2020 has certainly been a strange year. Covid 19 has plagued the world and we have all known someone, somewhere, that has in some way been affected by Coronavirus. That was the main driving force behind DANNY STOAKES putting THE ISOLATION SESSIONS album together. He wanted to help those most in need and those individuals most vulnerable and as such, all funds raised from the album will go directly to the National Emergencies Trust Covid Appeal, which to date, across all it’s campaigns, has raised over £90 million.
Today, STOAKES MEDIA are releasing a lyric video for the song ‘Blodeuwedd the Owl’. Based on an old Welsh folk tale, with lyrics by Damh The Bard, the song tells the tragic story of Blodeuwedd – a woman who plots, along with her lover, to kill her husband. The song is a collaboration with Romeo’s Daughter guitarist CRAIG JOINER and see’s Danny and Craig sharing vocals with Craig also playing lead guitar and mandolin on the track.
THE ISOLATION SESSIONS is a digital downloadable album to raise money for The National Emergencies Trust Covid Appeal. The album features 10 songs and features collaborations with musicians from as far away as Sicily. The Isolation Sessions is a collection of DANNY’s favourite songs, all reworked and recorded in isolation. From heavy metal to country, rock and roll to folk, this is a huge cross section of music, delivered in an entirely different style.
The album see’s Danny collaborating with a whole host of different artists including Burnt Out Wreck vocalist Gary Moat, Voodoo Six axeman Matt Pearce and Tygers of Pan Tang drummer Craig Ellis. The album has been mastered by Benedict Harris Hayes, of Oceanica and Massive Dynamic, who also features on the opening track, Danny’s take on Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’.
Founding member of Judas Priest and KK’s Priest guitarist, KK Downing shared these thoughts about the album;
“I would like to say congratulations and a big thank you to Danny Stoakes and all of the talented musicians for this collaboration. The Isolation Sessions is a collection of many well-known and loved songs that have been interpreted in a unique way during these past difficult months, and all in the name of a most worthy and appropriate charity, “The National Emergencies Trust Covid Appeal”, As I listen to the songs it is difficult to find favourites, but I admit I do warm to Diamonds and Rust – a song I have played with Priest so many times. I would strongly urge everyone to get on board and check out The Isolation Sessions, not only for its much needed cause, but for the undoubtable enjoyment you will have from listening to it. Again, much respect to all involved in this creation and my sincere thanks to you all for your support.” – K.K. Downing
Check out Diamonds and Rust here
The album also features Kyle Lamley of THEIA, Hoss Thompson of Thirteen Stars, The Big Dirty Axeman, C. Diddy, Liberty Lies drummer Adam Stevens, Ian Sanderson and Michael Armstrong and really is a great selection of songs.
Danny comments, “I’d like to say a huge thankyou to all the artists who have got involved and got behind this project. They have all done this for nothing ensuring that 100% of the money goes to the charity. Covid 19 is still very much out there and I really hope that we are able to help and support those who most need it. Thank you again to you all. I would also like to add, we have received amazing support from not just UK press, but press and radio stations around the world and I continue to be amazed at the ongoing support we are receiving”
Donate and order The Isolation Sessions Here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/theisolationsessions or head over to the Progressive Gears Bandcamp – NB. Bandcamp take a 10% distribution charge.
THE ISOLATION SESSIONS
Wish You Were Here – Danny Stoakes & Benedict Harris – Hayes
Blodeuwedd The Owl – Danny Stoakes & Craig Joiner
Unsafe building – Danny Stoakes & Kyle Lamley
Diamonds and Rust – Danny Stoakes, Antonello Giliberto & Craig Ellis
Gypsy – Danny Stoakes & Michael Armstrong
Learning to Wheels – Danny Stoakes & Ian Sanderson
Sweet Mary Ann – Danny Stoakes & Hoss Thompson
Whole Lotta Rosie – Danny Stoakes & Gary Moat
Wild Rover – Danny Stoakes & Matt Pearce
You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Danny Stoakes, C Diddy & Adam Stevens
