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Ring Around The Land
Have you ever had a dream? Have you ever had a dream come true?
Red Shoes are the Birmingham duo Carolyn and Mark Evans. Carolyn is a great Sandy Denny fan and as a young folk singer dreamt of singing with Fairport Convention. This album was produced by Dave Pegg and among the supporting instrumentalists were Dave Pegg and Chris Leslie, two of the current Fairport line up. So dreams can come true.
All the songs on this album were created by Carolyn and Mark except one. So let’s look at the cover song, Dave Swarbrick’s ‘White Dress.’ I’ve listened to the original Sandy Denny version and this one side by side and, as a devout Sandy Denny fan myself, I can say they are equally as good. I never thought I would ever say that. They are different but Carolyn’s strong voice delivers an equally good interpretation.
Mark wades in with two tracks, ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ and ‘Keep a Hold on Me.’ His gentler voice acts as a brilliant foil to Carolyn’s and helps give the album both variation and balance.
‘Someday We’ll Meet’ expresses Carolyn’s wish to meet Sandy Denny; not too soon I hope.
The title track is a celebration of May Day festivals. It includes Chris Leslie on Morris Bells; did he wear the full regalia, the mind boggles.
The gem is ‘My Father’s Green Beret.’ Their daughter, Megan, wrote and performed the piano accompaniment making it a real family affair. Chris Leslie’s viola backing gives great atmosphere to the track. The song is a memorial to Carolyn’s father who, as a young soldier, stormed the Normandy beaches on D-Day. Last year he lost his final fight against MRSA in hospital. Just another statistic, except, of course, to those who new him. I defy anyone listening to this song to do so without feeling a tear gently meandering their cheek.
To sum up this album is full of excellently written, words and music, songs all beautifully performed. It is an emotional tour de force from sadness to joy. Dave Pegg’s production and, with a little help from his friends, backing really underpin it as a work of art.
So what is the result of all this dreaming – A DREAM OF AN ALBUM.
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Wan Mair Mile
Anne Gomez, despite the name, is as Scottish as they come. A leading light at the East Kilbride Folk Club and the band Trochrague; she has even appeared on the Danny Kyle Stage at the 2008 Celtic Connections. Not a bad pedigree for a debut solo album.
So what do we get? Well we get variety. We get variety on songs from the traditional like Raggle Taggle Gypsy, the well known like Cyril Tawney’s Sally Free & Easy and some of Anne’s own creations. We get a variety of styles a’capella, accompanied songs and duets. Oh yes, there are a few surprises as well.
Key tracks include ‘Marlana’ written by Dan Chavers and featuring him singing in Oregon with Anne singing in Glasgow. The wonders of modern communications and the skill of the production team married the two seamlessly together.
My favourites are the three tracks that include a group of children Anne corralled into the studio. The first is ‘Cat’s Wallies’. Wallies is Glasgow speak for dentures. Hold that thought – cat’s dentures. This is the fun song on the album. Then, while Anne is enjoying a well deserved cup of tea, the kids give us an endearing collection of Glasgow street songs. A reminder of where folk songs originate. Then Anne returns, suitably refreshed, for the title song ‘Wan Mair Mile’ with the kids sing a chorus adapted from Will Fyffe’s ‘I Belong to Glasgow’.
Anne’s style ranges from the precise almost choral solos to the easy party style of the group songs. No two tracks are the same.
This is real grass roots folk music and an engaging album it makes.
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Elowen
Elowen (elm tree to us foreigners) is a Cornish based band comprised of Kim Guy, Michele Cobb, Phil Wisdom and Yvette Cowley, together with an assortment of instruments and a love of produce music in a traditional way, with their own slant.
This album was produced on a tight budget and is only available through their web site. It is a real cottage industry; but was not folk music originally a cottage industry?
The main part of the album is made up traditional and contemporary songs and ballads which show off the harmonies at which Kim, Michele and Yvette excel. Songs included are such classics as Both Sides the Tweed, Maid in Bedlam and English Rose.
Although Kim usually takes the lead vocal, the girls sing in chorus for Three Drunken Maidens. I trust that it is not autobiographical.
