| Aside from being a singer/songwriter and composer, Earle has written
many choral arrangements and compositions. On this page you'll find
samples
of some of his work, in PDF and MIDI formats, as well as a comprehensive
list of his arrangements and original pieces. Almost all of these pieces are in 4 parts or more. Most are
a cappella. There are
many songs of interest to labour and activist choirs. If you're
interested in having a choir sing one or more of these arrangements or
if
you'd like to see a sample of any of these pieces,Contact
Earle
Hail The Blest Morn
PDF
MIDI
"Hail the Blest Morn" is an Appalachian carol with a strong modal quality.
This piece was recorded by the Vancouver Vivaldi Chamber Choir (see the links page)
on their Christmas Album, "Swete Was the Song".
Amergin
PDF
MIDI
"The Song of Amergin" is based on Robert Graves' translation of an ancient
Irish text, which purports to be the first words spoken by the 'good people', i.e.
the fairies, upon their arrival on Ireland's shore.
From the Air
PDF
MIDI
"From the Air" features an original text as well as music. It was begun
on an airplane, looking out the window. It is a lovesong to the earth.
Bring Us In Good Ale
PDF
MIDI
"Bring Us In Good Ale" is an example of an arrangement of an early drinking song
dating back perhaps to the 1700's or earlier. Quite simple to learn, and many (and
quite amusing) verses. Apparently good ale was about the only acceptable food for
some people!
Other Pieces
Originals By Earle
Freedom Round
I Cannot Draw Near
People All Standing Together
Reincarnation Round
Round the Sea the Water Becomes
The Rowan Tree
When You Reach Wisdom
You Can See Yourself
Her Name is Jean
Activist and Political Music
Blues Union Maid (original by Woody Guthrie)
Bread and Roses (original by James Oppenheim, Richard and Mima Fariņa)
Burn Baby Burn (original by Bruce Cockburn)
Canning Salmon (original by Linda Chobotuck)
Deportees (original by Woody Guthrie)
Drink of the Death Squads (original by David Rovics)
Dump the Bosses Off Your Back (IWW song)
El Pueblo Unido (original by Sergio Ortega; an expansion of an arrangement by Searle Friedman)
Hasta Siempre (original by Carlos Puebla)
Hold Your Ground (original by James Keelaghan; a modification of an arrangement by Notre Dame des Bananes)
Homeless Wassail (original by Ian Robb and Finest Kind; expansion of an arrangement by Finest Kind)
Joe Hill (original by Alfred Hayes)
Le Deserteur (original by Boris Vian)
Man of God (original by Eliza Gilkyson)
No Sweat (original by Pat Humphries)
Parking Lots & Strip Malls (original by David Rovics)
Political Science (original by Randy Newman)
Public Workers (original by Paul McKenna)
Put it on the Ground (IWW song)
Soon and Very Soon (traditional picket line song)
When Tear Gas Fills the Sky (original by Desert Rat)
Ya Meit Massa (original by Mustafa El-Kurd)
Folk Songs
Carrion Crow (traditional)
Charbonnier Mon Ami (traditional)
Ditchling Carol (traditional)
Gower Wassail (traditional)
Grey Funnel Line (original by Cyril Tawnelly; expansion of an arrangement by Silly Sisters)
I am Stretched on Your Grave (traditional, translated from Irish; expansion of an arrangement by the Voice Squad)
Jag Minnes Dig (traditional)
Malpas Wassail (traditional)
Please to See the King (traditional wren song)
Rubia Moreno (traditional Argentinian Samba)
She Moved Through the Fair (traditional; arranged for womens' voices)
The Wran (traditional wren song)
Others' Originals
Black Fly Song (original by Wade Hemsworth)
Go and Tell Them (original by Amy Johnson)
Lawn Ornaments' Carol (original by Glen Alaks)
Henry the Sixth Carol (traditional words, melody by Jennifer Pencarrick)
Salmon Circle (original by Fraser Lang)
Solstice Song (original by the Wyrd Sisters; an expansion of their arrangement, with piano)
Popular Songs
Galaxy Song (original by Eric Idle; available with & without piano)
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (original by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong; available in 4 and 5 parts,
and with a piano reduction)
Straighten Up and Fly Right (oroginal by Cole Porter)
The Christmas Song (original by Mel Torme)
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