The Parsonage

The Parsonage

The Parsonage is a Glasgow-based choir that forms in 2006 and remains active. It is a mixed-sex group of around 40 singers, founded by Janis F. Murray, and takes its name in honour of Gram Parsons. The choir describes itself as non-religious, independently run and self-defining, with members of varied ages.

Style and repertoire

The group draws on the plain storytelling approach of folk, country and blues. Its repertoire includes material associated with Gram Parsons and Hank Williams, and it presents tribute days centred on those songs. The choir’s listed associations also point to acoustic, folk, groove, cover versions and nu-bluz influences.

Activity and performances

The Parsonage appears at festivals and other events, and has sung backing vocals for Rod Stewart at Hampden Park. It also assists in studio work for Echo and the Bunnymen. One festival performance includes a crowd surfer, an unusual detail for a choir.

Recordings

The choir’s first EP, This Ain’t No Lovey Dovey, appears on Glasgow label OSScarr Records. The group also plans to record an album of Hank Williams and Gram Parsons material, following its work building that repertoire in 2008.