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Home , Acoustic music, Celtic rock, Gwo ka, Music of Guadeloupe, Nyckelharpa, Saor Patrol

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1 Fisherman’s Friends Sole Mates (The 1 Ntóni Denti d’Oro Batuque & Finaçon Orchard) Latest offering from ’s (Ocora Radio C561132). The Ntóni shanty crew is a mixed bag. Straight a cappel- Denti d’Oro ensemble (voices, guitar, one- la they’re brilliant; instrumentation when string cimboa , percussion) was the last used is tastily managed; and they strike a proponent of the batuque and finaçon ver- credible balance between musicality and bal-contest and praise-song genres of Cape tourist-friendliness – except when occasional- Verde, as cultivated by descendants of those ly overdosing on silly “me-hearties” cod-the- who escaped slavery. Recorded in 1997; illus- atricals. thefishermansfriends.com trated notes in French and English. 2 Bob Pegg The Last Wolf (Talking Ele- editions.radiofrance.fr phant TECD401) About time someone resur- 1 Géza Frank & Jean Damei Event Hori- rected this treasure. The last recorded work – zon (Event Horizon 191924668138). Inspired to date – of the folk/rock genius that is Bob by Irish/Scottish tradition, compositions by Pegg. Five-star OTT gothic-rooted 18 certifi- Géza Frank (whistles, uilleann-pipes) and cate , include epic The Last Dance, in Jean Damei (guitar) are immersed in electron- which the ghostly inhabitants of a drowned ic beats and soundscapes to create folk- valley on to Armageddon. Just bril- infused electronic . Fans of liant, own it. talkingelephant.com Asturian bagpiper Hevia or the Mike 1 Various Artists Luz De Luna: The Best McGoldrick Band will enjoy this. Boleros From The Costa Chica (ARC Music eventhorizonproject.com EUCD2776). Fans of Alvaro Carrillo or Trío Los @ Bill Lloyd Heavy Duty – Ballads Of The Panchos, who appeared in dozens of films Unfree (Wildwood WILD CD 20171) A range The albums – good (2), adequate (1) and during the golden age of Mexican cinema, of authentic and enterprisingly adapted bad (@) – which didn’t get the full-length will recognise the tender repertoire of Mexi- songs that make a political point, presented treatment, contributed individually by a co’s Pacific coast, as performed by Pedro Tor- by Cumbria-based singer and multi-instru- selection of our various reviewers cowering res, Fidela Peláez, Chogo Prudente, Los Trea mentalist. A worthwhile exercise, but Bill’s under the cloak of collective anonymity. Amuzgos and Las Hermanas García. instrumental proficiency is sometimes com- arcmusic.co.uk promised by singing that’s either strained or 2 Various An Island Story: , Afro 2 Cecilia Zabala The Color Of Silence too literally heavy-duty. billlloyd.co.uk Latin & Musique Antillaise 1960–1972: ( 319.1582.2). Argentine 1 Maimu Jõgeda Pühendus (Maimu Jõge- Vol. One (Strut STRUT187CD) Entrepreneur- singer-acoustic guitarist-composer Cecilia da). Estonian piano-accordeonist plays her bandleader Henri Debs founded Disques Zabala’s work with Baden Powell and Jaques own compositions with a reflective feel. Debs in the late 1950s to record the créole Morelenbaum, and evident immersion in While she studies at the Estonian music of and . This Brazilian popular song and the music of Vio- Academy, they don’t show particularly Baltic excellent set is the first of three volumes com- leta Parra, make for a fresh and captivating roots, and are more part of a wider European piling the label’s best, featuring early big solo art-song outing. ceciliazabala.com.ar folk-influenced music world. maimu. band meringue, , biguine and bolero, 1 Chancha Via Circuito Bienaventuran- [email protected] with archival photos, interviews and discog- za (Wonderwheel). Argentine Pedro Canale 1 Méabh & Tiarnán Smyth Méabh & raphy. strut.bandcamp.com serves up a heterogeneous percussive mix of Tiarnán Smyth (Méagh & Tiarnán Smyth @ Alba Griot Ensemble The Darkness Andean folk, , beats and electronic 191924562825). Méabh (fiddle) and Tiarnán Between The Leaves (Riverboat effects, global with a spiritual bent, (guitar, , vocal) are a sibling duo TUGCD1113). Excruciatingly awful hippie- some