Deepwater Songs is a completely digitally re-mastered collection of sea songs from three previous recordings by Holdstock and Macleod. These are forebitters or fo'c'sle songs that were sung during leisure time. They are not shanties, which are work songs sung while raising sails or working the pumps and capstan. Dick and Allan have performed these songs together for over twenty years and provide here a great example of this music form.

Still enthusiastically performing together after twenty-five years, Holdstock and Macleod continue to perform authentic renditions of the music of their British roots. Whether performing traditional music of the sea or nineteenth century Scottish and English ballads, Allan Macleod and Dick Holdstock are still captivating audiences from coast to coast. Their audiences always join in by singing along and cracking up over the outrageous stories they tell.
Dick and Allan trade off on mandolin and guitar accompaniments to some of their songs and frequently use a cappella arrangements for their material. They have mastered the art of traditional harmonies which often are described as descants. There strong melodic tones resonate with all who have the pleasure of hearing them.
Needless to say, an evening of music with Holdstock and Macleod is always a memorable event and an extraordinary glimpse into a not-so-distant past. New insights into history and old customs are revealed through their songs of the people.
Dick and Allan organized and ran the traditional Castle Folk Club in San Francisco.