Composition Portfolio

Welcome to my portfolio of songs and compositions written for my own releases as well as for theatre shows and soundtracks.  The recordings were produced and recorded by myself and are arranged into different playlists to highlight the different types of work – enjoy!

Punk-folk, gypsy Balkan traditional, sea-shanties, Franco-dirty tangos, ragtime piano, and slow laments somehow get together to create an anarchic vaudevillian mix which is packed full of energy.

Bright Young Folk

Songwriting

Very occasionally, a set of songs emerge that features such originality, intelligence and appeal that the ability to hear suddenly seems like a privilege.

Vive le Rock *****

Instrumentals

The stunning musicianship and evocative soundtrack is unbelievably brilliant, his Kroke-esque percussive violin, haunting cello music and powerful expository songs are worthy of a show in their own right. 

The Cornishman

Theatre

At the heart of this new work is Julian Gaskell, as he narrates and voices the lines while playing songs on keyboard, guitar and accordion and adding loads of sound effects… a truly remarkable performance.  

‘The Cameraman’ Minack Theatre

Library

These bespoke instrumentals were written in specified styles to be remixed, sampled etc.

The synergy was quite exceptionally absurd. Great start to our wet windy typically Cornish vibe. Made us think we were at some crazy European festival in the dark moon sun. Thank you Julian et al.

A Happy Camper

Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Songs written for Cornwall’s premium post-skiffle-klezmer trio – agitating and entertaining since 2007.

Blending folk, punk, klezmer, cabaret and Gypsy rhythms – firmly rooted and anchored by Gaskell’s powerful rasp of a voice, as melodious as it is guttural.

R2

Ballads

And finally, a selection of Victorian ballads.  These lyrics have been arranged to music written by myself (with the exception of ‘Johnny Sands’ which uses Martin Carthy’s tune) and feature in the touring show ‘Broadside Bangers’.

It’s the sort of unpolished and slightly unhinged raging against the machine that I love in good folk – a mix of traditional and original, stretched across genres, with a fury and earnestness that is hard to fault.

Folk London