1845 hymnbook inspires latest Garth Hewitt album

VETERAN singer/songwriter Garth Hewitt has teamed up with Kevin Mayhew Records to record 'Liberty Is Near', an album using lyrics from the recently discovered National Chartist Hymnbook of 1845. Hewitt composed his own melodies and utilised instruments of the period including accordion and harmonium to perform the hymns. Said Hewitt, "They are powerful and poetic lyrics with a spirituality committed to social justice. And they are rousing and thoughtful songs which echo with words such as 'Raise! Raise the cry! Let all respond/Justice and pure and equal laws."