Gossiana (A 1920's Anthology of Song in memory of John Goss - 1891-1953) Giles Davies - Baritone The Goss Male Quartet Steven Devine - Accompanist and Musical Director German Lieder, Songs by Peter Warlock and his contemporaries, and Traditional British Ballads and English Folksongs

''God send every gentleman, such hawkes, such hounds and such a leman. With a downe, derrie downe downe'' (Ravenscroft)

The British Balladeer John Goss was an important figure in the musical and social life of 20th Century inter-war England. A close friend of composers Peter Warlock, E.J.Moeran, Rebecca Clarke and Bernard van Dieren, many composers dedicated songs to him. He took an active part as an editor in the revival of Traditional British Folksongs, recording these for HMV with his Cathedral Male Quartet. Alongside Warlock, he was also a pioneer in reviving the English Lute Song repertoire.

He led a rich and colourful life in England, Japan, New York and Canada, but was never happier than when singing the British Songs he loved in the taverns of England, and promoting the new music of his time.

Goss' song recital programmes were the most all-encompassing of any singer. The critically acclaimed international baritone Giles Davies has made a close study of Goss' life and work, and revives a typical Goss Recital from the 1920's for this new CD, recording arrangements of British Ballads not heard since the Shellac era, with his own group of male singers, The Goss Male Quartet, and

music by Peter Warlock and his contemporaries.

In 2005, Giles re-created the character of John Goss onscreen in Tony Britten's new film ''Peter Warlock, Some Little Joy'', singing songs by Warlock. (Capriol Films) See web links (left).

The Film will be released on DVD in 2008.