New Hebden Bridge label's first release to support Macmillan

Friday, 4 September 2015

A new Hebden Bridge based record label, The Happy Valley Collective, has issued its first release.

Love is The Only Way is a four-track EP, featuring songs by Martin McGroarty and Wally Woodcock around the themes of loss and renewal. All proceeds from sales of the CD will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK's leading cancer care charity.

The label, set up by three local musicians, has also been able to arrange a distribution deal with Caroline International Records - a subsidiary of Universal Records - with the aim of releasing up to four records annually, featuring original, locally-produced music.

Martin and Wally, along with multi-instrumentalist Steve Andrews, have a long history of writing and playing music in the region. Martin has previously co-written EMI and BMG album releases for singer Helen Watson, who currently works with Snake Davis, the well-known saxophonist. Wally and Steve have also written and released albums together.

Two of Hebden Bridge's finest female vocalists are featured - Terry Logan and Charlie Carr who between them sing three of the songs while Wally, who also sings with local legends the Owter Zeds, makes up the quartet. Guitars, keyboards and drums are played by Martin and Steve Andrews, with guest appearances by Bo Lee (bass), James Jones (trumpet), and Clive Mellor (harmonica).

CD's (£5) can be purchased via The Happy Valley Collective's website, from the Muse Music and Love Café on Market Street, Hebden Bridge, and at the Coffee Station at Hebden Bridge Station.

The album is also available for downloads and streaming from iTunes, Spotify and Caroline International, though proceeds from these sales can not be passed on to the charity.