The folking.com music archive for album reviews and news

This is a list of everything we have on folking.com in date and month order. So if you like trawling the depths of the site for amazing content that you may have missed then this is the place to “net” an article, feature or review or two.

The archive is a work in progress as we still have gaps to fill from 2009 back to 2001. Most of the missing content are older album reviews which require reformatting with each article having to be submitted back on to the site with album covers and links to where they can be obtained from (where available).

ROSIE DOONAN – Pot Of Gold (Silvertop Records SRCD03)

Moving away from your previous audience comfort zone (in this instance the ‘folk’ music scene) can never be an easy choice for any artist to ...
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JIM CAUSLEY – Dumnonia (Wild Goose Records WGS 377 CD)

At least young Causley is thinking outside the box, even if it is by reflecting in song his local county of which he is justifiably proud ...
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Pilgrims’ Way – EP (Own Label)

In these days of ever encroaching technology isn’t it pleasing to hear someone getting back to their ‘roots’ and performing on the unassuming, some might ...
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BARBARA DICKSON – Words Unspoken (Greentrax Records CDTRAX353)

Having travelled musically from her recognised commercial sound back to traditional roots, Barbara Dickson has now become…more or less…a duo working with her collaborator of ...
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RICHARD WOOD – A Change Of Reasons (GCP 098)

With over two decades behind him as a professional musician fiddle exponent Richard Wood is very much a ‘traditional’ performer. Although he’s Canadian his Scots roots ...
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STEVE KNIGHTLEY – Live In Somerset (Hands On Music HMCD33)

It’s certainly to an artist’s credit when he opens a live performance by singing a traditional unaccompanied ballad “All Things Are Quite Silent” with such ...
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Doghouse Roses, This Broken Key (Yellowroom Music, 2010)

This Broken Key is the second full album release from the distinctive Glasgow-based duo, Doghouse Roses. Most marked about this follow-up to their 2008 debut, ...
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RUA MACMILLAN – Tyro (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX346)

Now, don’t get me wrong but the opening track of fiddle player Rua MacMillan’s debut solo album featuring his own composition “The Ewie Wi’ The ...
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JAMES FINDLAY – Sport And Play (Fellside Recordings FECD238)

Fast becoming the ‘British’ version of America’s Green Linnet record company the astute Paul Adams catches yet another rising ‘folk-star’ for his ever burgeoning roster ...
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PETER TWITCHETT – Many Thousand Miles Behind Us (Own Label)

My association with Peter Twitchett goes back some thirty odd years…some of them very odd…and my personal folk music education owes a lot to this sensitive ...
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EWAN ROBERTSON – Some Kind Of Certainty (Greentrax CDTRAX328)

Ewan Robertson isn’t a name I was aware of but on the strength of this album I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for him in ...
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Oak, Ash And Thorn – Various Artists 24-01-2011 Folk Police Recordings

John Peel was a fan of Peter Bellamy’s album of Kipling songs Oak, Ash And Thorn. ‘I hope Oak, Ash and Thorn will not be ...
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Brendan Hendry, Paul McSherry & Nodlaig Brolly, Stringtones (self-released, 2010)

Stringtones offers a selective trio of distinguished musicians from Northern Ireland, playing slightly more than a trio of instruments: Brendan Hendry on fiddle, Paul McSherry ...
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Introducing Folk Police Recordings…

A new Manchester-based record label, Folk Police Recordings, releases its first offerings in January 2011. The 'purveyors of folk brut and other rough music' will ...
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CIORRAS – Silver Lining (Wispy Cloud Records)

Ciorras were brought together by the legendary (in folk music circles at least) Donal Lunny for a TV series not dissimilar to the X-Factor. There of course ...
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LORG LUNNY featuring Donal Lunny (TG4 TV)

My good friend Paul Dengate had recently travelled to Ireland (he knows how to make a chap jealous) and told me that he had been to ...
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Steve Knightley – Live In Somerset album

KNIGHTLEY TO RECORD DEBUT LIVE SOLO ALBUM... Show of Hands’ inspired frontman Steve Knightley, hailed as one of England’s finest songwriters, recorded his debut live ...
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Dala win 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group Of The Year!

Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala have come a long way in a short time. The two best friends, who met in their high ...
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MICHAEL FLATLEY – On A Different Note (Unicorn Entertainments)

There’s one thing Michael Flatley can never be accused of and that’s shying away from his own self-created public image. More established these days for his ...
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UNUSUAL SUSPECTS – Big Like This (Big Bash Records BBRCD017)

Well, if the opening track “Pressed For Time/Hull’s Reel/St Kilda Wedding” doesn’t put a grin on your face the size of the Cheddar Gorge then you ...
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LOREENA McKENNITT – The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Quinlan Records QRCD114)

I’ve followed Loreena McKennitt’s career for over two decades and she has never failed to captivate me with her slightly mannered vocals and well-crafted musical landscapes ...
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EMILY SMITH – Traiveller’s Joy (White Fall Records WFRCD004)

Since 2002 when she won Scotland’s Young Traditional Music Award Emily Smith has garnered many accolades from the folk music press with no less than ...
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CHRIS NEWMAN – Still Getting Away With It (Old Bridge Music OBMCD19)

Chris Newman is not only a really nice bloke but also one of my favourite ‘folk’ guitarists along with Simon Nicol, Frank Simon (ex-Bully Wee), Ken ...
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EMMA SWEENEY – The Other Crossing (Own Label)

Some things are best left simple and, as if to prove the point comes this first recording by Manchester based fiddle player Emma Sweeney sensitively backed ...
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Adrian Nation FALL OR FLY

A talented, committed musician in his youth, Adrian Nation described his first compositions as "the ramblings of a searching teenager". He may ramble less these days, ...
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Barry Hunt – Living In The Shadows

Midland based Barry Hunt - singer/songwriter, guitar teacher and a master of his craft with a Masters Degree in Song writing - has unleashed an album of ...
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Chris & Siobhan Nelson – Early Birds (self-released, 2010)

The independent music scene is a wonderful place, and in particular that element of the scene which is nurtured and supported by our wonderful network ...
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WEST OF EDEN – A Celtic Christmas (Zebra Art Records ZAR852)

Ah, a hearty goodwill to all men (and women)…and spreading the word with this gently evocative offering are Sweden’s Celtic influenced West Of Eden. Now, ...
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FLYING TOADS – In Stitches (Own Label)

What’s in a name…well, quite a lot actually and I don’t know where the Celtic influenced Flying Toads acquired theirs but (to me at least) they ...
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CHRIS DE BURGH – Moonfleet & Other Stories (Ferryman Records Ferry444P)

In much the same way that Robert Louis Stevenson captured the imagination with his ‘boys own’ adventures “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped”, John Meade Faulkner created ...
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SARAH JAROSZ – Song Up In Her Head (Sugar Hill Records SUG CD 4049)

Sarah Jarosz was a new name to me when I first heard this stunning record played during the interval of a Martin Simpson gig. For those ...
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The Be Good Tanyas’ Frazey Ford Returns With Her Debut Album Obadiah

Frazey Ford, lead singer with acclaimed Canadian trio The Be Good Tanyas released her debut solo album Obadiah on July 19th on Nettwerk records. Obadiah combines ...
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Alexander Wolfe – MORNING BRINGS A FLOOD

Alexander Wolfe is a New Cross based singer/songwriter. He started his musical career in the band ‘Taxi’ with none other than Jamie Cullum, who he ...
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ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND –Traditional (Talking Elephant Records TECD152)

I don’t have a problem with re-packaging tracks from previously released albums…I really don’t. Let’s take for instance this aptly timed recording courtesy of the ...
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DAVE SWARBRICK – Raison D’etre (Shirty Records Shirty 1)

We are all, one way or another influenced by our heroes and much like Dave Swarbrick is one of mine, he is quite happy to ...
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RICK WAKEMAN & JON ANDERSON – Fairfield Halls, Croydon (12.10.10)

I thought I’d wandered onto a set from the recent “Sherlock Holmes” movie as rows of candles festooned the stage at the Fairfield Halls concert ...
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SKERRYVORE – Skerryvore (Tyree Records TYREE01CD)

