Valhalla

A Yard of Ale is the soon to be released second album from South London folk songwriter, guitarist & dulcimer player Stuart Forester.

Ten self composed songs, a cover of Cold Coast of Iceland (the Mike Waterson ode to the ragged glory and ultimate decline of the fishing industry in Hull) and a haunting arrangement of the traditional ballad The Factory Girl (with melodeon & harmonium from Jack Burnaby who also plays on the tracks Bramblefoot and We Love You).

The album title reflects the celebratory feel of this set of songs. A celebration of life, loves & recollections (Mitcham Fair Green, Yorkshire Rose, Duke & Little Renie), the wonder of nature (Bramblefoot, The Bowerbird), drinking & goodtimes (Star of The West & We Love You) and death & glory (Valhalla).

The album is to be mastered by Pete Maher who has worked with such musical giants as U2, Nine Inch Nails, Patti Smith, Damien Rice, The Killers, Depeche Mode and many more.

This is what some of the folk greats have said about Stuart Forester.

"fucking awesome" - Dick Gaughan
"smashing song" (Star of the West) - Martin Carthy
"great fingerpicking" - Dave Pegg (Fairport Convention)
"brilliant stuff" - Wizz Jones