrete dating back to 1988 (two "Reckoner's themes,") which combine flutes, backwards vocals, and ominous percussion FX resembling approaching thunder to little effect, and perhaps could have been left behind.
"Coffe [sic] Morning" is exactly what it sounds like, a commercial for the demon bean which will bring a smile to those of you who've succumbed to that form of legalized speed. It's also comforting to know that B'Eirth is one of those "who don't think capitalism is all that bad," as Wavy Gravy pointed out at Woodstock, and is not above taking the odd monetary endorsement fee if proffered, as he explains in the liners.
Williamson's "The Lord of Man" was recorded live at an Elementary School in Portland, OR, and the session sounds like it was a blast to take part in, with the students stomping, clapping, and screaming along with the song, which is presented in the manner of an old Punch and Judy play. It's similar to " " on the In Gowan Ring compilation, Compendium, and all I can say is—those lucky brats... I never had someone as cool the In Gowan Ring collective come by and play for me when I was in grade school.
Finally, "Ring-o-the Rascal" is an affectionately nonsensical children's fairy tale of the sort Donovan wrote for his A Gift from A Flower To A Garden collection, and I'd love to get these two troubadours together in the studio to see what whimsy they can dream up. Not essential (except for completists), but a fine diversion to while away the hours until you pick up the fourth official In Gowan Ring full length, Hazel Steps Through A Weathered Room.
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