This is my summertime single release for 2026. Hathor's Brew is a reggae based track. I wrote the melody in 2016 and decided to re-record it with my current solo sound, comprising of electric guitar, mandolin, cajon, foot-stomper and bass (all brought together with a loop-player). I've added an organ for good measure!

You can play it now on Bandcamp

Hathor is an Ancient Egyptian and considered a Goddess of music, dancing and healing amongst other things. I was drawn to attention by the fact that the Egyptians were enjoying beer festivals all those years ago! I do wonder that whilst the men were building pyramids, maybe the women were discovering ways to brew drinks that brought on a little merriment! There is actually an official “Festival of Drunkness” in Egypt but with serious spiritual connections and stories about how the world was saved by beer! Praise to Hathor!!

Hathor's Brew is available on all streaming platforms from 26 June 2026 but I recommend Bandcamp (the best site for Artists) 

jonmaybey.bandcamp.com

This track has broken all the rules of the Blues (except the ending!) but it's based on a classic Blues guitar riff joined by a mandolin and hammond organ for a quirky, rhythmic and fairly up-beat 3 minutes of instrumental music!

The instrumentation is identical to my “live” set-up, so I am currently performing the track at shows. Electric guitar, mandolin, bass and cajon (drum) all run through the loop-station. I use guitar effects pedals for the organ sound.

I love the Ocean and grew up around the coast but recently I've had to hold back from going swimming in the sea. Why? Pollution! Global warming is bringing increased rainfall and flooding, resulting in the release of raw sewerage from sewerage stations to enter the rivers. My local swimming spots are near the mouth of the River Exe where people are advised not to walk their dogs on beaches after heavy rains! This isn't a local issue. The state of the rivers has become a national issue in the UK. But the problems go further out to sea with over-fishing and plastic pollution. Certainly many positive actions are taking place to tackle the problems and they need our support. There are talks and agreements to give special protection to a third of our oceans. Environmental scientists (and probably David Attenborough!) are saying we need to be aiming for at least half! The agreements aren't yet legally binding. Big changes are needed as I fear the profits of companies overlook what is the right course of action we all need to be taking to protect our beautiful seas.

So now you know why I have the Ocean Blues!

Play Ocean Blues on Bandcamp

The Butterfly is a traditional Irish tune. I wanted to air my version in the Spring season to celebrate the beauty. blossom and bloom of this, my favourite time of year!

Click to play on Bandcamp