gaita perhaps, but assertions of cumbia from Co Armagh who perform traditional vocalled twaddle that attempts to spin the influence are notional at best. Irish reels, , hop-jigs, , barn- psych folk of the Pentangle/Fariñas era with a @ Angelique Kidjo Remain In Light dance and slow in a vigorous, rustic, bit of ngoni, kora etc. How on earth Toumani (Kravenworks B07CZ4P3P7) Benin’s Kidjo old-timey style. Concludes with the beautiful Diabaté got mixed up in this mess is any- redoes (sorry, ‘reimagines’) Talking Heads’ slow air Moran’s Return. body’s guess, but the name Albarn is men- classic 1980 album in its entirety. And it really cdbaby.com/cd/meabhsmyth tioned in the notes… worldmusic.net doesn’t work. kidjo.com @ Terence Blacker Enough About Me 1 Birds Of Chicago Love In Wartime (Sig- 1 James Duncan Mackenzie Sròmos (Talking Cat TCCD1801) Genially perceptive, nature Sounds) Bittersweet country-soul- (James Duncan Mackenzie JMMCD002). Isle sometimes quirky and offbeat, his songwrit- roots from collective built around the inter- of Lewis flautist and bagpiper’s second album ing takes as obvious role models Thackray personal chemistry of vocalists Allison Russell contains entirely self-composed melodies and and Lehrer, with splashes of contemporary (Po’ Girl) and Jeremy Lindsay (aka JT Nero). is a mellow jazzy take on the Highland tradi- awareness à-la-Baynham or Digance. Little to Original songs, shot through with a mellow, tion. Mackenzie’s wooden and inspire a revisit after initial mildly amusing relaxed passion (though not without its are accompanied by drums, percussion, key- play through. terenceblacker.com rough edges) and rather tastily energised. boards, guitars, bass, melodeon, , man- 1 Little Jimmy Dickens The Singles Col- birdsofchicago.com dolin and fiddle. jamesduncanmackenzie.com lection 1949-62 (Acrobat ADDCD3244). An early adopter of extravagantly fringed and Birds Of Chicago rhinestoned stage garb, Dickens specialised in ultra-catchy schmaltz and novelty songs with titles like Stinky Pass The Hat Around and When They Get Too Rough (They’re Just Right For Me). Proper country! discovery-records.com 1 Joshua Burnell Songs From The Sea- sons (Misted Valley MVR18A) York-based Joshua embarked on a year-long project to “arrange and digitally release a traditional song a week”; this CD gathers up just 10 of these (and four instrumental treatments). Thoughtful, respectful reimaginings, couched in old-school-brand folk-rock-meets-early- prog settings. joshuaburnell.com 1 The Salts Brave (Braccan BRCD9001) Landlocked combo delivering a contempo- rary folk-pop slant to fresh rocking arrange- ments of salt-encrusted shanties and suchlike; they just about get away with it due to their brio, enthusiasm and energetic musicianship. But probably better as live entertainment than repeat listening. thesalts.co.uk 1 Alan Catton Albion (Alan Catton) Col- lection of gentle (if somewhat samey) acous- tic-based instrumental vignettes by guitarist from Hull outfit Beggar’s Bridge. For the most part, inspired by his travels or historical episodes or legends. beggars-bridge.co.uk fR422 PAGES 130-131-133-135_Layout 1 27/08/2018 15:00 Page 2

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2 Various Artists Resound: A Musical 1 Esszencia Produkció Elindultunk A Tribute To Alan Surtees (Shrewsbury Folk Nagy Útra (Fonó FA404-2) Any ensemble fea- Festival) In tribute to Shrewsbury’s recently- turing Róbert Lakatos and Kálmán Balogh is deceased Director, a compilation of choice always going to intrigue. But their aim of inim- tracks (including Surtees’ personal favourites) itably combining Bach, Bartók, and the from artists who have strong links with SFF. authentic folk music of the Carpathian Basin All profits to Alan Surtees Trust, to give only fitfully struggles free of a drowsy fin de grants to young/emerging musicians and new siècle Budapest cafe atmosphere. fono.hu musical projects. shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk @ Serious Child Empty Nest (TCR Music 1 Phil Hare A Stranger I Came (March TCRM75099) Soon after experiencing his first Hare MHPCD02) Respected guitarist and lyri- taste of