'Green Street' - an inventive, imaginative mix from Fergus March 09, 2010
Sometimes the morning mail brings ‘more of the same’ and sometimes more ... [MORE]
Natural Angle - full-on melodic melange of fresh ideas March 05, 2010
Any album from Grada is bound to
engage your ear from the first. Their fifth studio album ‘Natural Angle’ d... [MORE]
'Traditional folk combined with a funky edge' March 03, 2010
‘Simple
Folk’ is a new album from Chris Ricketts and Mark Wilshire. And if you’re a fan
of traditional folk combined with a funky edge then you will... [MORE]
Going 4th - On to New Horizons - Sandwitch resurgent March 01, 2010
I first heard Sandwitch at the Cropredy
Festival in 2001, then arou... [MORE]
‘Nine Trees’ by Tinkerscuss - fey folk with fire February 28, 2010
There’s a growing force in folk
that’s steadily developed in the South-West. That force is ... [MORE]
Spooky ominous murmurings that enthral and disturb from Kim Guy February 23, 2010
The debut solo album arrived a
few days ago from Kim Guy – she of the distinctive deep, moody voice that
delivers songs filled with dark expression.... [MORE]
'First and Last' pure pleasure from RM Hubbert February 19, 2010
For all its vagaries life presents certain constants – the
sun rises, winter fades - and ‘First and Last’ by RM Hubbert contains some stunning
percu... [MORE]
The Outside Track - a consummate blend of skill, talent, flair and intensity. February 10, 2010
‘Blend’ is a much-over-employed word to describe music -
often used to explain disparate elements brought together - just. Then occasionally yo... [MORE]
Melancholic poetry and disturbing melodies February 09, 2010
'Doodlebug Alley' may not be folk
music. It may be less. It may be more. It is however a mix of melancholic
poetic words, high drama and disturbingl... [MORE]
‘Stories for Emily’ - exploring the near and far corners of British folk February 07, 2010
What’s
a year more or less? Well it’s enough time for Philip Butler to follow up his
debut... [MORE]
The breadth and depth of this work takes you to a hundred different places. January 31, 2010
Austrian musician and sometime guitarist with folk band
Ballycotton, Robert Polsterer a... [MORE]
'Thoughts for Company - debut album from Jonny Hands January 29, 2010
‘Man With Guitar’ remains one cornerstone of acoustic music.
That makes somethi... [MORE]
'Dreams Will Come' - raw, hard-hitting, untainted. December 11, 2009
‘Dreams Will Come’ the latest album from Ohio-based singer-songwriter
Phillip Fox, recorded during a tour of house concerts from Midwest to South-wes... [MORE]
‘Reminiscence Deftly Trips’ - a piercingly sharp reflection of memory November 27, 2009
The new album from Colin Holt - ‘Reminiscence Deftly Trips’ -
is exactly that, a piercingly sharp reflection of mem... [MORE]
Breaking free from what has gone before ... November 25, 2009
Folk-jazz fusion, rock-influenced, dance driven or
ambient-synthesised – try to pin down th... [MORE]
Dark Water - fresh, different and rather good November 12, 2009
Just listened to a new album called ‘Dark Water’ from Gary
Fulton – it’s fresh, differe... [MORE]
‘Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed’ demands attention November 11, 2009
There is an album of earthy power and striking presence. Now you can’t say that of every new album – but then again this is
from two highly skilled p... [MORE]
Effortlessly blending the foundations of tradition with the wild and free arrangements of present-day October 28, 2009
There’s a life-force that pervades music; fast or slow,
traditional or modern. It’s the energy that makes music come alive. ‘Nesta’ the
debut album ... [MORE]
‘Saint Jude’ the debut album from Robin James October 22, 2009
Here’s an album that's different with
a capital ‘D’. I’d go so far to say it’s differen... [MORE]
Wayfaring Stranger by Jon Bickley October 20, 2009
Here’s an album that’s worth a few of your hard-earned
beer tokens. It’s Wayfaring Stranger by Jon Bickley. He of the slightly hoarse voice that wand... [MORE]
‘An English Arcanum’ - carefully crafted folk expression October 12, 2009
At last the waiting is over, the
new album from Telling
the Bees -
‘An English Arcanum’ – is here and the wait was worth every second. Once a... [MORE]
each song has an edge or a hook that draws your into its embrace October 10, 2009
‘Tiny Movements’ is the debut album from the economically
named Ben TD (perhaps he hate... [MORE]
Putting it all into clear perspective ... October 10, 2009
There’s something about songwriters that originate from
Ireland – they have a precise view on life that... [MORE]
Wide-ranging dark-edged, folk-tinged, psychedelia October 07, 2009
One way to get noticed is to have a weird name (even if you’re
a one-man band). How about God’s Little Eskimo? The other is to create arresting,
dis... [MORE]
Gently extrovert acoustic folk-pop September 23, 2009
Lucy Day sent a CD called ‘A
Handful of Pennies’ containing four songs and asked for an opinion. Here
it is.
