Eric Bogle - The Source of Light (2022)

Eric Bogle’s ‘The Source of Light’ was recorded and produced in Australia in late 2021 by Peter Titchener and the artwork was designed by Emma Luker, both members of the ‘Bogle Band’. Each plays a prominent part in the recordings - Emma plays fiddle, cello, viola, adds harmony vocals, and was responsible for the vocal arrangements, while Peter plays guitar and adds vocals, in addition to his recording and production work. A host of other session musicians were involved and guest English artists Chris While (vocals) and Julie Matthews (keyboards) laid down a track (‘Catching The Wave’). All the songs are written by Eric, except ‘The Border’ (by the late John Munro), a tune, ‘Mind The Gap’ by Emma Luker, and two songs by Peter Titchener: ‘Eric’s Never Written a Song About Me’ (sung by Peter) and ‘The Girl in The Photo’ (sung by Gina Jeffreys). Eric takes lead vocals on all the other tracks.

This is a remarkable collection and was recorded at a time when Eric was not in the best of health but we are pleased to report he is now on the mend and performing concerts in Australia and New Zealand. M.D. Ian Green considers this to be Eric’s best album in recent years and, on hearing the master, said to Eric: ‘I cried, I laughed and I pondered the issues – and enjoyed every single moment of it’. We cannot stop playing it!

ERIC BOGLE was born in Peebles, Scotland, in 1943 but emigrated to Australia in 1969 where he still lives. Eric regularly tours the U.S.A., Canada, the U.K., and Europe, as well as his adopted homeland, Australia. He has been the recipient of many awards for his music, including a U.N. Peace Medal and The Order of Australia from the Australian Government. Eric started writing songs on arrival in Australia and one of his first was hugely popular “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, which to date has been recorded by over 100 artists, ranging from Joan Baez to The Pogues. He followed this up with “No Man’s Land”, or “The Green Fields of France” as it is often referred to, which was recorded by The Furey Brothers and spent an incredible 26 weeks in the Irish Charts, including 10 weeks at No. 1. Altogether nearly 50 of Eric’s songs have been recorded by other artists including Mary Black, Donovan, Billy Bragg, and The Dubliners.