Paul Cowley - Long Shadow (2026)

Eleven tracks – eight originals. A diverse collection rooted in country blues, ranging from ballads, love songs, straight blues, americana, stories, truth's, half truth's, untruth's,commentary. Written & recorded at home in rural Brittany.

Uniquely rootsy, honest , soulful.

The title ?

We have owned a cottage on the Dyfi Valley Snowdonia for over 35 years.

The cottage is carved into the vee shaped valley side & looks down on the River Dyfi. The valley floor is kept immaculate by the flock of welsh mountain sheep that have grazed there for hundreds of years. The farmer on the opposite side of the valley,with knowledge passed down through those hundreds of years works with sheepdogs. He moves the sheep with ease all over the valley, the farm & surrounding hills. Once in motion the flock moves as one, pouring down the slopes like white water.

The River Dyfi, once renowned for salmon runs fom its source below the summit of Aran Fawddwy approximately 30 miles to the sea at Aberdyfi. Our cottage & the valley below are about 6 miles from that source.

It has taken me many years to notice a tree adjacent to the river, positioned in such a way that with the rising sun behind, it casts a long shadow on the valley floor almost all year round.

When discussing possible names for a now defunct short lived musical duo I noticed the tree & suggested “Long Shadow” as a possible name.

The duo didn't endure but the title has & it re-appeared in the form of the song now giving its title to the forthcoming album. Whenever & wherever performing the song, I'm transported to the valley. I like that sort of authenticity!