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Pushing the boundaries of folk music has become something of a regular occurrence as a folk artist’s career matures. Whilst this has, sometimes, puzzled audiences and confused the critics steeped in folk tradition, we really must salute the likes of Jon Boden, Lau and Jim Moray for their frequently inspiring work. Joining this flock of… Read more »
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Recently, Jim White described his music making as creating a musical bonsai tree in reverse by throwing the leaves he collects into the air to create an interesting form before building the supporting trunk. Without even hearing the music, that pretty much tells you that we’re dealing with one very creative person here. For me,… Read more »
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Almost precisely seven years have passed since Show of Hands last appeared before an audience at Wells Cathedral; an interval of time that many would sadly conclude has seen the world become an ever-more uncertain and unpredictable place. In these days when the news amounts to a cavalcade of increasingly unsettling events it’s reassuring that… Read more »
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The maturation of Galley Beggar from tentative electric trad to wigged out psych folk rock has been a joy, named after an old English entity with Puckish intention. Heathen Hymns their fourth album builds on earlier promise and delivers a gothic, atmospheric offering full of musical shape shifting and melodic ambiances. Additionally they’ve scored a direct hit… Read more »
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It’s hard not to like Emma Stevens, she spins a chirpy, rootsy pop with an ability that turns the world on a sunny smile. This is album number three, and to be honest it’s no great deviation from previous work, catchy tunes, heart felt lyrics and a rush of country tinged back melodies which hold… Read more »
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‘Afterglow’ arrives as the first post-Bellowhead release from Jon Boden. From that point of view, it’ll be likely to get more scrutiny than his earlier solo records – no pressure, then! Students of the solo Boden will know that his last release, ‘Songs From The Floodplain’, was themed around an apocalyptic landscape played out in… Read more »
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Categories: Reviews
Umpteen albums down the line from when I first caught him supporting Steeleye Span, with an obscure item to plug called Golden Vanity on the long vanished Trailer imprint as I recall,Martin Simpson has gone from prodigy to phenomenon. You couldn’t find a more considered acoustic guitarist no matter how hard you look, Trails & Tribulations is the latest… Read more »
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Best known as the man behind the Roud Folk Song Index used to reference songs collected from the oral tradition, Steve Roud is one of the leading folklorists in England. He’s published a variety of books but it’s the arrival of ‘Folk Song in England’ with over 600 pages that concerns us here. Unlike other… Read more »
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With her ‘Honest Life’ album, Courtney Marie Andrews got the attention that her fine songwriting deserves. It’s taken a little while to get to that point. So, Loose Music decided that re-releasing some earlier material for this freshly growing audience would be a wise move. It’s a particularly good decision as ‘On My Page’ was… Read more »
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How easy can it be for a trio who sing acapella, admit a love of sea shanties and unashamedly cup their hands to their ears in time honoured trad manner? You’d think if ever there was a niche act then here it is. However I’m describing the Young’Uns, who apart from having a name which… Read more »