... [MORE]
'Uam' - a treat of musical exploration September 22, 2009
Mention Julie Fowlis and you just know you’re in for a treat
of musical exploration built around her Hebridean roots while enveloped in
stunning tun... [MORE]
An inspired fusion of ancient and modern Scottish traditional music cut with a modern edge September 16, 2009
Is it 30 years? I’ve listened to Battlefield Band play their
inspired fusion of ancient and modern Scottish traditional music cut with a modern
edge... [MORE]
A song about the credit crunch - ‘Tell Me’ by The Echo Session September 15, 2009
Finally someone has written a song about the ‘credit crunch’
- well almost. More accurately, ‘Tell Me’ by The Echo Session is about fat cat
bankers ... [MORE]
‘The Chicago Sessions’ – ten songs you’ll relish September 07, 2009
Honey-sweet vocals lead you through ten beautifully
performed songs on ‘The Chicago Sessions’ – and they’re ten songs you’ll relish.
The enthralling... [MORE]
‘Seeds of Fools’ - remarkable self-penned songs with inventive variations on traditional tunes August 18, 2009
When you hear some albums you know from the first
that it will be a thorough pleasure. As the vocals kick in with the opening
track on ‘Seeds of Foo... [MORE]
The Beaver Street Hat Band - energy by the bucket load! August 16, 2009
If music should grab you out of yourself and take you
somewhere else then that's exactly what you get with 'Beaver Street' the new
album from The Be... [MORE]
Diving Down - music that hovers delicately between experimental and psyche-folk. August 08, 2009
Not everyone will like this album, and that’s a shame because although this album demands effort it
rewards perseverance. There’s both depth and cl... [MORE]
‘You and Your Adored' - a debut album with bite August 05, 2009
Sometimes an album arrives out of the
blue that makes you sit up, take notice and listen to
something different, and dramatic. ‘You and Your Adored ... [MORE]
Five Points of Contact - Barber & Taylor August 03, 2009
The new album 'Five Points of
Contact' from Kevin Barber and Mark Taylor is another collection of finely
written, beautifully delivered and memorabl... [MORE]
‘Tenerife to Dover’ grabs your attention and refuses to let go August 01, 2009
There’s a temptation to describe Warblefly as punk folk – a
convenient label perhaps but there’s more to Warblefly than that. ... [MORE]
'Hyperboreans' - new album from Jackie Oates July 29, 2009
The 7 September 2009 is a date to note –
it’s the release date of the latest album ‘Hyperboreans’ from Jackie Oates – do
not mis... [MORE]
Maura O'Connell – ‘Naked With Friends’ July 25, 2009
The latest
album from Maura O’Connel... [MORE]
Unembellished acoustic music July 21, 2009
There remains something essential to acoustic music - one
man and his guitar, recalling individual views and personal stories. That essence require... [MORE]
Palestine Grove - a magnificent album from Kev Boyle July 16, 2009
Some songs find life in the music, some live through the
voice. It’s true to say that Kev Boyle’s unique voice breathes life into the
songs he write... [MORE]
‘A Song for Ireland’ - pure gold from from The Baileys July 15, 2009
The Irish folk tradition – too often successive artists dredge
up the same old, same old when it comes to recording traditional songs. Then
occasion... [MORE]
Hypnotic psych-folk music from the far side of weird July 01, 2009
For folk that's psychedelic and brooding the
debut album from The Hare and The Moon is for you. There’s enough darkness and mystical
foreboding here... [MORE]
There's a new album from Naomi Bedford on the way June 25, 2009
If you like your country-folk voices rich, warm and powerful
then you’ll love Naomi Bedford. Some singers deliver American folk in a ‘quasi mid-Atlan... [MORE]