Phil gives us two sensitively delivered songs. Ewan McColl’s Sweet Thames Flow Softly (much appreciated by us Londoners) and the delightful The Keys of Canterbury. Both are highlights of this album.
There are, of course, two songs in their native Kernewek. Meriasek was a 4th century Breton who became the patron saint of Camborne. The song is about his sailing across the channel from France. Oll an Gerriow is about (I am reliably informed) all the tunes and songs in the world running through your head so you are unable to sleep. A more apt description of this album defies me.
We end with Parting Glass. A toast sung by guests as they leave after an evening’s hospitality. A fitting way to finish of a welcoming album.
The tight budget refers to the expense of recording the album. The time and effort spent on developing their style and rehearsing each number was not subject to such restrictions.
The overall effort has produced an album in which the personality of the band shines through. Each track is well thought out and performed the right resources, vocal and instrumental, employed to create an endearing sound.
Now I can sit back and enjoy the album without wondering how I can do justice to their efforts.
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Life’s Eyes – WGS 340CD
George Papavgeris was born in Greece and travelled around Europe absorbing various styles of music. Settled in the U.K. and started writing songs in his own style based on these experiences.
He is supported on this album by Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, well known in the Essex and surrounding areas as multi-instrumentalists and singers.
We get on this album a heady mixture of good modern (urban) folk songs and a very personal glimpse into George’s heart. These glimpses are, however, ones with which we can all associate. He has in a sense put our feelings into words.
‘Life’s Eyes’ is the perfect title for this album as it contains glimpses of George’s life from childhood memories to the problems of the present day. It contains intimate insights into George’s personal feelings and his view on global problems.
The hard hitting tracks include ‘Another Day’ which starts with banker making a killing (and we all know where that has brought us; ‘Rush Hour’ sung as a round to denote the repetitive commuting and ‘Up Wind of Me’. ‘Rush Hour’ contains a wonderful phrase ‘lives with logic but no reason.’ I can’t wait to use that on some jobs-worth official even if it flies right over his head. It also shows that Vicki and Jonny are just the backing group but an integral part of the creative energy that went into some of the tracks.
Some of the more intimate tracks include ‘Regrets’ a love song for his late father and ‘Harbour Lights’ George feeling a bit home sick for his native Greece.
That is just a sample of the delights to be had on this album. Fourteen very different tracks that meld together into one glorious whole. But what’s this, track 15. Not mentioned on the copious sleeve notes. Perhaps a freebee.
Thank you George, not only for a free track but for delightful experience.
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Petticoat Loose – MCPRCD002
One could be forgiven, when opening a Mary McPartlan album, for expecting a collection of standard folk songs delivered in a standard fashion. Well, do not underestimate Mary. The songs chosen and Seamie O Dowd’s musical direction asked some serious questions of Mary. Fortunately for us, Mary had all the answers.
There are some very traditional tracks. ‘Barbara Allen’ (I remember learning that at school) and ‘Lowlands’ are performed in a traditional way.
At the heart of the album, however, are three tracks written by poet Vincent Woods with music by Mairtin O Connor. ‘Sanctuary’, ‘Kiss the Moon’ and ‘Petticoat Loose’ are just marvellous songs. The lyrics are just, well, poetic and the music compliments them perfectly.
For those who Gaelic lyrics, Mary’s tongue dances deftly around ‘Síos Faoi Loch Aileann’ and then slows down for the wonderfully atmospheric ‘Caoine Sheáin Mhic Shearraigh’.
There is a Romanian song ‘Lumé Lumé’ which seems a little out of place but fits Mary’s style well enough.
The gem for me is ‘Victor Jara’. It starts off simply, plainly enough but the singing and backing, without any crescendo, draw you inexorably into the tragic fate of that Chilean folk singer.
This album is notable for two partnerships. Vincent Woods and Mairtin O Connor who have produced three wonderful songs; let’s hope they get together for more. Mary McPartlan and Seamie O Dowd whose sympathetic approach to the material has given the album a life of its own.
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Clearwater – NFA200701
No Fixed Abode is the acoustic duo Una Walsh and Tony Dean. For the purpose of this album they have imported the talents of, amongst others, Patrick Walker on violin and Ashley Hutchins on bass guitar and the font of a lifetimes knowledge.
