Eskimo Roll is where the deep meets the shallow end, when drowning despair turns to raise its head above the waves. Selfless love finding itself, the supreme love for a child, its undisclosed future and horizons. Love of the time we have before the next beginning. Love of the mysteries of musical fellowship. Love which holds on when you want to let go and lets go when you want to hold on. The spirit which makes you get back up again and resolve the sadness in the twelfth bar. Love in control, out of control and under control. Love unrequited, for those gone and those still here. The love you sacrifice and fight for, the love you surrender to. The love which luminates and redeems our days.

The oldest songs in this collection were written on Mo’s floor in 1984, after one of life’s reversals when  Mo quite rightly, took me away from my navelstaring friends and out up the pub. Equally, the foundations and the spirit of this music, visited us in a weekend, which was more about the pub than studious application. The drums on ‘Unhappy Differences’ are a testimony to recreating those “chimes at midnight.” Geoff is immortalised for standing at the upstairs window proclaiming a mixture of Python and Oscar Wilde to the assembled party”.

Infinite thanks to Rob Kendrick for his production, laughter, arrangements and extra mile perfectionism, beyond the call of duty. We can only say “I blame you”. Great appreciation to Rick Ireland for his ever genial contribution and team player bon hommie. Thanks to Chris for overdub feedback and essential sequencing help. As ever Anne- Marie has staunchly held the administrative fort, Barbara for always being there when needed and Brother Pete is the unshakeable, unconditional morale booster after every setback. ‘Old MacDonald’s Car Park’ is dedicated to Pete J and all fathers deprived of commonsense justice. ‘thanks go to Sarah AG for all weather friendship and support’. For Sure’ was written for Geoff and Sal’s wedding but obviously applies to Sarah D. Throughout, my love for Lara shines through all of this and is repaid infinitely.

This album is dedicated to the children of “Liberty Hall”, Lara, Chris, Jonno and Ian.