No messing here as Skerryvore kick off with the riff based “Path To Home” featuring a mixture of Jimmy Shand meets the Tannahill Weavers. I’m pleased ...
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RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS – Music For The Kilted Generation (Rel Records RECD572)

Be warned, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers should be labelled with a government health warning for their seriously pleasurable excursions inflicting harm to those of a ...
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Kyron & The Strangels – If We Were Kings

Kyron & The Strangels have built up a loyal following through their live shows and a series of five wacky videos that are now viewed throughout the ...
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HUEY LEWIS &THE NEWS: SOULSVILLE

Grammy-winners Huey Lewis and The News recently confirmed Monday, October 18th as the release date of their new album Soulsville, their first in nine years, to be released ...
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EWAN McLENNAN – Rags & Robes (Fellside Recordings FECD235)

You sometimes know from the opening track if an album’s for you and this first release by Ewan McLennan is one such recording. In bringing together ...
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BELLOWHEAD – Hedonism (Navigator Records Navigator042)

With a sleeve cover (superbly photographed by David Angel) that looks as if it had just leapt off the canvas of a Hogarth painting Bellowhead return ...
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THE SHEE – Decadence (Shee Records 2)

Opening with a choral harmony that any church would be proud to have leading their congregation The Shee make their mark with the Gospel tinged ...
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SONJA KRISTINA – RETROSPECTIVE – CURVED AIR

Beautiful lead singer Sonja Kristina and violin virtuoso Darryl Way were the kingpins of a group that caused a sensation with its innovative music and ...
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PETER DONEGAN & THE LONNIE DONEGAN BAND – Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon (30.09.10)

I didn’t know quite what to expect when I entered the Ashcroft Theatre for this evening’s performance by Lonnie Donegan’s son Peter although perhaps the ...
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SECRET GARDEN – Inside I’m Singing (Universal Records 602517552746)

Secret Garden produce music that I suppose in any other circumstance could be termed on the fringes of ‘folk’. I first came across Fionnuala Sherry ...
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STEVE MILLER BAND’S CLASSIC ALBUM, ‘FLY LIKE AN EAGLE’ RE-ISSUE

The Demon Music Group reissued the Steve Miller Band’s classic 1976 album “Fly Like An Eagle” as a special collector’s edition CD/DVD set on 4th October ...
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VARIOUS ARTISTS – All Along The Wall (Fellside Recordings FECD236)

Hadrian’s Wall for many conjures images of the Romans in Britain and to celebrate this iconic image, the Brampton Live festival commissioned this recording utilising ...
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MABON – Live At The Grand Pavilion (Easy On The Records EOTR01)

No messing here as Welsh band Mabon take the stage for an opening set of driving reels “Hello Poppet/The Hustler” led by Jamie Smith’s accordion ...
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ACOUSTIC EARTH – Travelling Man (Own Label AE01)

Andy Findon is one of those musicians who artists turn to whenever anything wind driven is required to complement their studio productions. Joined by Pete Walton ...
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RALPH McTELL – Somewhere Down The Road (Leola Music TPGCD31)

Ralph is obviously as proud of London as any man can be (with the possible exception of Peter Ackroyd) and in his opening track sums ...
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SHOW OF HANDS – Arrogance Ignorance And Greed (HMCD 29)

No resting on their laurels for that dynamic duo of ‘folk’, multi-instrumentalists Steve Knightley and Phil Beer bring home the bacon once again with a ...
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JEZ LOWE & THE BAD PENNIES – WOTCHEOR! (Tantobie Records TTRCD111)

Whatever I’m doing…everything grinds to a halt whenever I receive a disk featuring Jez Lowe. The reason for this is that I know, even before ...
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SECRETS, STORIES and SONGS – Dave Cousins (Witchwood Media Limited)

For those of us lucky enough to have experienced the late 60’s and early 70’s music circuit, we probably enjoyed the most fruitful period of ...
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Katzenjammer – A Bar In Amsterdam

Those crazy Norwegian girls Katzenjammer have made the 6 Music playlist with their single A Bar In Amsterdam. A Bar In Amsterdam will be released digitally ...
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Catherine MacLellan – Water in the Ground