'Midsummers' - The Rowan Amber Mill June 24, 2009
There’s a good way to celebrate Midsummer’s Day - listen to ‘Midsummers’
by The Rowan Amber Mill. Soak ... [MORE]
'Three in a Bar' - eclectic mix of self-penned, traditional and covered songs June 19, 2009
The phrase ‘recorded in a pub’ on a CD cover is
sometimes a euphemism for ‘this recording is crap’. Not... [MORE]
‘Ring Around the Land’ from Red Shoes ... gorgeous! June 03, 2009
There are some albums that touch you from the first second
you hear them and ‘Ring Around the Land’ from Red Shoes is o... [MORE]
Folk music from the shadows May 23, 2009
Had Stephen King decided to write lyrics (go with this for a
second or two) and had Edgar Broughton taken to dark folk, the... [MORE]
‘The Winning Hand’ from Jessica’s Ghost May 18, 2009
So the dog went mental and I knew the post had
arrived. There lay a padded envelope - another CD to review. Open the ... [MORE]
‘Where the Working Boats Went’ from Life and Times May 08, 2009
There’s a slice of Britain’s past (and a possible future) alive
and well out there. It’s translated into music and song and... [MORE]
‘Naked Shadows’ from Fort King May 07, 2009
Description is
difficult but worth a try. Possibly ‘individualistic American folk’ would satisfy
or perhaps ‘Californi... [MORE]
'Heartwood' - new album from Sora May 04, 2009
There’s something about Sora’s achingly beautiful voice that
immediately lifts you out of yourself and delivers your senses... [MORE]
Trapped at Sea - an album worth treating your ears to March 28, 2009
Recorded, according to its creator in a ‘basic home
studio on the top floor of a bed and breakfast between guest check-ins’... [MORE]
An intense thumping vibrant musical soundscape March 27, 2009
The new album ‘LIVE’ from the Peatbog Faeries (official
release April 2009) is just that, a live album recorded during the ... [MORE]
‘About Time’ - debut album from Kiss The Mistress March 20, 2009
‘About Time’ is the debut album from Kiss The Mistress and a
it’s a damn fine piece of folk music. There’s a fresh edge to ... [MORE]
'Invisible' - new album from Blackheart March 19, 2009
I’ve listened to a pre-launch copy of the new album
from Blackheart and there are three facts you should know – it’s due ou... [MORE]
‘Beyond the End of Time’ - a collection of vibrant, fascinating, ‘other-worldly’ music March 19, 2009
Occasionally something intriguing and different comes
along ... this time it’s the new album from Austrian folk band Ballycotton. The
album ‘Jen... [MORE]
Owlsworld at Sarratt February 24, 2009
If you've never been to Owlsworld's 'Acoustic Sessions by Candlelight' - then you're missing out and should make a date to go along. You'll find the A... [MORE]
Beside the Waves of Time - new album from Iona Leigh February 23, 2009
‘Beside the Waves of Time’ is the new album from Iona
Leigh and it’s a perfect vehicle for her supremely memorable voice, poignant
perceptive ly... [MORE]
‘Sam’ takes you on a complex journey February 02, 2009
Fergusson’s new album ‘Sam’, is a collection of idiosyncratic
songs that will take some getting into – but persevere, because you’ll find it wort... [MORE]
‘Hot Coffee’ – stimulation for your ears from Courtney Leigh Heins January 26, 2009
The second album from Courtney Leigh Heins, ‘Hot Coffee’ is as
stimulating as the beverage and chock-full of personal expression, love, j... [MORE]
Musically flawless songs built around deeply meaningful messages January 23, 2009
Billed as delivering
alternative jazz-inflected folk, with influences from Edinburgh, South Africa,
London and the Isle of Lewis; pure spiri... [MORE]
Folk-rock or not, no doubt about it - Wheeler Street folk rocks. January 19, 2009
Back
in April 2008 I said that Wheeler Street would become a force in English folk
