Wingbeats - July 2021

Eagle in flight: WINGBEATS
Photo © Jo Hackett

Steve with a man from the Danesh tribe
Photo © Jo Hackett

I'm thrilled to release Wingbeats, the first single from my new album, Surrender of Silence. Several of the tracks on the album have a strong, heavy tone, but this one has a joyful, up vibe...

The song was originally inspired by a visit I made to Ethiopia with my wife Jo. We were enthralled by the extraordinary landscape, from the rugged Simian Mountains to the wild Rift Valley with its rivers and ancient volcanoes, where we were welcomed warmly by the tribes. These people's way of life goes back a hundred thousand years or more. Their culture is fascinating and so different to ours, but we all immediately shared a sense of humour, a mutual appreciation and curiosity to learn about each other, and the joy of dancing and sharing a drink together.

The wilderness drew us in too. We came close to hippos and crocodiles, and at one point we were surrounded by about fifty baboons! Watching the eagle fly over that magnificent landscape from the mountains to the valley was a magical moment.

With the powerful combination of Amanda Lehmann with Lorelei and Durga McBroom singing with me, along with my guitar, Roger's expansive keys and tribal voices, this song takes on a whole life of its own as a big celebration of Africa's magic...

Here is the link for the beautiful Wingbeats video, put together by Paul Gosling. Enjoy!

WINGBEATS VIDEO

Young man from the Hamar tribe leaping over a bull

Steve and Jo in the Simien Mountains (the "Roof of Africa")

Official video: Wingbeats