songwriting at Boo Hewerdine’s cist presents a typically all-encompassing trip workshop, Alan Young was encouraged to for his seventh album. Unlikely to win Phil record an album of his own songs with Hew- new admirers, but it’s a convincing (if down- erdine at the helm. Result: somewhat one- beat) set; basic, stylishly laid-back guitar-and- paced contemporary pop with a personal vox is enlivened with occasional banjo and angle. seriouschild.com dobro. phil-hare-guitarist.co.uk 1 Conor Caldwell To Belfast (CC 01) An 2 Various Artists Cat Scratchin’ (Koko- innovative homage to the Edward Bunting Mojo KM-CD 10). Ladies In The Groove is the collection by prominent Belfast fiddler and subtitle to this collection of mostly forgotten member of Craobh Rua and Slow Moving female performers who could give their male Clouds. Mixing solo fiddle tracks with elec- counterparts a run with their own brand of tronic loops, poetry and phased voicings but fun, funky and often wild R&B. 28 ’50s and never sacrificing the melodic musical core. ’60s tracks by 28 artists like Baby Joy Hamil- facebook.com/conorcaldwellmusic/ ton, Dimples Jackson, Mary Coleman (a voice 1 Sangre De Muerdago Noite (Neuropa) to rival Big Mama Thornton’s), and Peppy Leipizig-based folk quartet injects some Prince. Ain’t nothing shaking? Could have Gothic gravity into their Galician-flavoured fooled me! koko-mojo.com tunage. By turn sweetly melodic and emi- 1 Blair Dunlop Notes From An Island nently rustic, it crosses Celtic and Medieval (Gilded Wings GWR005) Latest collection of borders with a finely tuned sense of melody songs brings an intelligent mix of socio-politi- and style. sangredemuerdago.com cal comment and tender love songs, under- 1 Jon Budworth We All Share The Same pinned by his ever-impressive virtuoso guitar Sky (Flying Folkie FF01CD) Bright-eyed, confi- playing. Increasingly couched in a pop idiom Steph Geremia dent songwriting from Lancashire-born, now rather than folk, though. blairdunlop.com Yorkshire-based Jon, dealing with common 2 Per Gudmundson & Bengan Janson themes in friendly, accommodating language 2 Steph Geremia Up She Flew (Black Box Hjeltamôs (Country & Eastern CE39) Per and appealing arrangements. Music BBM009) Second solo album from NY- Gudmundson (Frifot etc.) is one of ’s jonbudworth.co.uk born flautist and singer with Alan Kelly gang. greatest fiddlers. Lovely tunes, from Orsa 2 learned from the CD’s dedicatee elder-great Her eloquent flute shimmies through an Duo Systrami När Isen Går (Nordic Björn Ståbi, and from Rättvik. Per’s sweet- affectionate homage to North Connaught Notes NN108) Elegant, airy and rich-toned toned mastery blends perfectly with Bengan styles. Lusciously floating vocals and spare fiddle/cello duets by twin sisters Fanny and Janson’s accordeon, so sensitively empathic it accompaniments make for sublime listening – Klara Kallström in innovative, strongly trad- sounds like another fiddle plus rich bass end. pretty great! stephgeremia.com rooted material focused on the landscapes of their home in Sweden’s Ångermanland. countryandeastern.se 1 Borbély-Dresch Quartet Körbe-Körbe There’s a touch of their attractive singing too. @ (Fonó FA 406-2) Two modern saxophone mas- Harmony Yemanya Eirlys (Snowdrop) nordic-notes.de Snowdonia-based singer/musician and music- ters compose a deliciously morose folk- therapist Hilary Davies accompanies herself inflected dream with enough finesse to sug- 1 Sharon Lazibyrd Half Shame And Half on guitar, , flute and piano on her gest that they may one day gift us an ethno Glory (Trampoline TRL002) Debut full- fourth album, a collection of largely self- jazz Hungarian Sketches Of Spain. But they lengther from Somerset-based s/s Sharon penned songs on themes of nature and loss. will have to first jettison the polished Martin explores (sometimes quite enigmati- All on one level, however, so file under mere- restraint and become less wary of their cally) the ambiguities of life’s journey ly-pleasant. harmonymusica.co.uk tremendous trad influences. fono.hu through her pertinent, charmingly indie-pop- oriented compositions. Shades of Kirsty Mac- 1 Sarah Bauhan Elmwood Station 