Matching pure and ethereal vocals with poetic lyrics and her uncompromising song writing craft, there is no doubt as to why Catherine MacLellan has become ...
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Doghouse Roses – THIS BROKEN KEY

Artist – Doghouse Roses... Title – THIS BROKEN KEY... Label – Yellowroom Records... Distribution- Proper Distribution... Release Date – October 18th 2010 Paul Tasker and Iona ...
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Rory Ellis – Perfectly Damaged

It’s been multiple years now since hearing Australian troubadour Rory Ellis for the first time. I was in a car listening to the latest batch ...
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CHRIS RICKETTS & MARK WILLSHIRE – Simple Folk (Hobgoblin HOBCD1012)

The combination of guitar, bass guitar and vocal should be recognisable to anyone old enough to remember the glory days of Bob Fox and Stu ...
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BOYD & WAIN – Ain’t No Fairy Tale

Boyd and Wain are an award winning Anglo American Americana/Folk duo. Their music is pure roots and rhythm and the songs are compelling, home grown tales of every ...
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Iain Thomson – FIELDS OF DREAMS

Artist – Iain Thomson Title – FIELDS OF DREAMS Label – Self Released FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... I first heard of Iain Thomson from a DJ ...
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THE TRUE AND TERRIBLE HISTORY OF JOHN ‘BABBACOMBE’ LEE by Kevin Burke

I can’t remember where I first heard of this staging of Fairport Convention’s celebrated folk-rock opera but it proved irresistible enough for me to obtain ...
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Daniel Hertzov releases – BELIEVING

Artist – Daniel Hertzov Title – BELIEVING Label – Red Cat Productions Daniel Hertzov is a singer songwriter and also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has remained ...
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Mark Chadwick (lead singer of the Levellers) speaks to Paul Johnson about his new solo album

Folking.com's Paul Johnson in conversation with Mark Chadwick (lead singer of the Levellers) at Beautiful Days Festival in August 2010. Mark talks about the festival and his ...
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JANET DOWD – 300 Miles (Blue Cow Records)

In much the same way that Mary Black and Maura O’Connell established themselves with their distinctive vocals the same could be said of Janet Dowd ...
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A L LLOYD – An Evening with A L Lloyd (Fellside Recordings FECD220)

In the early Seventies I spent a day of my ill-spent youth in the company of A L Lloyd at a college in the Elephant ...
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DALLA – Cribbar (Dalla Records DACD05)

Sounding not dissimilar to a Klezmer party in full swing courtesy of Hilary Coleman’s clarinet the set of tunes “Fly Cellar/Unity/Heva Cornishe” in fact provide ...
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RICHARD DIGANCE – Epsom, Playhouse Theatre 08.07.10

Any man who has the uncanny knack of overcoming every hurdle including nursing a painful left shoulder whilst still maintaining a sense of humour and ...
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SALTFISHFORTY – Netherbow

‘Saltfishforty’ (Douglas Montgomery on fiddle / viola and Brian Cromarty on guitar, mandola and vocals) are a powerful and dynamic duo from Orkney who blend ...
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LILLY DRUMEVA – Lovin’ You (Music Author Records MK 54604)

I’ve been something of a closet fan of Country/Bluegrass music for quite a few years but it’s only recently that I’ve made an effort to ...
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THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL – Forecast (Transition Records TRANSCD04)

If you could sell the word ‘enigma’ as a product then this would be the band to display their wares accordingly. The Old Dance School ...
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ROY SCHNEIDER – ERLEICHDA – ALBUM RELEASE AND UK TOUR

Singer/Songwriter Roy Schneider’s third CD release, ERLEICHDA is a collection of lively and soulful Americana, inspired by a combination of his 2009 South-eastern US summer ...
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ROSIE CARSON & KEVIN DEMPSEY – The Salty Diamond (Own Label)

I was first introduced to Kevin Dempsey many years ago at the Hedgehog Pie festival in Newcastle (possibly 1976!) and I particularly remember his impressive ...
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LIZ CARROLL & JOHN DOYLE – Double Play (Compass Records 7 4502 2)