music. And it’s deeply satisfying to be prove... [MORE]
Hold Your Horses - personal experiences, fears and hopes January 17, 2009
Gather an impressive list of musicians and backing singers
and you’re on your way to creating a memorable album – not strictly true. You
have to... [MORE]
‘Awake from Slumber’ from Newrising January 06, 2009
‘Awake from Slumber’ from Guildford-based acoustic band Newrising proves
there is truly something new rising in the acoustic music world. This de... [MORE]
'Taking music where it never thought to go' January 05, 2009
Before 2008 faded away in an abundance of retail implosion and credit strangulation I heard a band that that fits the over used ‘unique’ word perfectl... [MORE]
Under Diamond Skies - country-influenced acoustic folk December 11, 2008
I’d
heard about this band called Navaro (Beth Navaro, Steve Austin and Pete White)
that plays country-influenced acoustic folk – so I th... [MORE]
Bound for Zion - 14 vocal-driven songs celebrating the spirit November 20, 2008
I’m
slightly wary when asked to review gospel folk or any overtly spiritual music,
Christian or not. That caution is not down to intolerance... [MORE]
The Crowman - gutsy, acoustic folk rock November 19, 2008
If
there was a prize for weird band names then Nimming Ned would be right up there
with the other strange identities chosen by musicians. Li... [MORE]
A rough-edged unpretentious slice of Americana November 18, 2008
A
new recording came my way a few days ago. It’s a rough-edged unpretentious
slice of Americana – not from across the pond but direct from M... [MORE]
Hollow Hills - songs of depth and truth November 06, 2008
If
their debut album was Brother Crow delivering profound, penetrating songs then ‘Hollow Hills’ is the duo proving their worth
as mas... [MORE]
The Gloss Club in Hammersmith October 20, 2008
There’s something important
going on in Hammersmith at the Irish Cultural Centre. If you enjoy great folk
music (in the widest sense) in an ... [MORE]
'Tuned Up' - a gem of the Irish tradition October 16, 2008
A
new CD from Copperplate Distribution arrived a few days ago. Called ‘Tuned Up’
from Brendan Hendry, Brendan Mulholland and Paul McSherry, it... [MORE]
Raw as you like but you'll love it. October 10, 2008
There’s
something comforting about the certainty that come what may, the idiosyncratic
roots of regional English folk grow deep. And if you need con... [MORE]
Merlin’s Keep conjure up a catchy spell September 16, 2008
‘Mind
Body and Folk’ the new album from Merlin’s Keep, abounds with drive, presence, depth
and energy. It’s fine folk rock. It... [MORE]
'Words and Music' – Phillip Hartley August 24, 2008
Occasionally
you hear an album that rivets you with its simplicity and purity. ‘Words and
Music’ by Sheffield-based singer/songwriter, Phillip H... [MORE]
Help The Overdog - dig deep there’s gold in there. August 14, 2008
Now here’s an album that’s just like Marmite, there’s
either love or hate involved – but not ambivalence. It's said new is easy,
different is diff... [MORE]
'The Lark’s March' – a future milestone of the folk tradition August 12, 2008
Doubtless ‘The Lark’s March’ the debut solo album from
Patricia Clark will become one of the milestones of the folk tradition. Already
a m... [MORE]
Barber & Taylor – ‘the reason why’ July 17, 2008
Kevin
Barber and Mark Taylor have something that many musicians will envy. Apart from
their ability to write superb songs and play ukulele, mandol... [MORE]
Gavin Whelan - master of the whistle July 16, 2008
Passion, power and flair combined
Traditional music endures while other fashions may
come and go – Gavin Whelan proves without a doubt why the... [MORE]
'First Things First' from Ailie Robertson June 28, 2008
‘First
Things First’ - an outstanding mix of passion, power and gentle reserve.