Now to cut to the chase; the key element on this album is Una’s distinctive and attractive voice. Couple that with her undoubted ability to use that voice and Tony driving the backing at the right pace and tempo and you have got a winning formula.
We start off with What did I do which sets the tone for the album. The backing continues at a good pace with Una varying her pace to suit the lyrics. It is one of those tracks that would make a good single.
Then comes the gem. Kebab Crazed Nutter is what is now being called urban folk. It bemoans the way we have lost our city centres to kebab munching lager louts. I can understand that. I would not to my town centre when only the pubs and clubs are open. The song goes along at a brisk pace that just draws you in.
Now I want to put two songs together. Sunne Days and Going Home both have a timeless quality about them; as if they were written decades ago. But they both have a heavy dose of nostalgia about them which this approach brings out perfectly.
The Salty Old Sea Dog is an intriguing song. Not a shanty but a description of life on a sailing ship. No story as such but Una brings it alive and you are caught up in the exhilaration of sailing before the wind.
Modern Life is another intriguing song. Just reading the words you find them repetitive but that is the point. It is a life of going to work, coming home then off to work again the next day. The only relief is spending an evening with a loved one. Yet again Una breaths life into the showing much those few hours in the evening mean so much.
Absent Friends and Call Me have common theme. The feelings that arise from the separation of close friends. That is what you get from these songs, the sense of loneliness that separation brings.
I have waxed lyrical about Una voice but we must not forget Tony’s value to the duo. Like all backing artists you hardly notice that he is there. The tempo of his support, often unobtrusive, carries each song along perfectly.
All the songs, with their variations in style and pace, were created by Tony and Una.
Overall, the album is outstanding. A joy to listen to. There is a full gamut of emotions to soak up. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys an outstanding singer.
Now all I have to do is stop my feet tapping long enough to make that cup of coffee.
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Jackpot (Market Square Records MSMCD149)
Well, a breath of fresh air harking back to the good old days of the 70s when much of my youth was spent in the moshpit that was the Marquee Club in London. To witness the likes of Jack The Lad, Hedgehog Pie, The JSD Band and Spud was always a pleasure and let’s not forget, all of these bands were entertainers, not just great musicians and vocalists. It’s long been established that Billy Mitchell for me was the main man when it came to vocal prowess in the field of folk-rock and this is ably demonstrated on an album full of nostalgia.
I must admit I wasn’t such a fan of the out and out rock material they were playing at the time of this recording but, if you’re a ‘folkie’ like me then you’ll want to purchase the CD for the two trad arranged studio tracks on offer. “The Tender” with its riff sodden sparring guitars/mandolins, hard hitting intro and Geordie-ness will put a smile on the face of even the sternest critic and then of course, there’s the jaunty set of tunes “Walter’s Drop”. All of the previously unreleased bonus tracks (including a great version of “Buy Broom Bessoms/The Tender/The Marquis Of Tullybardine” – anyone for wah-wah mandolin?) will be required listening for completists everywhere.
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Happy Daze (Market Square Records MSMCD148)
OK, so hands up - I wasn’t particularly into the rockier version of Lindisfarne Mark II (along with a majority of the original Lindisfarne fans according to Jim Henderson’s informative sleevenotes) although I have to admit a glowing admiration for two or three of the more subtle tracks on this previously unavailable CD recording.
Firstly there is the outstanding Alan Hull penned “River” (which even featured Hull on recorder) and then there were the two Kenny Craddock songs “Nellie” and “Tomorrow”. At the time this recording was made in 1974 it was probably Mr Craddock, Hull & Ray Jackson armed with his trusty mandolin that held the quintessential Lindisfarne ‘sound’ together. Although (for me) it’s these three tracks that make this CD a required purchase I was also interested in the seven bonus tracks featuring solo performances by Alan. A bit of a mixed bag then but a must have for Lindisfarne collectors everywhere.
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Beyond The Spires (RRCD 015)
Evoking memories of those glorious old-time Scottish fiddle orchestras the Oxford Fiddle Group numbering twenty-one all sound as though they’re thoroughly enjoying themselves. Whether it’s performing a beautiful waltz “Beyond The Spires” written by band member Adrian Broadway or getting down and dirty with Steve Earle’s “The Galway Girl” the group know how to push the boat out when they need to.