Don’t you just love it when, from the opening track of a recording you know you are going to experience something really special? Of course ...
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CHRIS WOOD – Handmade Life (Ruf Records RUFCD012)

For many years I was quite dismissive about Chris Wood who, rightly or wrongly possessed an air of arrogance that I felt was at odds ...
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SOLAS – The Turning Tide (Compass Records 7 4530 2)

Musically speaking I’d say that folk super-group Solas never have an off day and as if proof were needed I’ve been reviewing the band since ...
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MUMFORD & SONS – Sigh No More (Universal Records 2722538)

Unlike the photograph on the front cover of the CD book there’s nothing to suggest that musically and vocally Mumford & Sons are a bunch ...
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CAROLE KING & JAMES TAYLOR – Live At The Troubadour (Hear Records 0888072320536)

Please, a round of applause for those wonderful folk at BBC 4 TV for, without their skill in picking up documented gems such as Alison ...
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4SQUARE – Chronicles (Square Roots Music SQR 1002)

Blimey, I thought I’d stumbled upon a long lost recording by Jim Moray or Seth Lakeman when I heard the first track by 4 Square ...
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STOCKTON’S WING – COLLECTION & LIAM O’FLYNN – THE PIPER’S CALL form Tara Records

STOCKTON’S WING – COLLECTION (Tara Records TARA CD 4) LIAM O’FLYNN – THE PIPER’S CALL (Tara Records TARA CD 3037) Nothing in life is certain ...
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JOHN McSHERRY – SOMA (Compass Records 7 4538 2)

The sheer beauty of the Uilleann pipes and low whistle is bought vividly to life in the hands of John McSherry. No need for flashy ...
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KARAN CASEY & JOHN DOYLE – Exiles Return (Compass Records 7 4529 2)

The beaming smile of a reviewer as he casts his eye over certain members of ‘folk’ royalty appearing in his ‘in’ tray is always reason ...
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Catherine Howe & Vo Fletcher – English Tale

Catherine Howe & Vo Fletcher started working together in 2007, just after the reissue of Catherine’s legendary album ‘What A Beautiful Place’ produced by the ...
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Album Review: PERFECTLY DAMAGED – RORY ELLIS

Australian Roots/Acoustic/Blues/Country and Western singer/songwriter Rory Ellis has a new album out – his fifth - and it is a real stunner folks! This new ...
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SHEP WOOLLEY – GRUMPY OLD MATELOT (Uppit Records BALD 6)

I remember a time when the words ‘folk’ and ‘entertainer’ ran side by side like participants in a well-oiled marathon and artists such as Shep ...
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LUNASA – La Nua (Lunasa Records LRCD 001)

Receiving the latest Lunasa CD is like unwrapping the best Christmas present you could wish for. There’s something magical that brings a broad grin to ...
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MICHAEL MARRA – Folksong Club, Croydon 19.04.10

Although I personally hadn’t seen or heard Michael Marra before his name is legend on the folk circuit in Scotland. My first image of Marra ...
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DALA – Everyone Is Someone (Campus Music)

I heard Dala by chance on the radio one evening and sought out this CD at the earliest opportunity. The Canadian based duo (Amanda Walther ...
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RE-ENTRANTS – The Good, The Bad And The Ukulele (Sore Thumb Records)

I can’t remember who suggested I check out The Re-Entrants. Still, it wasn’t a bad idea as my tastes in music spread far wider than ...
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GARRY BLAKELEY – ROSE BLAKELEY – The Ceremony Of May (Attitude Records CD-007)

OK, I know nepotism isn’t a nice thing but when the artist I am reviewing just happens to be my best mate in a professional ...
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Feast Of Fiddles – Walk Before You Fly

I didn’t know that Elmer Bernstein was a closet ‘folkie’ and that he’d contributed to a canon of ‘folk’ tunes that grace this great little ...
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BAD SHEPHERDS – Yan, Tyan Tethera, Methera! (Monsoon Music MONMUCD002)