1 Magna Carta No Truth In The Rumour Coll at times. sharonlazibyrd.co.uk (Whistler’s Music WM9817) The clue’s in the (Talking Elephant. TECD395) A mix of original label – Sarah’s a seasoned flautist/ whistle No Truth material with ’79– ’83 cuts from @ Estrella Acosta Mujeres De Luna: player sharing her Celtic and New England Spanish-only release Sweet Deceiver, this rep- Songs By Cuban Women Composers roots with familiar musician friends. Her fifth resents a fluid period in Magna history with a (eStar 134) Adequate Cuban American singer recording, comprising traditional and original varied cast including Doug Morter, Tom interprets 11 songs by nine Cuban women tunes and songs, forms an easy vehicle for her McConville and Kate Robbins. Best slices, the composers, a lushly orchestrated easy listen- assured musicianship. sarahbauhan.com pop roots of Jigsaw Man and Band-like title ing slough that masters such as Orlando “Maraca” Valle and Horacio “El Negro” 1 Roger Pugh A Colourful Journey cut. talkingelephant.co.uk (Oblong OBLCD079) A loosely concept-album 1 Eliza Gilkyson Secularia (Red House Hernández cannot redeem. charting Roger’s journey through life, on RHR CD 307) Gilkyson’s been releasing albums estrellaacosta.com which this English folk scene stalwart is sup- for almost 50 years now, and this one keeps 1 Very Be Careful Daisy’s Beauty Salon ported by a cast of sixteen, including Pete up the quality with guest spots from Shawn (Downtown Pijao/Steady Beat) Per this LA- Morton, Roger Wilson and Chris Conway. Colvin and the late Jimmy LaFave. There’s a based cumbia- band’s promo sheet, Catchy, well-constructed songs – what’s not ton of passion on her words and her voice. “We rushed [into the studio] with no plan- to like? roger-pugh.co.uk elizagilkyson.com ning. The songs weren’t finished and we did @ Owen Ralph Chamber Folk (EP) (Bin- 2 Anne-Mari Kivimäki Ilja (Nordic Notes it on the spot.” What this accordeon-fronted norie BNCF001) Classically trained folk fiddler NN107) The last of Kivimäki’s five CDs based dance music sounds like, indeed. Maybe lively steers symphonic “big-band” (ten-piece) real- on the historical life of Karelian parish Suista- party fare like this is better done live and isations of traditional songs and dance tunes, mo. After 2015’s electro-powerful Suistamon undocumented. verybecareful.com involving contemporary classical orchestra- Sähkö it’s largely acoustic, but as always 2 Jess Sah Bi & Peter One Our Garden tion, electro-pop bleepings and vocals from unusual, energetic, melodeon-chugging and Needs its Flowers (Awesome Tapes From Rosie Hood and Jim Causley. Disappointingly quirky. Field ambiences, dance tunes, group ) A re-release of a 1985 recording that identikit though, and the “chamber-folk” and solo songs, with Eero Grundström’s har- was a huge regional hit in Cote d’Ivoire. A label proves a misnomer. owenralph.co.uk monium, and Pekko Käppi’s jouhikko, bass, remarkable blend of with soar- 2 Grupo Mono Blanco ¡Fandango! drums, kanteles and fiddle. nordic-notes.de ing West African vocal harmonies – strange Sones Jarochos De Veracruz (Smithsonian 2 Eliades Ochoa & Alejandro Almenares but highly listenable! awesometapes.co.uk Folkways SFW CD 40575) Gilberto Gutiérrez Dos Gigantes De La Música Cubana (Tumi 2 Kardemimmit Kesayön Valo – Mid- and Grupo Mono Blanco are chiefly responsi- TUMI 251) Santiago natives Ochoa (guitar) night Sun (Kardemimmit KARCD-002) Inter- ble for reviving the son jarocho and fandan- and Almendares (requinto) unite for the first esting, unusual melodies, mostly their own, go traditions of Mexico’s Veracruz state over time on a lyrical, entirely instrumental rendi- to largely trad lyrics, by light-voiced, attrac- the past four decades. The extensive, beauti- tion of 14 of the latter’s original son and tively harmonising Finnish quartet. Self- fully illustrated bilingual booklet tells the bolero son numbers, backed on tres, guitar, accompanied on their four silkily chiming 15- story behind the expertly rendered classic contrabass, violin, soprano sax, flute and per- and 38-stringed kanteles, their fifth album is repertoire. folkways.si.edu cussion. tumimusic.com their most engaging yet. kardemimmit.fi fR422 PAGES 130-131-133-135_Layout 1 27/08/2018 15:00 Page 3

