The Saint Mungo Project
The theme of the project is the life of Saint Kentigern, also called Mungo, who lived in the sixth century. The patron saint of Glasgow, his symbols (fish, tree, bell and bird) appear on the city seal, coat of arms, and turn up in countless other places. I have extensively researched the subject, both in Glasgow and at home, drawing mainly from the colourful manuscript written by Jocelinus, a twelfth century monk and hagiographer. The result is an interdisciplinary project that combines traditional themes, ancient history, artistic excellence and the best of modern technologies.
Bringing the Past to Life
Initially, the project will consist of a CD of music (about one hour), which is also an interactive CDROM.
The Music
The musical project portrays the life and legends of Saint Mungo, using the vocal (including Gaelic and Scots) and instrumental styles of traditional Scottish music, while incorporating elements of contemporary folk as well as early liturgical music. The music consists of 16 tracks, each which interpret a different aspect or character of the story, as well as an overture and refrain. A variety of musicians, both American and Scottish, will perform on the final product. The accompanying booklet will contain, along with the lyrics and artwork, excerpts from Jocelinus, which have been chosen for their narrative qualities and historical contexts.
The artwork will include aspects taken from my own two and three dimensional renderings of the life of the Saint, as well as images of the places that are associated with him.
The Interactive Product
The interactive product will contain, aside from the music, an option to hear the spoken text of the narration, and to more fully explore the artwork by interacting with the images. It will also contain further history of the times and places of Saint Mungo, some background information on Glasgow and surrounding regions and some general history and choice images of Scotland.
The Performance Piece
The intent is to develop the project into a multimedia production and ultimately a film. The live performance will include folk and orchestral musicians, solo singers representing the different characters, choirs, choreography, etc. The performance will also include detailed props and costuming, as well as the projected artistic images from the interactive disc, used to illustrate the narration, which will be read during the performance.
A tour will be arranged, with performances in Scotland and in the US, coinciding with promotional activities and marketing/distribution.
The Film
The film will be a record of the performance,
as well as a documentary and travel guide, visiting the places associated with the saint, and documenting the development of the project.
Also, I am collaborating with an acclaimed New York based independent film-maker, who is just now completing a short promotional / informational video for the project, incorporating images of my sculptures of Saint Kentigern, photos of his tomb, the Cathedral and other images of Glasgow, interspersed with shots of me in the studio recording the music.
As of now, the musical and technical scripts are basically complete, and we have begun the recording process (I am associated, although not exclusively, with an independent label and studio (Zgwonth music co.) here in Kansas.
Scottish/American
A collaboration with a Scottish organization would be of mutual benefit; this project will give the Scottish audiences a reflected image of their own heritage, in these brilliantly colourful and moving stories, and to the rest of the world will present the rich beauty, culture and history of the Glasgow and Strathclyde regions. (In other words, good for tourism and education).
The is not the first time I've delved into Scottish themes; my latest (of four) CDs, titled Thegither an'a', is a unique collection of Scottish and original materials, and contains an original epic song about Charles Rennie Mackintosh, my own tribute to Glasgow singer Alastair McDonald, and an instrumental called Clyde Bridges, among a variety of other interesting material. The artistic and lengthy booklet contains Glaswegian and other Scottish scenes. (Thegither an' a' may be seen and heard at zgwonth.com).
"…a deeply beautiful and mature work…one of the best world music releases of 2000…well wrought and lovely" - Barry Lee, KKFI 90.1
"Signal to Noise"
"Maria and Megan will make you smile." - Bob McWilliams, KANU 91.5
"Trailmix"
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