Other Reviews

06/09/2009

Hyperboreans

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Jackie Oates

Another solid album from double folk award winning Jackie Oates. Her winning formula of stunning vocals set against sparse yet engaging arrangements has been changed with the introduction of a full band and more ambitious arrangements. Brother Jim Moray produces and Alasdair Roberts contributes the title song.

The first track The Miller And His Three Sons bounces along at a cracking pace, although it's tethered by percussion that sounds like a drum machine fighting for dominance. The title track written by Alasdair Roberts weaves percussion into its arrangement to winning effect and Jackie and Alasdair's vocals are heart warmingly good together.

With Jim at the helm the album inevitably has many layers, yet the simplest arrangements are the ones that allow Jackie's voice to shine and leave a lasting impression. The Butcher's Boy, arranged with long time collaborator James Dumbleton and sung as a duet with Alasdair Roberts is sublime, catching every nuance that makes Jackie Oates so special.

Winning two folk awards in the same year will inevitably put the spotlight on Jackie, Hyperboreans is a confident step on from those plaudits. Whilst not containing anything as arresting as Lark In The Morning, for which she rightly won Best Trad track, it signifies a new exciting chapter for Jackie.

Iain Hazlewood

Jackie Oates profile