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The Babel Fish Project is not so much a band as a state of mind. Membership is fluid and different combinations of musicians have played over the years. The idea is of a musical community, although it has given rise to some groups with individual names featuring various collaborations of the musicians in the 'Musical Contributors' photo album. Some of the older tracks can be heard on The Babel Fish Project Archive page (see 'Top Friends). Some of them also have pages of their own, which you'll also find in 'top friends.'
This page currently features the most recent project, a collection of Scottish music involving Derek Stewart Macpherson (aka The Babel Fish), Mark Doherty and Anni Coyne .
I wanted to make this page a bit of a peephole on the creative process, or at least a series of snapshots, as recordings pass through various stages of completion. At present we have a selection of works in progress including a sneak preview of 'Green Grow The Rashes,' by our immortal bard, Robert Burns. On there now are Anni - vocal, Derek - 6 string guitar and vocal and Mark - 12 string guitar and bass.
Also there is 'Can't Weld A Body,' by kind permission of Karine Polwart. So far it's Derek and Anni on vocals with 6-string guitar, bass and hammer/mattock by Derek with engineering assistance from Mark. Scot's Wha Hae is at first draft stage and has vocals and guitar by Derek, and a very rough guide bassline.
The other songs are home sessions by Derek (The Babel Fish) only intended to teach the songs to Mark and Anni and not for public consumption, but seeing we're baring our souls here... They'll soon be replaced with actual studio recordings anyway. If you check back every now and again you can follow the process.
Derek and Anni have previously performed together as 'Haber's Lathe, and Derek and Mark also perform as a duo, known as 'The Reason.' (hear them at myspace.com/hearthereason, or see top friends). There is as yet no name for this melding of Haber's Lathe and The Reason - suggestions welcome! Hear more of our music on this AFcollective player:
Find more music like this on AFcollective Acoustic Network
Gallery of Scottish historical figures and other associated images
Stewart clan badge Macpherson clan badge
RECOMMENDED LISTENING, Have a listen to this:-
The Concept for The Babel Fish Project was conceived in May, 2000 by Derek Stewart Macpherson, as a way of drawing together the many artists from disparate backgrounds and disciplines he had met in three decades of playing music. The Project has already produced some fascinating collaborations, and this website is intended to showcase some of the results. Derek plays guitar and other instruments, sings, arranges, engineers and produces the music of the Babel Fish Project but would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many other musicians and others who have, and will in the future, contribute both musically, technically and administratively to the project. Links to some of their own websites will be added shortly. Previous recordings can be found on the 'Archive' page (see 'top friends'). See the blog for explanation of the name, and for information on the tracks here and for other news.
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads, check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Next shows: October 27, The Swiss, Tacoma, WA October 28, Jazzbones in Tacoma, WA October 30, Mississippi Pizza in Portland, OR October 31, Nana's Irish Grill and Pub in Newport, OR November 1, Muddy's Hot Cup in Arcata, CA November 5, Molly Malone's in West Hollywood, CA
Our tour wraps up with the big show at San Francisco's best rock club, Bottom of the Hill! For the complete show schedule, check here: http://bit.ly/1UgGqQ
The Babel Fish Project has been played on the It's A Frog's Life Acoustic Podcast Show 87 - 3rd Anniversary part 1 - containing 10 of my favourite tracks from the last 12 months of podcasting. Lots of music and little talking from me means I can fit in more great tunes from the past year. Part 2 follows next week! ..
Follow the link above to this specific show or the link below to the general shownotes page. The show is free to listen to, and you can get it either by using the online player or by downloading the mp3 file. And why not subscribe and get each new episode automatically?
Hi there, I know with Mark's wedding today, more than likely you're NOT on. I came by to check and see you have NOT been here since July 11. Am working on tagging ROBERT BURNS. Listening to the Royal Dragoons LOTM, "Promenade"; however, "Scots Wha Hae" always plays in my mind. Can't wait to get home and begin work on RB. Keep the faith! ~ Love & later, Janet
Hi Derek, How are you these days? I was going nuts last night and all day as myspace was so totally wack-o. Everything was a mess. Right now is the first time it has straightened out in all that time. Are things pretty balanced out for you? Hope you're having no major issues. Luv and light, Shirley
Hey guy! Never give up on ROBERT BURNS. I'm only up during the US daytime into nighttime hours now. I pray that you're all right. The world is sadder without Michael Jackson but I know he's happier in Heaven. Yes, he is there and there is one. Our problem is to get OUT of Hell on earth...now! Scotland or bust...I pray, I pray ...every day. I still believe. He gave me you! ~ Love & soon, again I pray, in Scotland ~ Janet
Hi Derek, I really don't know if you celebrate our 4th. over here. But here is a celebration for you. Have a happy weekend. Joy and happiness, §hjr£€¥♥ PROFILEFANTASY.COM
Keeping Australian and Scottish hours in NC, make me ill! I wish to be with you in Scotland filming ROBERT BURNS! You need to check out Eden Festival for September's first weekend, 4-6th. They're in my comments. Please make their friendship. This is for musicians such as you! Take care & I'll try to catch up sometime overnight. ~ Love & later, Janet
PS: I call this shot, "Bill Mumy from LOST IN SPACE is alive and well in Australia!" ;-)
Undue to power outage in Charlotte, I’ve not been on “Kate.” Being without electricity in rainy, HUMID weather is unbearable! I love the rain, being Southern but NOT high humidity! Be back in touch shortly. Now I need finish work on REVENGE! ~ Janet
Whatever you do this week, find the money to see STAR TREK! It honours all those who put themselves into the first show & Mr. Roddenberry in particular! ~ Janet
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These puppies were too cute to pass up. I haven't been online or e-mail for a few days. Call me if you hear anything from David before I do...please? Then I'll come onto SKYPE. Only good news is what you & I both need! ~ Janet
Hello
Thanks so much for your friendship it’s a real pleasure for me- I am very impressed by your profile – wow really amazing stuff. Currently I am pretty excited as I have just now released my first solo double album “An Ocean Of Dreams”. It would be a real honour and pleasure for me if you could give it a listen and if you have some time leave me a comment with your thoughts about my baby.
I say thanks in advance and wish you a beautiful day
Mindmovie
PS. Please watch the brandnew "Mindmovie - An Ocean Of Dreams" video trailer
Sorry, I didn’t come back to you this morning. It’s almost 6:30 and I need sleep since the headache will not go away. Please feel better & tell the kids hello. I’m not angry about the non-Birthday greeting anymore. I know you don't feel well SO don’t forget it next year!
RECOMMENDED LISTENING, Have a listen to this:-
The Concept for The Babel Fish Project was conceived in May, 2000 by Derek Stewart Macpherson, as a way of drawing together the many artists from disparate backgrounds and disciplines he had met in three decades of playing music. The Project has already produced some fascinating collaborations, and this website is intended to showcase some of the results. Derek plays guitar and other instruments, sings, arranges, engineers and produces the music of the Babel Fish Project but would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many other musicians and others who have, and will in the future, contribute both musically, technically and administratively to the project. Links to some of their own websites will be added shortly. Previous recordings can be found on the 'Archive' page (see 'top friends'). See the blog for explanation of the name, and for information on the tracks here and for other news.
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