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1 Landermason Stand Together (Lander- 1 Various Artists Got The (Univer- mason LAMA009) Sixth studio album from sal Music On Demand 5379526) A four-CD set versatile multi-instrumentalists Fiona Lander boasting “80 All Time Classics”… well yes… and Paul Mason plays to their Northumbrian and no. The music is all good but there’s a roots while also proving their developing number of tracks, like the string-laden bal- song-craft. Though leaning more towards lads I Can’t Stop Loving You and We’ll Be lighter jazzy-folk than previous sets, it retains Together Again sung by Ray Charles, the the duo’s trademark accessibility and accom- folky If It’s Monday by Lee Hazelwood, and plishment. landermason.com rock anthem The Pusher from Steppenwolf, 1 Leather’o Six (EP) (Leather’o) York- that sure ain’t the blues! But considering the based alt-Celtic six-piece present six tracks of range and scope and amount of real blues sometimes Gypsy-influenced folk-rockery: a selected, this budget-price set offers good crowd-pleasing and often potent mix. A value for money. valiant attempt to replicate the impact of the 2 Stuart Masters Union Chapel & Else- band’s popular stage act in an “as-live” studio where (Hi4Head HFHCD024) Very impressive situation. yorkcelticband.co.uk guitar work on debut album: Eastern, jazz, 2 Svjata Vatra Muutused/Zminy (Nordic 1 The Humblebums Please Sing A Song baroque and minimalist stylings all feature, Notes NN113) “Cossack Viking ” For Us (Talking Elephant TECD400) Celebrat- along with covers of Renbourn and Hedges. apparently, and it starts with all the husky ing that unlikely pairing of Gerry Rafferty Also laudable is the brevity of the pieces: no hysteria one might expect. But sweeping and Billy Connolly, this double CD anthology padding here. One to watch. and woodwind then leaven the brings together studio albums and bonus hi4headrecords.com “ancient pagan rite of the Holy Fire”, and a tracks. It’s not too difficult to see from this 2 Coda Train Of Spirits (Coda) Second thoroughly enjoyable romp through the tra- how both Rafferty’s and Connolly’s equally album from a Co. Mayo-based septet with a ditional music of Ukraine and the Baltic coun- distinctive performance styles emerged. pronounced vocal bent. Instrumentation is tries results. svjatavatra.com talkingelephant.co.uk added to the close harmonies and Donal 1 Various Vol.5 – Folk From Estonia @ Tormis Quartet Tormisele – Hommage Lunny’s pristine production adds extra lustre. (Nordic Notes NN110) Compilation of Estoni- To Veljo Tormis (Nordic Notes NN114) Two Subtlety, poise and solid material impress. an folk from its own and other releases by female voices, two electric guitarists, in ver- codasinging.com prolific German licensing label. A useful win- sions of late Estonian composer Tormis’s com- @ The Fonsecas Where The River Meets dow on some of today’s growing Estonian positions. After the terminally irritating scat- The Sea (Village Sunsets VS009) Curious roots scene. nordic-notes.de ting opener it has more sincere-seeming stylistic mix, basically Scots folk up against 1 Elina Duni Partir (ECM 2587) Tirana- moments, but appears more concerned with everything else. I'm all for eclecticism but the born Duni’s serene voice floats over her own the musicians’ undoubted cleverness than the best here is the folk criss cross. Else- sparse accompaniments on guitar, piano or meaning of the material. nordic-notes.de where things get more rootsy and obvious. frame drum in songs of love, loss and leaving 1 Moonrakers Tides (Moonrakers) Fifth thefonsecas.co.uk – half from songwriters including herself, half album from this revitalised veteran Oxford- 2 Steve Wharton Lake District Songs & traditional – in Albanian, Portuguese, Italian, shire combo brings gentle textures, careful Poems (Own label) Storyteller, songwriter Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, French, German arrangements and harmonies to a pleasing and singer from Cumbria sets out his wares and English. ecmrecords.com