A covert overnight recording session could become the backdrop music for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s inaugural full Parliamentary appearance.
A folk-rock record made independently by The Chartists at a Cardiff University studio many years ago is being reissued in an expanded, digitally restored format.
The collection chronicles the 1839 Chartist rebellion in Newport—a crucial chapter in Britain’s democratic history—and has become a sought-after rarity.
Geoff Cripps, who helped form the group, explained that the band wanted to remind their subject of what initially motivated both him and them.
Given the project’s continued political significance, a copy of the revived record has already been delivered to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has contributed prominent essays to Chartist Magazine and maintained a longstanding connection to the Chartist movement.
The original recordings were made secretly at Cardiff University’s facilities through an unofficial nighttime session and soon attracted a devoted audience.
Cripps recalled that because the musical pieces formed a continuous narrative, the ensemble requested listeners postpone their appreciation until the conclusion.
When the final sound faded, the venue burst into enthusiastic response.
It was nearly impossible to hold back tears of satisfaction and accomplishment.
The powerful presentation prompted several BBC Radio airings and ultimately a more refined daytime studio production.
That edition completely sold through, yet the refreshed version—including bonus material from two Radio 4 programmes—is now accessible again.
Wynford Jones, responsible for composing much of the original song sequence, discussed how the project came into being.
Jones remembered having minimal financial resources during the initial recording but knowing someone who could grant them after-hours access to the university’s facilities.
He still marvels at how they managed to complete the sessions undetected.
Jones also observed how appropriate the timing of the reissue proves to be, suggesting there has never been a more relevant moment to examine what pursuing greater social equity against entrenched power structures truly means—precisely what these compositions explore.
The release coincides with heightened attention to Chartist heritage, including Newport’s November Rising torchlight procession, which may be added to Wales’s living heritage register under UNESCO consideration.
The remastering process has improved sonic quality and tonal equilibrium, making the collection perform optimally on contemporary hardware and streaming services.
Cripps mentioned the release also celebrates the contributing musicians.
He emphasized that it particularly highlights the remarkable abilities of fellow Chartists Laurence Eddy, Geri Thomas, Russell Jones and the late Remo Lusardi.
While Jones and Cripps continue performing together, they constantly feel fortunate to have collaborated with such extraordinary musicians.