Important Albums from the History of Folk and Roots Music, presented by Marius Roeting
A remarkable album was released in 1994 under the somewhat cryptic title Whirling Pope Joan, a playful reference to the myth surrounding the alleged female pope Joan. The two musicians behind it, however, were thoroughly down-to-earth Brits. Nigel Eaton had already made his recording debut as part of a duo with Andy Cutting. The same could not be said of singer Julie Murphy. Both Eaton and Murphy put themselves firmly on the musical map with this disarming debut.
Eaton went on to become a member of groups including Blowzabella and Ancient Beatbox, composed film music—occasionally live—with artists such as Afro Celt Sound System, Loreena McKennitt, Led Zeppelin, Clannad, and Peter Gabriel. Playing the hurdy-gurdy, Eaton was inspired by a homemade instrument built by his father. These days he is considered the leasing authority on the hurdy-gurdy in England.
Julie Murphy made her mark with the group Fernhill, which went on to become one of the leading folk groups performing contemporary folk songs in Welsh. She also worked with artists John Cale, Led Zeppelin, and Afro Celt Sound System, while pursuing an impressive solo career of her own. Spin is the duo Whirling Pope Joan’s only album.
Whirling Pope Joan – Spin –Panic ATC Patccd20294 
01. Doldrum 1:11
02. Donna Lombarda (trad, Woods, Murphy, arr Eaton/Murphy) 4:37
03. Ffole Llantrisant (trad. arr Eaton/Murphy) 4:53
04. Puit D’amour / Tiennet (CA Cole, Bronski, Somerville / Bouffard) 4:56
05. False True Love (trad. arr Murphy)3:47
06. Sept Marins (trad. arr Eaton/Murphy) 3:32
07. Jasmine Sweet (Eaton, Murphy) 4:37
08. Searching For Lambs / Lost Hearts (trad. arr Eaton/Murhy / Eaton) 5:19
09. Captains Courageous (Eaton) 3:58
10. Ffarwel I Aberyswyth / Coté Pile (trad. arr Eaton/Murphy / trad.arr. J. Molard) 4:20
11. Scotis Lwyd / Scotis Syml (Ceri Rhys Matthews, arr. Eaton/Murphy) 4:49
12. Bloodlines (Terry Allen) 4:21
13. Sept Marins Again / Hanter Dro (trad. arr Eaton/Murphy) 6:14