mix of traditional items and compositions by and good they are too. Passion and commit- 1 Enkel We Are Enkel (Nordic Notes band members Jon Bennett and Sarah Fell. ment by the bucketful. A cross between Harry NN112) Four Finnish female singers on Proficient and appealing, if maybe a touch Boardman and Tymon Dogg. I kid you not! melodeons, kantele and viola in largely trad “safe”. moonrakers.net Deserves to be heard outside of Cumbria. songs and tunes. They’re most musically 2 Juuri & Juuri Korpin Marssi – The cumbriansongs.co.uk promising when they move past the ambi- Raven’s March (Nordic Notes NN115) Anoth- @ Preston-Wild Along The Way (Preston tious crowd-pleasing energy implied by the er fine set of quirky arrangements of trad Music 191824818656) From Chicago, Colleen garish “superhero gang” cover, delivered Finnish tunes with oft-manic spirit and Wild sings and Timothy Preston plays all of within, into wittier subtlety. nordic-notes.de graunch, and two songs, from Emilia Lajunen the instruments. They have written all the 1 Matti Kallio For Better Times and Eero Grundström on fiddle/ songs. Clever, but there is just nothing that (Own label, MATKA1) Finnish button-chro- and harmonium/harmonica. Lajunen is one of stands out. This is the sort of record the per- matic accordeonist, ex-Värttinä, in ten of his Finland’s most capable fiddlers, Sväng’s petrators have to release themselves. own compositions, accompanied by the ever- Grundström unique in his flying-fingers har- timothyjprestonmusic.com skilful duo of Petri Hakala (mandolin, guitar, monium pumping. nordic-notes.de 2 Calan Deg / 10 (Sain SAIN SCD2790) Calan’s mandocello) and double-bassist Hannu 2 Issam Rafea & Gao Hong Life As Is (Inno- innovative, extrovert take on Welsh traditional Rantanen, with Maria Kalaniemi guesting on va 997) Twelve tracks of improvisations on oud music reflects influences from pop, jazz and one track. Able but undistinctive. and pipa, Rafea and Hong never having played . This 10th anniversary compilation mattikallio.com together before. The sonorous oud contrasts includes tracks from four albums plus three 1 Eamon O’Leary All Souls (Reveal well with the percussive, twittery pipa, and the new songs, showcasing their sound palette of 076CD) One-third of Alt and worthwhile interplay and empathy of the players are vocals, , pipes, whistle, accordeon, singer/strings player makes self-penned solo clear – true fusion music. innova.mu piano, guitar and harp. sainwales.com set with Jefferson Hamer on board. Lyrically based within the ballad genre the results are Calan quietly invigorating and descriptively sound. Lyrical dexterity and musical nous combine for a quietly uplifting set. eamonoleary.net 1 Sangre De Muerdago Noite (Own Label) Medieval-sounding pan-Celtic sounds from Spanish outfit with Galician connec- tions. Thoughtful melodic improvisational work and sparse yet effective arrangements display their instrumental virtuosity. Hints of dark folk and neo folk and an underlying subtlety overcome any self-indulgence. sangredemuerdago.bandcamp.com @ Saor Patrol Battle Of Kings (Arc Music. EUCD2788) Lord save us from blokes with ZZ Top beards, thrash guitars, far too many drums and bagpipes howling a stack of tunes which all sound like a close variant on the first one. The results are frightening! They call it … saorpatrol.com 1 Raintown Seers The Mermaid’s Pool & Other Stories (Raintown Seers) A Derbyshire (High Peak) trio whose latest CD is a pleasing and well-presented collection focusing main- ly on local themes and stories. Plenty of lively interest, but melodies could be stronger. facebook.com/RaintownSeersUK fR422 PAGES 130-131-133-135_Layout 1 27/08/2018 15:00 Page 4

