Music is the key to all the work of Changing Tunes. The first time we meet a new prisoner we'll ask what bands they like and what songs they want to play. When they learn their first few chords they know it's not perfect yet but there's just something about being able to pick up an instrument and make music. On their own in a cell or as part of the group it's music which transcends and allows them to deal with regrets and plan for a new future. When the time comes to take part in a concert, music is the common goal that knits the band together. After release music provides a point of reference, something steady to hold on to when facing the challenges of going straight.
On this page we showcase the music created by prisoners and ex-prisoners during their time with us, including CD albums and footage of live performances.
People Jam (2011) With thirteen original songs written by David (lead vocal, guitar), the album is a summing up of his journey so far, with superb song-writing and some of his best vocal performances to date. The album deals with themes of loss and despair, hope and reconcilliation as it touches on the powerlessness of someone caught in addiction, but also the will to overcome and a new-found liberation. A modern classic rock album with some real depth, this is an exciting project of original work that we're really proud of.
Listen to clips from People Jam with the audio player below
Beatles Tribute Live (2011) A live recording of our one-off Beatles tribute concert in Bristol in 2010, this album captures the feel of what was a very special event for all involved. From the 33 songs that were performed, the best 17 have been selected for this album, including: I Saw Her Standing There, Please Please Me, All My Loving, Hard Days Night, Can't Buy Me Love, The Night Before, Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood, Taxman, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, With A Little Help From My Friends, Lovely Rita, A Day In The Life, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, Come Together, Let It Be, and Hey Jude.
Listen to clips from Beatles Tribute Live with the audio player below
Redemption Songs (2009) An album of original compositions by prisoners and ex-prisoners, these songs share themes of redemption, forgiveness, wholeness and yearning. Some are inspired by religious conviction, others by the emotional upheaval of life in prison, with deep regrets and struggles, but also the hope of change. They were performed by prisoners and ex-prisoners and accompanied by Changing Tunes musicians and some friends.
Listen to clips from Redemption Songs with the audio player below
The Koestler Album (2007) Over the years the prisoners we have worked with have won a number of national Koestler awards. These awards are given to prisoners for outstanding achievement across a broad range of artistic activities. To celebrate the achievements of these prisoners we have released this album featuring an exclusive collection of the award-winning tracks from 2005-2007. The music covers a huge range of styles and is an example of the latent creativity possessed by so many prisoners. www.koestlertrust.org.uk
Cover: "Riffs, Rapps and Hooks" by A McCartney at HMP Wolds
Listen to clips from The Koestler Album with the audio player below
Out There (2007) Recorded during a prolific song-writing period in Guy's Marsh, the four band members supporting each other superbly, each offering a slightly different area of flair (lyrics, melody, harmony, etc.). The result was a large collection of new music which was recorded just before the group went their separate ways. Shortly after this, our Horfield band enjoyed a similar period with outstanding compositional output. This album clearly shows how music can connect with people at a profound level; time and again we see it has the ability to tap into deeply held feelings and hopes. Doing this enables people to meet, and to start to deal with, their frustrations, as well as to express their dreams. Out There offers an uncompromising insight into the lives of prisoners: from cutting wit to raw sorrow; from the darkest despair to the most uplifting optimism.
Listen to clips from Out There with the audio player below
Ritchie - I Don't Know, What Do You Think? (2003) Recorded shortly after his release, this album showcases Ritchie's unique talent as a vocalist and guitarist, and includes four original songs - three of which earned him National Koestler awards. Using simple arrangements, Ritchie's appeal lies in his ability to take songs from a broad range of artists and perform them with the same freshness and passion as he does his own. Three tracks from this album won the Merit Award in the national Koestler competition. The sample track from this CD is "Communication", a smouldering Spanish influenced acoustic track with a passionate vocal. Ritchie writes about falling in love and the vulnerable feelings that are associated with it.
Listen to the sample track with the audio player below
Chequered Past and Co. (2001) Chequered Past and Co. were Changing Tunes' diverse and highly professional band from Shepton Mallet prison. They performed on numerous occasions including an open-air concert in Shepton Mallet's exercise yard and performances at Horfield prison, Guy's Marsh and Eastwood Park. At the Eastwood Park concert, the band collaborated with female prisoners as part of the concert... a first as far as we know? They also raised over £300 for Comic Relief from a concert performed in prison. Tracks from this album were first prize and merit award winners in the national Koestler competition. The featured track from this CD is "Garage Jazz", an original piece that shows the band in smooth jazz mode and shows off some nifty guitar work.
Listen to the sample track with the audio player below
The Final Sentence (1999) The original CD, recorded in Shepton Mallet and Horfield in 1999, features nine of the men who were involved in the Changing Tunes project. The tracks include: Down and Out - this track won first prize in the National Koestler Awards 1999 for music performance. The singer and guitarist, Ricky, sadly died before being presented with the award. The CD is dedicated to his memory. Classical Piece 1 - played by Matthew, this track won second prize in the National Koestler Awards 1999 for music performance. Rock of Ages - not what you may expect, this track was written by the Changing Tunes Director, Richard Pendlebury, who also doubles up as our resident reggae song writer.
The sample track from this CD is "Etude", a solo piece for classical guitar.
Listen to the sample track with the audio player below
Out There (2007)
