Saturday, 31 July 2010 
The Songs Of Sandy Wright
Sandy Wright
Sandy’s sideways look at life is a continual inspiration to many in the folk community. And this two CD helping – one for him and one for admirers – is a fitting document. His words, filtered through his Caledonian timbre, juxtapose mysticism, romance, sadness and humour against a singular mix of acoustica. Whilst hardly high octane, his followers covers barely register on the speedometer. Chris Wood purrs over a tremulous guitar on ‘Beads & Feathers’ and Lori Watson’s ‘Silver Geese’ is a sumptuous controlled reverie. This causes exceptions, such as Dean Owen’s rocking ‘Can’t Win Can’t Lose’ to leap from the speakers. All inventive. All exquisite.
Love and Reason
Macmaster/Hay
The debut album from Mary McMaster and Donald Hay is a milestone in ambient/alt folk. They mix the celtic harp and vocals of Mary with the percussion and sampling that Donald specialises in. The key to the albums brilliance is in the way they hold an edge of raw strength whilst being a chill-out masterpiece.
A shimmering synthesis of ancient and modern.
Brother
Jenna
Singer songwriter Jenna follows her debut album with Brother, and it's every bit as good as her first.
Her writing is suffused with the west country waves and summer sun as before but this time around she balances it by digging deeper into herself for the songs. Production is by Steve Knightley, who recognised her talent in the first place. The songs all benefit from more involved arrangements and percussion.
Brother is the maturing of her skillsinto something that will stand the test of time, expect great things of this young talent
The Glamoury
Emily Portman
Underpined by fables and folklore, then characterised by the slenderest melodic lines from sumptuously recorded guitar, harp and strings 'The Glamoury' encapsulates the mood of Shirley Collins and Karine Polwart. However, there's also an additional genreless contemporary quality contained in these addictive stories that fans of artists as far flung as Joanna Newsom could appreciate.
Wrapped in Emily Portman's distinctive voice the whole mood it's highly artistic, yet at its heart is a wellspring of very real human emotion: Fabulous 21st century folk!
Over Land
Anna Shannon
During a period of nomadic flux Anna Shannon discovered the folk scene and her ability as a songwriter (BBC radio Yorkshire Songwriter Of The Year 2006). Largely characterised by lush guitar balladry 'Over Land' tackles themes from South African turmoil to nineteenth century murder. All original and admirably researched, it's Anna's oceans wide voice that leaves the lasting impression.
Come Out Fighting
Neck
Coming at you like a 3,000 mile an hour irish whirlwind, the psycho ceilidh rockers latest album is all about going mad, for life, music and the craic of it all.
Neck always have a sharp edge to them that makes them the real deal, Come Out Fighting grabs you by the throat and doesnt let go until the last chord. The punk flame is proudly held high
by this unique London based Irish outfit.
Reviews
Tales of Love, War and Death by Hanging
Hearts And Minds
False Lights From The Land EP
Folk Against Fascism
The Longshot
Blue Beginnings
Levellers Live
Show Of Hands
Dust And Gold
Steve Knightley & Jenna
Music News