Ailie
Robertson is a fine musician of that there is no doub... [MORE]
An album of power from a songwriter who cares June 18, 2008
It’s
my belief you can trace a man’s journey through the lines round his
eyes. With
Bob Smith you can trace his life’s journey through his voice an... [MORE]
Eleven songs finely crafted by creative songwriters June 11, 2008
‘Clearwater’ from No Fixed
Abode is an album that reaches out on many levels. First, it’s a well produced,
exceedingly tight performance by two tale... [MORE]
Blackheart - a seamless inventive tapestry May 30, 2008
There
are artists who fling their influences and themes together with the finesse of
a car crash equally others intertwine them like wires in a cabl... [MORE]
Oxygen 21 from Enda Reilly - different, absorbing songs that demand attention April 29, 2008
New
is easy – different is hard. With his debut album 'Oxygen 21' Enda
Reilly has managed to achieve new and different. He has created an
original ... [MORE]
Telling the Bees – debut album ‘Untie the Wind’ April 21, 2008
'Poetic lyrics, inspired musicianship, sacred elements reflecting through the folklore of England'By
tradition, people tell their bees about signific... [MORE]
Taking folk to new places and daring to explore... April 20, 2008
Before
you read any further take note – Wheeler Street will become a force in
English folk music. They deliver not only comprehensively excellent
m... [MORE]
‘The Parish Platform’ from Rattle the Boards. April 18, 2008
‘The Parish Platform’ the latest album
from Rattle the Boards is a burst of infectious vitality. With this album the band
has produced a... [MORE]
Music to weep by - and you'll love every second March 22, 2008
If you have a chance to hear Red Shoes – take it. You may find you’re quietly weeping during their set but it will be a delicious sadness that you’ll ... [MORE]
Too Many Strings – and more power to their chords March 20, 2008
The other evening a friend introduced me to
a young Brighton-based band, Too Many Strings through their CD – Highly
Strung. Their list of ... [MORE]
A rich blend of ‘acousticity’ from Acoustica March 04, 2008
Acoustica describes exactly what you get. Their latest
album ‘The Oban Sessions’ (a follow up to Welcome to…) is a rich
blend of ‘acousticity’ that ... [MORE]
A tapestry of 21st Century folk. March 03, 2008
‘Triality’ from Firedaze is proof
(if needed) that new folk and trad folk (and everything in between) should
coexist. Firedaze recognise no boundari... [MORE]
Brother Crow - intense songs with feeling and passion February 15, 2008
One for Sorrow - is a selection of yearning,
searching songs from Durham-based duo Brother Crow. There’s depth here that
makes an exceptional ... [MORE]
Delicate, powerful beauty January 21, 2008
Mythago from Tinkerscuss is rare, rich treasure of story and myth with delivered with refined atmosphere and edge. Mythago encompasses
depth, p... [MORE]
Elowen - a style all their own January 21, 2008
Some
fine music comes from Cornwall and the debut album from Elowen kee... [MORE]
Now Then? … Well actually any time for my money. January 11, 2008
I spent the tail-end of 2007 listening to the debut CD from Wendy Arrowsmith called Now Then? And I have to tell you it was worth every minute. Wendy ... [MORE]
Sensitive songs with purposeful power January 10, 2008
I can hear some traditional
folk purists speaking now: “Electro-technical stuff in folk music – oh dear me,
no!” Just proves how wrong one can... [MORE]
Infectious folk from Yeovil's rats December 20, 2007
The genus rattus rattus and rattus norvegicus originated
in Asia and still suffer much bad press from their association with 14th
century plague – p... [MORE]
A ghost worth seeing and hearing December 18, 2007
Forget your busy life, lay down your cares for a moment
and take time to enjoy some fine melodic music from Jessica’s Ghost. Their EP ‘Return
to the... [MORE]
Workshy or not the result is great work November 26, 2007
