The Great Stariski sees Seán adapt Rab Wilson's poem ‘The Great Stariski’, inspired by a famous Ayrshire mining story, to create a powerfully moving debut single that is underpinned by Seán’s rich Scots vocals and intricate guitar playing.
On this debut track, Seán’s vocals document the incredible story of Johnny Stariski, a miner with Polish origins, who worked at the Barony Colliery for much of his working life. Rab worked alongside Johnny in the mid-late 70s and early 80s. Johnny’s father and grandparents emigrated to Scotland just before the First World War. Johnny was born in Scotland in 1928 and went on to marry a local Ochiltree girl. A champion high board diver and bodybuilder, Johnny famously performed a handstand on the top girder of the Barony Colliery “A” frame. This is the massive steel structure that is now preserved as an important piece of Scotland’s industrial heritage, and which still commands the landscape at the site of the Barony Colliery. The “A” Frame holds the ‘Horrals’, the mighty wheels over which the winding ropes would be spun by the winding engines to raise and lower the miners almost 2,000 feet to and from their place of work.
With The Great Stariski beginning and ending with the echoing sounds of the pit’s winding engine, Seán Gray’s vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and wooden flute are accompanied by Joe Rattray (Admiral Fallow) on bass guitar and Stuart Brown (Blue Rose Code) on drums.
lyrics
The Great Stariski maks his entrance bow,
Poised oan the Cross-beam o the vast ‘A’ Frame;
He aiblins sees imaginary crowds,
Gawpin at his daith-defyin stunts.
Mair’s a hunner feet up in the air,
Nae spider’s wab o safety-net is strung,
Tae sauf him frae unsocht oblivion.
The Great Stariski luiks tae aa the airts,
Sic magick tricks depend upon their ritual,
An curtly bobs tae each pynt o the compass;
Tae the north, Ben Lomond’s silhouette,
Tae the west, Goat Fell oan Arran’s isle,
Tae the east, ayont Muirkirk, Cairn Table,
Tae the sooth, Sweet Afton’s bonny glen.
The Great Stariski birls an pirouettes,
Then, tae admirin glances frae ablow,
Syne gangs tapselteerie, heelstergoudie,
Stauns oan his haunds, disdainfu o the risks,
An lauchs oot lood in life-affirmin joy
At aa thae wee black specks doun oan the grunn.
The Great Stariski, balanced oan his girder,
Seems tentless o his parlous circumstance;
Up here he’s free, can rax an touch the heivins,
An feel the wuin an rain upon his face.
The Great Stariski leeves athin the moment,
Taks in his queer inversion o the warld,
Syne wi some skeelie dancer’s gracefu mien,
Lichtlies doun as saft as thistledown;
Dichts doun his stoorie, creashy overalls,
Sets at a jaunty sklent his auld pit helmet,
Recoups his yirdlie equilibrium,
Descends the ledder – an’s mortal aince agane.
credits
from The Great Stariski,
track released May 14, 2021
Music - Seán Gray
Lyrics - Rab Wilson
Recording and Mixing - Joe Rattray
Additional Recording - Seán Gray
Mastering - Chris Waite
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Wooden Flute - Seán Gray
Bass - Joe Rattray
Drums - Stuart Brown
Primarily recognised as session musician, and former member of the Paul McKenna Band, Seán’s ambition to launch a solo
career was first fully harnessed when he began collaborating with Scots poet Rab Wilson who has a shared passion for Ayrshire’s mining history....more
supported by 5 fans who also own “The Great Stariski”
So pleased to see your second album on its way. I’ve just about worn a hole in your first CD because I love it so much. Cannae wait due the whole thing to appear on 4th May. The taster track is AWESOME!! 🙏 floradouglas
supported by 5 fans who also own “The Great Stariski”
Three musicians doing what they do best, melding into one whole that's even greater than the sum of its astonishingly good parts. More, please! jenniem
supported by 5 fans who also own “The Great Stariski”
This gently subtle album has quietly insinuated itself into daily life. It has the same sort of refreshing, calming effect as a walk in the woods or on the hilltops. Thanks, Spad :) jenniem
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023