By hook or by crook here is a CD just waiting to be reviewed. The Bad Shepherds consist of Adrian Edmondson, Troy Donockley, Maartin Allcock ...
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DAIMH – Diversions (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX 343)

Starting with the Gaelic song “Donald’s Sporran” immediately puts me in mind of when I first heard the arrangement of “Brose & Butter” by Ossian ...
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TANNAHILL WEAVERS, Willows Folk Club, Arundel 07.04.10

Well, what a week this has turned out to be for Hampshire. Firstly there was the Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival followed swiftly by a ...
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GOSPORT & FAREHAM EASTER FESTIVAL – 03 to 04.04.10

I suppose it seems a little weird reviewing a festival that you are a participant as a performer. Still, why not? Firstly let’s set the ...
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UNIVERSAL MUSIC SIGN MILLION POUND DEAL WITH TEN CORNISH FISHERMEN

INDEPENDENT RELEASE HALTED AS MAJOR LABEL DISCOVERS PORT ISAAC’S SHANTY SINGERS London, Thursday 18 March 2010: Universal Music today announced that they have reeled in ...
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SOCIETY… SONGS FROM THE BRICKHOUSE

"In my opinion this is the best Americana album to come out this year"... Darren Beech www.folking.com Society are a three piece country rock band ...
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Dillon hits the spot by Sarah Burch – artsdepot, North Finchley

After a hectic, stressful week, it was such a panacea to chill out at Cara Dillon’s gig at the artsdepot, North Finchley on March 5th ...
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SETH LAKEMAN – The Hawth, Crawley 4th March 2010

Well, this was going to be interesting as I wasn’t sure what I’d make of Seth Lakeman only having seen him on a couple of ...
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Singer-Songwriter Heaven – The Songs Of Kevin Faherty

Ellis Paul, Diana Jones, Darryl Purpose, Buddy Mondlock and other singer-songwriters each sing one song in this surprise tribute to songwriter Kevin Faherty. EXTRACT FROM ...
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KEN NICOL – Tidings (MVS Sound Limited MVS CD002)

I suppose it’s probably a little early/late for this review but anyone who knows me knows I can’t get enough of Ken Nicol’s accomplishments as ...
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JIM MALCOLM – Jim Malcolm’s Bard Hair Day (BELDVD101)

This DVD is a gentle parody on the life and times of Robert Burns as seen through the eyes of Scottish singer-songwriter Jim Malcolm. Staging ...
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THE 2006 RADIO BALLADS : REISSUED

“For me it was a pinnacle in 40 years of broadcasting. I counted it a privilege and still do.” John Tams - music director “The ...
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WEST OF EDEN – Travelogue (Zebra Art Records ZAR 851)

The nomadic life of the wandering minstrel comes vividly to life on this the fifth release by the excellent Swedish band West Of Eden. This ...
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ASHLEY HUTCHINGS & KEN NICOL – Copper, Russet And Gold (Park Records PRKCD109)

Ashley Hutchings proves a fine songwriter on the strength of this recording and opening with “I Am Prologue” there’s a sense of pomp in the ...
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RICHARD DIGANCE – BBC Radio Devonfolk 14.02.10

Well, I must admit it’s taken me ages to get around to listening to the radio with any real conviction and to be honest the ...
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ALTAN – 25th Anniversary Celebration (IRL044)

Is it really 25 years ago that I first saw Altan performing in Hastings at a hastily put together gig in the non too salubrious ...
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JEZ LOWE – Folksong Club, Croydon 08.02.10

To fans of folk music everywhere the name Jez Lowe is enough to conjure images of a great night out. As well as his finely ...
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BEGGARS’ HILL – Beggars’ Hill (Talking Elephant Records TECD156)

Well, here’s a blast from the past…at least my past. Beggars’ Hill were a ‘collective’ from the Surrey area who, for a labour of love ...
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Celtic Connections reviews by Pauline Keightley

Fyfe Dangerfield ABC Glasgow Celtic Connections 20th January 2010... Dangerfield stormed the ABC Glasgow as part of the Celtic connections festival with his latest solo ...
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MICHAEL McGOLDRICK – Aurora (Vertical Records VERTCD090)

