“Magnificent” 8/10 Uncut Magazine
“magic and music in beguiling compositions” The Guardian
“profoundly moving … the most innovative duo in folk music” Folk Radio UK
“their most authoritative statement to date” Concrete Islands

A Tarot Of The Green Wood is the third studio album
from Burd Ellen, a Glasgow-based project featuring Debbie Armour (Alasdair Roberts, Green Ribbons) and Gayle Brogan (Pefkin, Electroscope).

Developed on residency at Sage Gateshead, the album explores ideas of transmission, memory and hidden meaning. Debbie Armour says “I’m a long time collector and lover of tarot, and I’ve recently become drawn to the idea of finding parallels between interpretation of traditional song and the art of divination. Gayle and I have brought together a new collection of songs that reflect the ideas, archetypes and imagery of the Major Arcana.” The album also features guest appearances from Irish piper Ian Lynch (Fire Draw Near, Lankum) and Newcastle based composer Mark Wardlaw (Kenosist, The Old Police House). Six of the seven works are based on traditional song, and the closing track is an expansive cover version of an Alasdair Roberts piece.

Burd Ellen have also rekindled old collaborative relationships, with producer and engineer Jim McEwan back in the driving seat. They have also worked again with Scottish artist Kieran Milne to make The Green Wood Tarot come to life. There is a limited print edition of the card set available, as well as it adorning the inner sleeve of the 6 page CD fold out.

A Tarot Of The Green Wood is the first release on Debbie Armour’s new label Mavis Recordings