Award-Winning Ukulele Singer-Songwriter Reverend Jim to Release New Single in Aid of Penlee RNLI
Jim performing at the Ukulele Festival of Scotland this year (Photo: James Millar)
Ukulele singer-songwriter and one of our own priests – the Reverend Jim Benton-Evans will release his new single live on Liskeard Radio at 8 pm on 19 December. The song, entitled, “The Bravest Eight” is a tribute to the crew of the Penlee lifeboat, “Solomon Browne”, who gave their lives trying to rescue the crew and passengers of the bulk carrier, “Union Star”. All proceeds from the single will be donated to Penlee RNLI.
Jim, who performs and records regularly, now lives in Glasgow, but is originally from Bodmin. He wrote “The Bravest Eight” at the start of the year, as he began thinking about songs for his second album. It has become a staple of his live set, but until now has not been recorded.
Liskeard Radio were alerted to a live version of the song by a fan, and Jim agreed to record a version of it in time for broadcast on the anniversary of the tragedy, 19 December. After the broadcast it will be available to download, with all proceeds going to Penlee RNLI.
Reverend Jim said, “The song has had a wonderful reception wherever I’ve played it – even among people who don’t remember or don’t know about the tragedy. I feel very humble and honoured to have been asked to do this and hope that people both enjoy my little song and, more importantly, are able to contribute to such an important cause in memory of such extraordinary heroes”.
“The Bravest Eight” is an entirely original song written by the Rev Jim Benton-Evans, Priest-in-Charge of the East End Team Ministry – three churches (St John’s Baillieston; St Serf’s Shettleston and St Kentigern’s Dennistoun) in Glasgow’s East End. Jim sings and plays baritone and electric ukulele on the track. It was produced by Ross Arthur and recorded at the Sound Cafe, Nine Mile Burn, Penicuik, Scotland. It will be available for download at a minimum cost of £1 (though people are invited to pay more if they wish) from https://reverendjim.bandcamp.com/track/the-bravest-eight