There’s always a sense of anticipation when you hear news that one of your favourite musicians has just released a new album and of course, ...
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KATHRYN TICKELL – The Best Of Kathryn Tickell (Park Records PRKCD107)

I was first introduced to the wonderful sound of Northumbrian Smallpipes on hearing a recording by the High Level Ranters over thirty years ago. Colin ...
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DUOTONE – Work Harder & One Day You’ll Find Her (Garrett Brown Music GBMCD 003)

This album reminds me of my youth when I was listening to the likes of Clifford T Ward and Al Stewart. As a journalist it’s ...
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McCALMANS – The Greentrax Years (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX350)

My first encounter with The Macs was around thirty years ago at the Cambridge Folk Festival. I remember being mightily impressed by their vocal wall ...
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HANNEKE CASSEL – For Reasons Unseen (Cassel Records HJC2009)

As one of the most exploited instruments in folk music, the fiddle is probably my favourite and when it is performed with such fluidity by ...
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IMAGINED VILLAGE – Empire & Love (ECC Records ECC002)

To the opening strains of Sheema Mukerjhee’s sitar joined by Mr Carthy’s trademark guitar the Imagined Village cross fertilisation of different cultures continues apace with ...
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ALAN HULL – Live At Clifton Poly 1975 (Market Square Music MSMCD152)

In the days when I was a ‘yoof’ I was forever popping out to support artists such as Lindisfarne and their lead protagonist Alan Hull ...
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LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER – Song (Footprint Records FR2008)

I just knew I was going to love this album from the strains of the opening track “The Fair Maid By The Sea Shore” set ...
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CHERISH THE LADIES – A Star In The East (Big Mammy Records 0004)

Is it really that time of year? Well, it must be as Cherish The Ladies release another seasonal album. And what better way than a ...
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HUT PEOPLE – Home Is Where The Hut Is (Fellside Recordings FECD228)

Ah, that’s more like it something a little different from the ‘folk’ world. Paul Adams should be well chuffed with this recording on his tremendous ...
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KATE RUSBY – Sweet Bells (Pure Records PRCD33)

The distinctive, almost waif-like vocals of Kate Rusby opens this seasonal recording (now re-packaged using a suitably Christmas themed painting by Marie Mills) with a ...
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CHURCHFITTERS – Sing (Own Label CH969)

The Churchfitters (who appeared recently at Fairport’s Cropredy Festival) are nothing if not inventive and from the opening track “Knee Deep” with Chris Short’s intriguing ...
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BROOM BEZZUMS – Under The Rug (Seeplejack Music SJCD11)

Comparisons of Broom Bezzums (Andrew Cadie & Mark Bloomer) to Robin & Barry Dransfield may come thick and fast in the fickle world of ‘folk’ ...
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RICHARD LUMSDEN – Morris: A Life With Bells On (Dreamboat Records DRMBT014)

The legend that is “Morris: A Life With Bells On” continues apace with another extraordinary leap of faith and a labour of love on behalf ...
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POOZIES – Yellow Like Sunshine (Greentrax Records CDTRAX 342)

Opening with a standard ‘blues’ riff, you feel as if you’re into conventional music pigeon-holeing until that is the introduction of Camac harp that adds ...
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STEELEYE SPAN – Cogs, Wheels And Lovers (Park Records PRKCD106)

A welcome return to one of England’s finest folk-rock band’s bringing with them those glorious riffs that have become so much a part of their ...
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THE DOONANS – Dorking Folk Club 07.10.09

Gawd blimey guv’nor let’s dispense with the bankers of this world and give these lads (and lass) a rise. Playing to a packed club, The ...
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NANCY KERR, JAMES FAGAN & ROBERT HARBRON – Dorking Folk Club 14.10.09

Two weeks running…and a rare attendance from me at the same club within a month. Having said that, this is one of the nicest clubs ...
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ABBIE LATHE & THE LOVELIES – Stargazing (Curlew Records CD001)

I’ve been enraptured by the sounds of tight, close harmonies since I first saw Steeleye Span many years ago and there are plenty featured on ...
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BILLY MITCHELL & BOB FOX – Back On City Road (Own Label)

