VA - Simmerdim: Curlew Sounds (2022) [Official Digital Download]

'Simmerdim: Curlew Sounds' is a unique double album, multi-artist project of newly-commissioned works and soundscapes, inspired by one of the UK's most iconic and endangered birds, the Eurasian curlew. The project is the brainchild of the Orkney-born musician Merlyn Driver, who, with the support of the RSPB, has made this extraordinary project possible.The idea for the Curlew Sounds project emerged from Merlyn's work on a new song, 'Simmerdim', inspired by his memories of curlews. In the course of his research, he discovered the wealth of folklore, poetry, art and music curlews have inspired, and came to realise the true scale of their recent struggles. In some parts of the UK, curlew numbers have nose-dived more than 60% and they are now on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. The devastating prospect of losing curlews from the British countryside drove Merlyn to act and assemble new creative responses to this iconic bird - specifically to raise funds and awareness for their conservation.

Track List:
1. Tuuletar - Kevään Kajo
2. David Gray - The Arc
3. Cosmo Sheldrake - Numinous
4. Merlyn Driver featuring Nathan Riki Thomson - Simmerdim
5. Marja Mortensson and Daniel Herskedal - Skotjke
6. The Unthanks - The Flight Of The Curlew
7. Talvin Singh - Jal
8. El Buho featuring David Rothenberg - Supercurl
9. Emily Barker - Beuno's Blessing
10. Puuluup - Koovitaja
11. Camilla George and Tamar Osborn - Curlew Suite
12. Tiny Leaves - Runner, Messenger
13. Merlyn Driver - Geltsdale and Hadrian's Wall - Bubbling Song (April)
14. Merlyn Driver - Geltsdale and Hadrian's Wall - Mountain Whistles (April)
15. Merlyn Driver - Ysbyty Ifan and Hiraethog - Alarm Calls (May)
16. Merlyn Driver - Insh Marshes - At Dusk (June)
17. Merlyn Driver - Insh Marshes - Curlews Versus Otter (June)
18. Merlyn Driver - Lough Erne Lowlands - Hare Island (June)
19. Merlyn Driver - Lough Erne Lowlands - Silage Cutting (June)
20. Merlyn Driver - Antrim Plateau - Nocturnal Soundscape (June)
21. Merlyn Driver and Fiona Driver - Orkney - The Loons and Loch of Banks (July)
22. Merlyn Driver and Fiona Driver - Orkney - Harray Loch (July)