There's
a force ten gale blowing through the folk world – it's W... [MORE]
The Nocturnal Flowers debut CD – well worth the wait. November 15, 2007
The eponymous first CD from The Nocturnal Flowers has been a
while coming but it’s well worth the wait. With this album, Darren Oakshott
(vocals, gu... [MORE]
‘All Rogues & Villains’ - a tough leap for others to follow October 30, 2007
‘All Rogues & Villains’ - a tough leap for others to followThe Duncan McFarlane Band (DMcF) has raised the bar on folk rock and in doing so has ma... [MORE]
‘And now for something completely different …’ October 29, 2007
'New
is easy - different is hard' as someone once said. Perhaps that's why
Elephant Talk decided to take the hard wa... [MORE]
Waiting for the autumn Flowers October 22, 2007
It's
autumn, it's England and expectation is in the air - Halloween, Bonfire
Night, Christmas on the horizon - but personally I'm waiting for the
1... [MORE]
A raft of magical spells October 16, 2007
Last week a CD arrived
with a herald’s caduceus on the front and a seagull in flight on the back
cover. Do you know what? That CD from Mag... [MORE]
Original not ordinary October 09, 2007
I've
heard Zoox a few times this year (actually I keep listening... [MORE]
Waterhorse – ‘Nature Laughs Last’ September 18, 2007
Waterhorse
craft attention-grabbing ‘storytelling’ songs. They are also
accomplished musicians who create great tunes. Their story-songs mus... [MORE]
Telling the Bees - hauntingly beautiful music September 17, 2007
Telling the Bees is more than whispering to the hives; this is a band that conjures hauntingly beautiful music - simple as that. The lyrics are pure p... [MORE]
Pure and simple September 11, 2007
The simplest of mixtures are often the best and that’s exactly what Yealand Redmayne has - a simple recipe that performs incredibly well. That ... [MORE]
'Future classics of the English folk tradition' September 10, 2007
Another key is cut to fit the lock of English folk tradition and what it unlocks is a treasure trove worth searching for and listening to. I’m talki... [MORE]
A melange of magic to capture your soul September 06, 2007
'Familiar Shores' - new CD from Dragonsfly
Musical definitions endure - folk, roots, world, rock, ethnic - Dragonsfly transcends boundaries i... [MORE]
Franana (pronounced like banana - but not necessarily yellow) September 03, 2007
Franana (pronounced like banana - but not necessarily yellow) are going places – no doubt about it. Fuelled by Fran’s (vocals, piano) distinctive vo... [MORE]
Silverwheel - tradition with imagination September 01, 2007
Silverwheel – bill themselves as offering ‘traditional folk with a rock attitude and glam look’ – that may be, but for my money they play damn fine ... [MORE]
Little perhaps but worth their weight in gold August 30, 2007
Little Sisters - 'La Rosa' EP
I've just finished listening to Little Sisters - don't delay, find out when they're playing a gig near you and go alo... [MORE]
The Demon Barbers Roadshow rolls into Cropredy August 14, 2007
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention 2007 had its first dose of the power and passion that is the Demon Barbers Roadshow and the medicine went down a trea... [MORE]
‘Stories’ – Wolves and Ravens August 02, 2007
'Stories' - a great song from Wolves and Ravens
For the last hour I’ve had the CD player on ‘track repeat’ and it’s still not enough. And w... [MORE]
Going to the dogs in style August 01, 2007
There’s a folk rock band you should take the time to hear. To be sure, Silver Dogs play what has become known as traditional English folk rock but t... [MORE]
Thrash that folk ‘til it screams July 31, 2007
Rough as a badger’s bum, ready to punch you between the eyes with an edge that’s sharp as a razor. That’s Leatherat - probably the finest exponents ... [MORE]
Pillowfish – a starter in anticipation of the main course July 29, 2007
Latest EP from Pillowfish