Adding splashes of colour with guitar, banjo, mandolin, double bass, keyboards and Celtic harp the group utilise many perennial favourites including “Music For A Found Harmonium”, a North-East set “Dance To Your Daddy/Rusty Gully/Bonny At Morn” and even a rendering of that old chestnut “Jambalaya”. Oxford should be proud to have such a fine group of musicians (I wish we had the same in Croydon) and the finale “Molly Oxford/Old Tom Of Oxford” arranged by Mike Gardiner proves a fitting end to a cracking recording. It’s rare for me to listen to a whole album these days but might I suggest that you do the same. Purchase this CD sit back, kick your shoes off and enjoy!
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The Lucky Smile (March Hair Records MHRCD002)
Rachel Hair has that uncanny knack of picking just the right tunes to take her audience on a spectacular acoustic musical tour. For instance the highly syncopated opening track “Back Home” which, given a great jazz feel propelled by her accompanying musicians Paul Tracey (Guitar), Angus Lyons (Keyboards), Andy Sharkey (Double Bass) and Scott Mackay on drums brings her into Deborah Henson-Conant territory.
The following track “Kilmartin Sky” ably demonstrates Hair’s own compositional skills with a beautifully crafted slow air joined by the smile-inducing jig “Francie’s”. Joy Dunlop adds haunting Gaelic vocals on a couple of tracks with “A Fhleasgaich Oig As Cednaltg” reminiscent of the soundtrack to the film ‘The Wicker Man’.
This is a very enjoyable recording that will capture the hearts of listeners with splashes of tasteful jazz colourings and is a must purchase for those who like their ‘folk’ with a bit of attitude.
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Until the Cows Come Home (Own Label)
You can sometimes tell from the first track that you are really going to enjoy a full album. And so it proves with this debut recording from 2 Duos. The pair in question: Claire Mann & Aaron Jones and Gudrun Walther & Jurgen Treyz (of the German band Cara) already enjoy great credentials and you just know this recording will be something special.
In the days before 2 Duos we had…it appeared…loads of artists such as The Bothy Band, De Dannan, Altan and Clannad etc all vying for the same bit of space on the Celtic music scene. Perhaps we don’t have quite so many now but now is a good time to promote the genre. With songs such as the “Midlothian Mining Song” with Aaron putting his fine Scottish vocal to good use and the gently evocative flute/fiddle start to the track “Beyond The Glen” (think Maids Of Michelstown) this is a band in no rush to rock it up for the general public. On another track the texture of bouzouki underpinned by Jurgen’s subtle use of dobro on Sandy Denny’s song “Solo” is crowned by the gorgeous harmonies of Gudrun and Claire. The band utilise to good effect a studied repertoire that will appeal to a wide listener base and as demonstrated on this recording they should prove a real winner on the ‘folk’ circuit…I hope I’m proved right!
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Manna From Hebburn (Own Label DFB02) & Further Along (Own Label CRCD03)
To the distinctive strains of piccolo from the now sadly departed John Doonan joined by sons Mick (Uillean Pipes) and Kevin (Fiddle) along with their mates Phil Murray (Bass) and Stu Luckley (Guitars) the Doonan Family Band certainly create an infectious wall of sound.
To be perfectly honest I’d just popped out to make a cup of tea and forgotten I’d left the CD playing and thought I’d come across an old Hedgehog Pie or JSD Band recording. With their mix of traditional and contemporary songs and tunes the band might not have the finesse of The Bothy Band or Altan but if, like me you like your music a bit rough round the edges in the spirit of a good old fashioned session then both these albums will be right up your street.
They hit the spot with some excellent instrumental sets including established standards “The Star Of Munster”, “Barney Bralligan” (I didn’t know it was a song as well) and “The Banks Of Ireland” but it is probably their arrangements of songs such as “Something Inside” and “House Of The Rising Sun” (both performed with great aplomb by Mick) that will capture the listeners imagination. Augmented by Mick’s daughters Fran and Rosie on the Further Along album this is a band that will inspire more than most because they just know how to have a good time whilst treating the music with respect and a great deal of humour – a rare treat indeed!
