The Bæbes's first album, Salva Nos (1997), shot straight to No 2 in the classical charts, a silver disc. Subsequent albums include Worldes Blysse (which went straight to No 1), Undrentide, (co-produced by John Cale), The Rose, and the Christmas-themed album Mistletoe & Wine.
Mirabilis (2005), was launched at a concert and party in London, August 2005. A self-titled DVD was released in July 2006. The first 300 preorders were autographed by the band and received a special mention in the DVD credits.
A live album was be released in December 2006 and featured two bonus studio tracks, An Itunes exclusive was also launched which added tracks not featured on the cd release and at this time still remain exclusive so is well worth tracking down.
The new album entitled Illumination was released via preorder on the bands website in Oct 2008 and as an added incentive to fans features two bonus tracks not included on the regular wholesale edition which has a Spring 2009 official release date. There has been concerns over the mastering of the album from fans which could account for the delayed release dates.
Each album features traditional medieval songs and poetry set to music, mostly arranged by Blake specifically for the ensemble, alongside varying numbers of original compositions. They sing in a variety of languages, including Latin, Middle English, French, Italian, Russian, Middle High German, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, modern English, Swedish and the nearly extinct Cornish. Their vocals are backed by medieval instruments, including the recorder and cittern, played by the singers or fellow musicians.
One of the group's founding musicians, Dorothy Carter, died of a stroke in 2003 at the age of 68. In addition to playing autoharp, hurdy gurdy, and dulcimer with the group, she performed the lead vocals on So Spricht Das Leben (Worldes Blysse) and L'Amour de Moi (The Rose).
Emily Ovenden, who sings with the group, is the daughter of artist Graham Ovenden.
The Bæbes' musical pieces run the gamut from extremely traditional, such as their version of The Coventry Carol on Salva Nos, to songs that feel traditional but are much more modern, such as their rendition of Summerisle, a song written for Robin Hardy's 1973 cult film Wicker Man. John Cale added non-medieval instruments, including saxophone and electric guitar, to some of the arrangements on Undrentide, although with subsequent albums the band returned to more traditional instruments. Even with these instruments, however, the band's current style is quite different from medieval authentic performance groups, as it displays significant modern influence.
Current Band Members:
Katharine Blake (Contralto, Recorders, Violin, Piano), Emily Ovenden (Soprano, Recorders, Concertina, Percussion), Ester Dee (Soprano), Claire Rabbitt (Contralto, Piano), Bev Lee Harling (Alto, Violin, Citern, Recorders, Guitar), Melpomeni Kermanidou (Mezzo Soprano, Piano)
former Band Members:
Dorothy Carter, Karen Lupton, Nicole Frobusch, Nichole Sleet, Carmen Schneider, Claire Ravel, Ruth Galloway, Teresa Casella, Rachel Van Ash, Audrey Evans, Marie Findley, Cylindra Sapphire, Sophie Evans, Maple Bee, Sofia Escobar, Maxine Fone
Official website: www.mediaevalbaebes.com
Waylaway
Mediæval Bæbes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yfele yer hert me to-teneth
It doeth me rye
Waylaway, waylaway, waylaway
But it ne shall him underfunde
Thus to be shent
It in wode by fleme
Evere, evere, evere
The lyrics of Mediæval Bæbes' "Waylaway" are tinged with sadness and despair. The song speaks of a broken heart with the opening line "Yfele yer hert me to-teneth," meaning "evil yearning tears me apart." The singer is in agony and sorrow is consuming them completely. The line "It doeth me rye" further emphasizes their pain, with "rye" translating to "cruel" or "savage."
The chorus of the song, "Waylaway, waylaway, waylaway," is an old English term for "woeful" or "alas." The singer is lamenting the fact that they are being punished and shamed for something they haven't done. "But it ne shall him underfunde, thus to be shent," meaning "but he shall not comprehend to be disgraced thus." The idea that someone is being punished unfairly is prevalent in the lyrics of "Waylaway," adding to the misery of the song's protagonist.
The last line of the song "It in wode by fleme, evere, evere, evere" translates to "It'll forever be in exile in the wild," perhaps suggesting that the singer's pain and suffering will never truly go away. The song is melancholic, reflecting the emotions of a person who is struggling with a broken heart, unfair treatment, and consequent isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Yfele yer hert me to-teneth
My heart is tortured by evil
It doeth me rye
And it pains me greatly
Waylaway, waylaway, waylaway
Alas, alas, alas
But it ne shall him underfunde
But I will not underestimate him
Thus to be shent
And so I will not be disgraced
Waylaway, waylaway, waylaway
Alas, alas, alas
It in wode by fleme
My heart is in chaos and despair
Evere, evere, evere
Forever, forever, forever
Writer(s): Karen Lupton
Contributed by Gianna L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.