David E Schipper
wow... what an incredible set of songs. Well done. Grammy level performance. It also made my top ten album in Dave's Basement Tracks
Favorite track: Old Gods (Minor Reprise).
“Built on Bones” is a collection of six original songs for the Witches of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Originally commissioned as a live piece for theater by director Colin Sullivan, the song cycle was recorded in May 2022 in Nashville with producer Brandy Zdan and is set to release fall of 2022 on Oh Boy Records. It features Emily Scott Robinson (writer/composer), Alisa Amador (NPR Tiny Desk Contest Winner 2022) and Lizzy Ross (of duo Violet Bell) as the three witches singing through the tragedy of Macbeth in three-part harmony.
The record begins with “Built on Bones,” the prophesy delivered by the Witches foretelling Macbeth’s rise to power and subsequent death. Next is “Old Gods,” the love song and theme for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, sung by the Witches as the two lovers reunite after battle. The third track is “Double Double,” a fresh, sexy and celebratory version of the infamous spell cast by the Witches.
The B side of the record is darker as the machinations of the Macbeths unravel in the final acts of the play. “Sleep No More,” is sung in a circle around Lady Macbeth as she exists in a waking nightmare of her own hallucinations and the Witches prepare her for the afterlife. “Old Gods” is then reprised in the minor key as Macbeth grieves his wife’s untimely death in the famous “tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” soliloquy. “Men and Moons” serves as the epilogue to the play. The Witches are joined on stage by other women characters— Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff, and the Crone— to sing a Celtic prayer and blessing song about the cycles of life, death and rebirth.
Artist’s Note: It is important to know that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth under the reign of King James I of England, a ruler who sanctioned brutal and violent witch hunts and trials across his kingdom, imprisoning and murdering countless women. In line with the fears and stereotypes of that time, the Witches of Macbeth are written as ugly, hag-like, and scary creatures— a portrayal that has persisted in popular culture for hundreds of years. We thought it was time for a powerful rewrite of these Witches as the healers, seers, and creators that they are. Today we are still in a battle for the sovereignty and safety of the bodies of women, non-binary, and trans people. Through these songs we declare that our power and magic cannot be controlled or snuffed out by a violent patriarchy of fearful men.
credits
released October 28, 2022
Producer: Brandy Zdan
Recording / Mixing Engineer: Teddy Morgan
Mastering: Richard Dodd
Recorded at The Creative Workshop in Nashville, TN
All songs written and composed by Emily Scott Robinson (ASCAP), “Double Double” and “Men and Moons” co-written with Colin Sullivan (ASCAP)
Guitar and vocals: Emily Scott Robinson
Vocals: Alisa Amador
Vocals: Lizzy Ross (Violet Bell)
Electric Guitar / Baritone Guitar: Ellen Angelico
Bass: Vanessa McGowan
Bass: Teddy Morgan
Pedal Steel, Piano, Electric Guitar: Josh Grange
Drums: Aaron Haynes
Cello: Kaitlyn Raitz
Violin: Kristin Weber
(string arrangements composed by Kristin Weber)
Fiddle: Eamon McLoughlin
supported by 15 fans who also own “Built On Bones”
1st time i heard DeathWish, i turned it off.
felt rushed, not the Isbell i've come to admire. really grab'd me when i took time to listen on the 2nd try. the writing on these songs stopped me in my tracks more than once. raw talent with just enough polish in the delivery.
thankyou Jason + 400 for another keeper swirlingmadness
This New Haven duo write bright and emotionally resonant folk music where sweeping strings elevate gorgeous melodies. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 23, 2021
A partnership between Yep Roc and The Southern Folklife Collection, the LP features a never-before-heard live performance by Doc Watson. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 16, 2018
supported by 13 fans who also own “Built On Bones”
I got hooked on Amanda Shires when I heard her song Bulletproof about 7 years ago. Like a fine wine, her music just gets better with age. I immediately pre-ordered when I heard Hawk for the Dove. Now that the whole album has dropped I’m so glad I have it tonight to sit and have a beer and enjoy the whole album. WaitingfortheTurningPoint