Too often it’s difficult for a second CD to exceed the calibre of the first, especially when the first was a... [MORE]
The Outside Track - but right on course July 27, 2007
The Outside Track - new CD
Having heard this band perform live and been mightily impressed, I’m pleased to say The Outside Track has produc... [MORE]
‘Waterfall’ from the Nocturnal Flowers July 18, 2007
For the last few weeks I’ve been listening to ‘Waterfall’ the latest offering from The Nocturnal Flowers. These guys have delivered yet another haun... [MORE]
Folk - fused or blended? July 16, 2007
Investigating the various facets of folk I’m increasingly dragged into what I hear is folk-funk or folk-jazz fusion. Not sure about the need for ano... [MORE]
Cruel as folk July 10, 2007
The English acoustic folk tradition is alive and well and this is where you’ll find it - in the sounds of Cruel Folk. If you want to hear original f... [MORE]
Wolves & Ravens July 10, 2007
Wolves & Ravens describe themselves a quartet of grizzled vets from the Twin Cities folk rock scene. There’s a more accurate description to use ... [MORE]
Wistman's Wood July 06, 2007
That’s it, I’m a happy man – I’ve just heard again one of the most beautiful, controlled and incisive voices in English folk music. This time Jackie... [MORE]
Horseplay – something more serious than you might think June 20, 2007
Oh these guys are just wonderful! If you get a chance to hear Horseplay then grab it with both hands. There are few bands that stick with their own re... [MORE]
Go out and get ratted – as long as it’s a Black Rat May 06, 2007
I’ve just been listening to Black Rat from Leicester. This band does for electric folk music what Simon Sharma does for history – give it life. And ... [MORE]
Get waxed with the Demon Barbers! March 22, 2007
'Waxed' - The Demon Barbers
The debate between traditional and contemporary folk is over. The Demon Barbers take the best of both, weld the... [MORE]
Folk on fire with the Demon Barbers March 06, 2007
Folk on fire with the Demon Barbers – 1st March, The Zodiac, Oxford
On St David’s Day The Zodiac in Oxford received a full-force blast of ... [MORE]
Bangers and Mash February 27, 2007
Irish music is an art form designed to reach inside you and either reduce you to tears or drag you forcibly from your chair. Now at this point, hard... [MORE]
‘Common Knowledge’ – unique, inventive CD from Pillowfish February 24, 2007
'Common Knowledge' - Pillowfish
What a treat! Listen to ‘Common Knowledge’ by Pillowfish - but listen to multiple replays before you decide... [MORE]
Glorystrokes February 19, 2007
I can already hear some lovers of traditional folk music screaming in anger as they listen to these guys. But it’s always worth opening the old ment... [MORE]
Storytelling - an ancient foundation of folk music February 17, 2007
'A Land for the Many' - stunning CD from The Simon Hopper Band
Storytelling is an ancient foundation of folk music - The Simon Hopper Band ... [MORE]
Pillowfish February 16, 2007
Quick reach for the Thesaurus! You’ll need it to find some new adjectives to describe Pillowfish adequately. From the first listen you’ll struggle t... [MORE]
‘Words are all’ - but the music makes them live February 16, 2007
Brian Madigan writes pithy, cynical, piercing songs about life – they make you think, they make you laugh – then he hits you with an edgy lyric that... [MORE]
Subtle seduction February 14, 2007
There’s something about ‘Vice Girl’ from The Nocturnal Flowers that edges it’s way under your skin, then just sits there steadily seeping back into ... [MORE]
Passion by the bucket-load February 05, 2007
Occasionally, you’re lucky enough to hear music played with enthusiasm, the Duncan McFarlane Band don’t stop at enthusiasm, they go way past - they ... [MORE]
Which came first the turtle or the soup? February 05, 2007
Band names, band names – where do they come from? Well ‘Turtle Soup’ clearly derives in part from two talented people cooking up their songs. And if... [MORE]
