Kate Rusby ANGELS & MEN Pure Records ***1/2 Subtle and delicate tones that warm the heart This Christmas album marks Kate Rusby’s 25 years in the business. It’s no wonder the artist has had such a lengthy career, owing to her gentle tone of voice and emotive delivery. ‘See Amid The Winter Snow’ is my …
Kate Rusby's ANGELS & MEN is a true winter warmer Read More »
Four piece band Pilgrims’ Way oozes the rich variety of English Folk culture that will lead you to consider the storytelling of yesteryear and the heritage connected with it. Opening song, ‘Caveat For Cutpurses’, is equally astonishing and unique. With inspiration taken from playwright Ben Johnson’s ‘Bartholomew Fair’ it sets an interesting scene, the result …
'Stand and Deliver' by Pilgrims' Way is noticeable for its originality Read More »
Living on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s inevitable there will be a strong sense of place – and the rhythms of the land – when you start to make music. When the couple released their debut album “Moondancer”, the resonances were there for all to hear, reflecting the pulse of …
Canadian roots/swing duo Over The Moon live and breathe real cowboy country. Read More »
Ned Roberts OUTSIDE MY MIND Aveline Records 4.5 stars A hopeless romantic but Ned Roberts is one to watch With his 2014 self-titled debut album receiving significant exposure on BBC radio, newcomer to the British folk scene, London based Ned Roberts is sure to reach an even wider audience with OUTSIDE MY MIND. Recorded in …
Hat Fitz & Cara AFTER THE RAIN Independent Release *** Vintage meets modern in a drum fuelled, foot stomping showdown. Australian Hat Fitz and Irish born Cara Robinson are a husband and wife team based ‘down under’ that are a unique combination of hill-style Gospel blues and stripped back, drum driven roots topped off with …
Emily Maguire A BIT OF BLUE Shaktu Records **** Haunting landscapes and imagery rich songs Emily Maguire, the British born singer-songwriter, has had a remarkable journey. Plucked from obscurity in 2007 to support Don McLean at the Royal Albert Hall, she has released 3 albums, written poetry and prose, published a book on the Bi-polar …
Kate Rusby LIFE IN A PAPER BOAT Pure records 4.5 stars Another gem from the award winning Yorkshire folkie Soon to be celebrating 25 years in the folk business, Kate Rusby albums never fail to impress and LIFE IN A PAPER BOAT is up there with the best. Kate’s fragile but hauntingly beautiful vocals are …
The Western Flyers WILD BLUE YONDER Versa Tone Records 4.5 stars Fresh take on a classic American art form Sounding like the energetic authentic Western Swing version of the Star Wars cantina band, this new band manage to combine Western Swing, hot jazz, cowboy songs and fantastic fiddle tunes into a truly unique country offering. …
Emily Smith SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS White Fall Records WFRCD015 **** Thankfully devoid of bells and ho ho ho’s. A Christmas album with a heart of gold. Mention Christmas music and most folk will think of traditional carols or those pop hits crammed onto a CD and invariably called “The Best Christmas Hits Ever. Vol. 97.” …
Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage BEFORE THE SUN Sungrazing Records 4 stars Magical folk harmonies For the follow up to her beautiful debut CHARMS AGAINST SORROW, Hannah Sanders is joined by guitarist and Dobro maestro Ben Savage from folkies The Willows. Under the expert guidance of Toronto producer David Travers-Smith, they have come up with …
REVIEW: Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage BEFORE THE SUN Read More »