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1 Turas 1980 (MIG Music @ Amorroma Moment In Time (Appel MIG02092) Double album of a recently dis- APR1385) The Belgian group move their covered live performance in , record- repertoire away from traditional European ed (but never broadcast) by Radio Bremen. folk-dance music to the songs and tunes of An evocative reminder of just how good the their flautist Jowan Merckx at the same time all-acoustic Gaelic five-piece were before the as broadening their accompaniments to synthesisers arrived and everything went encompass a range of other musical genres. Bono-shaped. mig-music.de Despite the engaging voice of Elly Aerden @ Aeyther Into The Forest (Unplugged) this does give them a middle-of-the-road (Aeyther) Not sure what’s going on here, the sound. denappel.be tag is alternative folk and classical but really 1 Stuart Forester The Good Earth (Mel- it’s just a hotch potch of unrelated influences onstone MLNR002) Worthy second offering that sound like they’re still in the blender. from Forester, now relocated to rural Rethink! [email protected] Aberdeenshire, but that doesn’t mean he’s 1 Brigid Mae Power The Two Worlds gone all rustic, as Red Brick Ballads or London (Tompkins Square TSQ5487) Irish songwriter’s Pride prove: such sentiments as change and 1 Amparanoia El Coro Di Mi Gente (La second utilises relentless acoustic riffs, hyp- belonging are universal. Decent backing from Marmita/Calaverita 5425021010169) Great notic drones, melodic piano and a hugely sympathetic mates such as Johnny Hardie and Spanish singer Amparo Sanchez has reformed impressive and emotive vocal range in a supe- Carol Anderson enhance an album of self- her festival favourite band and re-recorded rior collection of songs of soul-searching, sad- written folkery. stuartforester.com their debut album from 20 years ago. These ness, separation and self-assertion. A some- 2 Gemma Khawaja Caelum Scalptorium new versions are fine, but don’t really add times challenging but always compelling (own label) Defiantly home-made and quirki- much to the originals. Not quite sure what record. brigidmaepower.com ly-packaged release from a striking singer the point of it is. amparanoia.com 2 Rab Noakes Welcome To Anniver- whose expansive pacing and clear traveller 1 Caesar Pacifici & Brian Brooks In saryville (Neon NEONCD021) Rab sings influences stand at the opposite pole to Mil- Good Company (Own label) Top-quality favourite original and traditional songs from lennial Blandfolk. Mostly English trad songs musicians blend blues, American music and his 50-year career. Influences include Buddy receive quasi-mystical arrangements with traditional Irish music with varying degrees of Holly, Dylan, and the 1960s Scottish folk sparsely picked guitar or electronic ambient success. Unlike the best of Sweeney’s Men or scene. Kathleen MacInnes provides superb, sounds (Phoebe Smith meets Brian Eno?). the Transatlantic Sessions, it’s not a clean smoky lead vocals on Tennessee Waltz and gemmakhawaja.bandcamp.com hybrid but enjoyable nevertheless. Pity The Poor Immigrant, plus haunting har- 1 Katie Lou McCabe The Golden Green pacificiandbrooks.com mony vocals throughout. rabnoakes.com (own label) Yorkshire-based recording debu- 1 Andrew Mill & Friends Wandering 2 Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ tant’s three-track EP rises from the singer- Albatross (Brechin All CDBAR032) When you Alter Boys My Life (Nevermore) Something songwriter morass with languorous vocals, get over the schizophrenic effect of heavy, of an institution in the state of Wisconsin and sparse piano, a delicate and dextrously picked four-square Scottish vocals over lively, accom- it’s easy to hear why. Sixteen tracks, selected Telecaster and adroit lyricism. She’s also a film plished country backings, there are good and and remixed to celebrate the band’s 20 years maker, an artist, a dreamer and one to watch. sometimes very funny words. A bit of an of bluesin’ and groovin’. With the Rev’s katieloumccabe.com acquired taste. brechin-all-records.com strong vocals and tasty guitar licks, blasting 2 Ravi Shankar The Rough Guide To Ravi @ Lonesome George Flat As The Earth harmonica and rock-solid rhythm section, it Shankar (Rough Guides RGNET1371CD) This (Red Box) A set of original songs played over cooks! reverendraven.com new album (it isn’t the identically titled 2008 flute-led quartet who offer rhythmic, tex- 1 Zakir Hussain The Rough Guide to release) provides an accessible introduction tured accompaniment to quite weak songs. Zakir Hussain (Rough Guides RGNET to the evolution of the great sitarist’s record- Sadly music that fails to command attention. 