Dyble Longdon

 

Dyble Longdon

by Pete Clemons

The accompanying postcard, that was bundled together with the album, and signed in one corner by David Longdon just spoke volumes. It was a lovely item to be included but there just seemed to be this large gaping void that was yearning for another name.

Of course Judy Dyble is no longer with us, or is she?, but what a way to bow out. What an incredible legacy she has left us with. Along with David Longdon they have created this magnificent release. This is far more than just a beautiful album musically, it contains some incredibly personal and haunting lyrics. It really is a wonderful meeting of minds.

During the albums making a tumour was taking away Judy's breath and, in a blog by friend, author and artist Jackie Morris, it is mentioned that the pair would discuss the breath of life and the spaces in between. They became fascinated by the phrase 'Between a breath and a breath'. And for Judy, as far as this album is concerned, it seems that between a breath and a breath was where her magic lay.

David Longdon has mentioned that the album had its challenges. And now, understanding a little more about how the title was arrived at, certainly gives you a greater insight as to how demanding it really must have been. I cant help thinking it all involved a great deal of patience.

The album kicks off with Judy questioning the astrologers, in reference to love, she uses phrases like 'Oh stop it now' and 'That is a cruel joke to play'. Given the love and praise being heaped on this album then maybe the astrologers were right after all.

But, for me, it is the song 'Tidying away the pieces' that stops you in your tracks and really makes you focus on the lyrics. It is devastatingly honest and frank. The words created by Judy really do lay it all out there. She is somehow putting things in order and, at the same time, covering up any frustrations. The album signs itself off with Judy questioning 'For what will be the next adventure, should there be such a thing'.

In one of those bitter sweet phrases David Longdon describes, when he listens to the record, to an episode of Randell and Hopkirk deceased where David is the surviving one. He feels Judy's presence. I really cant imagine how difficult it must have been for David to put together this album. It must have taken an incredible amount of resolve and effort.

Sadly this project is now all over before it has really begun. It is only ever going to be a one off project but what a special one it has been. The pair, by all accounts, met in 2015 after Big Big Train gig at Kings Place after being introduced by violinist Rachel Hall.

Even the albums sleeve has paid particular attention to Judy's life. The beautiful front cover painting is of things special to her. And then the gatefold sleeve reveals the pair sat by a fireplace illuminated by a Tiffany lamp. On the mantelpiece is a coat of arms and a grey photo of the Marx Brothers. So it is a kind of pastiche towards the Fairport Convention album that Judy appeared on.

Leaving the final words to David, during a Q+A, he alluded to things he had learned from Judy. These included to always have fun, not to take things too seriously, always make time for silliness, don't worry about the things you cant change and to learn that, one day, we have to let go of life and the things we love. Judy Dyble was a very pragmatic and amazing lady.

It is only right, as I delved into Jackie Morris's blog for understanding the albums title, that I mention her recent book where it was derived, 'The Unwinding'. Again, I have borrowed phrases within it. It is a book for dreamers. It is an unwinding of the soul, when the pressures of work were too much. The aim of the words and pictures is to set the reader's mind adrift from the troubles of our times, into peaceful harbours where imagination can stretch, where quiet reflection can bring peace.