1372CD) An attempt to put the tabla player ings, with Tilak Shyam featuring in both 78 facebook.com/LonesomeGeorgeBand. in traditional context, duetting with musi- and LP-length versions. Expertly compiled and notated by Ken Hunt. worldmusic.net 1 Dresch Vonós Quartet Forrásból (Fonó cians that include Shivkumar Sharma (san- FA 400-2) Another day, another Mihály toor), Vilayat Khan (sitar), Sultan Khan 2 The Staples Singers The Staples Dresch group. While the self-indulgences of (sarangi) and his renowned father and tabla Singers Collection (Acrobat ACTRCD9073) his latest project are arresting, and the musi- guru Alla Rakha. Compiled by Ken Hunt. All Early singles and album tracks on bargain cianship exemplary, there’s nothing new in its licensed from Saregama. worldmusic.net triple CD of sanctified soul-stirrers. When polished improvisatory sketches of jazz sensi- 1 Kyriakos Sfetsas Greek Fusion Mavis sings I’m Coming Home over Roebuck’s bilities allied to traditional music. fono.hu Orchestra Vol. 1 (Teranga Beat TBCD 022) sparse , I’m dancing before the 2 Theresa Kavanagh An Choil Uaigneach Traditional and meet jazz LORD with all my might, girded with a linen – The Lonesome Forest (TK 2017) Donegal horns and piano, while melancholic folk ephod. Crikey Moses! acrobatmusic.net fiddler and composer’s music resounds in its melodies merge with galloping grooves @ Simon Cousins The Lark And The sense of place and geographical location. and prog dynamics. Complex arrangements Blackbird (SCOU3) Former Ophiuchus man Stylistically redolent of Tommy Peoples and performed with dazzling virtuosity and just returns with a laid-back collection of origi- Mairead Ni Maoinaigh, and possessed of a the right amount of 1970s long-haired and nals, trad:arrs and covers. Nice enough – nimble compositional bent. Subtle jazz ele- wide-flared preposterousness. though songs already seared into the con- ments add extra intrigue – recommended. terangabeat.bandcamp.com sciousness by Mike Waterson, Maddy Prior theresakavanaghmusic.com Kyriakos Sfetsas and Sandy Denny require something more 1 Jennifer Bell & Wilson Walker And So substantial than being nice enough. To Bedlam (JBW001) Bell is a singer-song- sicousins.co.uk writer influenced by traditional English folk. 1 Afrikana Soul Sister (Musicaction) Her gentle vocal style and melodies draw Canadian producer and band mix trad comparisons with Vashti Bunyan and the African rhythms and vocals with electronics partnership with Walker also brings some and techno to engaging, if not entirely origi- inventive fiddle alongside her lute and 12- nal effect. Some interesting moments and a string guitar. jenniferbellsongwriter.com couple of standout tracks. 1 Boxing Banjo Round No 1 (BBCD 001 0 afrikanasoulsister.com/ 723172 472306) Four young Irish musicians on 1 Fine Lines Forget About You (Parade box, banjo, fiddle and guitar, who play PARCD008) Expansive and wide-screen roots superbly well-performed and constructed sets rock from Cheshire duo making sizable waves of tunes. Whoever told them it was a good where ever they play. This rolls and twists in idea to add the two songs should be pun- equal measure, two tracks from their debut ished. boxingbanjo.com album and two previously unheard, produced 1 Various Sweden – Norrspel by the genius of John Kettle. (Ocora Radio France C 560260) Sixteen tracks wearefinelines.com from Swedish fiddlers Kjell-Erik Eriksson and 2 Fred Guichen Dor An Enez (Paker Prod Jon Holmén and nyckelharper Magnus Holm- CD 025) Breton diatonic accordeonist’s richly ström, twelve from Norwegian hardanger atmospheric album of compositions includes Sunnmøre-tradition fiddlers Leikny Aasen delirious whirling waltzes, wistfully evocative and Vidar Underseth. Top players, fine mate- pieces, and thrilling, darkly up-tempo Breton rial, well-recorded solo, duet or trio, but an traditional dances performed with top-flight odd album in trying to cover both countries, musicians on flute, guitars, , bom- each with many traditions. bardes, binou, , , editions.radiofrance.fr banjo and mandolin. pakerprod.bzh