What is it about Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox that makes you wish everyone in the world were a Geordie? On the strength of this ...
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ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND – Snow On Snow (Talking Elephant Records TECD135)

I don’t know what it is about Christmas but it always brings out the best in me particularly the seasonal songs. It seems that I’m ...
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Alison Krauss Live From The Tracking Room (Rounder Records)

Perhaps it’s Alison’s beautiful smile beaming from the sleeve or the thoughts that inspire it that convey so much about this country gal done good ...
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The Eva Cassidy Story featuring Zoe Tyler – Churchill Theatre, Bromley 23.09.09

Over The Rainbow (The Eva Cassidy Story) Zoe Tyler’s stunning performance of “Fields Of Gold” on the BBC Breakfast show the other day was inspirational ...
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Shrewsbury Festival Review

Driving through Shrewsbury, you are acutely aware of the medieval heritage that surrounds and seduces you, with the ghosts of England's past seeming like the ...
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Fairport Convention Cropredy 2009 Festival Review

With the threat of hitting the big four O this year, it was time to try some new activities to try and prove to myself ...
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VARIOUS ARTISTS – Three Score & Ten (Topic Records)

What makes a good CD box-set great? When it comes as beautifully packaged as this 70th Anniversary Topic Records collection. The wow factor comes from ...
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Eric Bogle Live At Stonyfell Winery (Greentrax Recordings DVTRAX2022)

What better way than to celebrate his ‘retirement’ from performing in the UK than a DVD by singer-songwriter Eric Bogle. A visual record of Eric ...
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KIMBER’S MEN IN PORT Album Review by Pete Fyfe

Kimber’s Men are something a little extra special…a shanty crew that everyone can enjoy! Consisting Joe Stead, Neil Kimber, Dave Buckley, Gareth Scott and John ...
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Tom Napper & Tom Bliss – The Kelping

I had the utter delight of seeing this duo play at the Ho at Anchor, in Leigh-on-Sea and they wove magic for me that night ...
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Interview with Lindisfarne 17th April 2003

Here is another chance to have a listen to the 2003 Lindisfarne Interview that we was recorded at the Gosport and Fareham Easter Festival as part ...
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Celtus Reflections and Echoes

This was the place where Celtus fans shared their stories,  gigs they attended and the Celtus music they loved. It was also the place where ...
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Celtus Live 2000 (Evangeline GEL4020)

The fourth album from Celtus featuring all live tracks with 2 Bonus Tracks. A must have. Starting with Navigator at full belt in front of ...
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Celtus Rooted (Shamrock Records 001)

A traditional album, again different, but stunning in its own right. Irish Folk/Celtus at its best in a traditional form. Rooted brings out whistles, bouzoukis, reels ...
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Celtus Portrait (Sony 494710 2)

This is the second Celtus album from the incredible McManus Brothers. The opening track Two Worlds, is an up-tempo, love song then leads into Wide Awake, ...
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Show of Hands – No Song To Sing

Whatever else, you can't fault Show Of Hands. So, needless to say, this album comes recommended but, as it were in passing. There are now ...
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Cherish The Ladies – The Girls Won’t Leave The Boys Alone

Welcome back to the girls! Mind you, on listening to the opening track 'The Broom Of The Cowdenknowes' I thought I was listening to The ...
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Jennifer & Hazel Wrigley – Skyran

Instrumental albums are notoriously hard to carry off. So, you have to be extremely confident and ready to roll with the punches when bearing your ...
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Canterach – Canterach

Cor blimey! Scotland must count itself the session man's home from home. Another band featuring a few recognisable faces namely Ross Kennedy, Steve Lawrence, Iain ...
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Old Blind Dogs – Fit?

Opening with 'Is There For Honest Poverty' ('For A' That') it's nice to see the Dogs really getting to grips with their material perhaps not ...
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Kate Rusby – Little Lights

It's great to welcome back to the fold a bona fide British artist. In Kate Rusby, we have a treasure we need to grasp like ...
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The Easy Club – The Easy Club

Opening with the now familiar strains on single string note into the glorious title track this band was, in its day (1984 actually) to prove ...
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Alasdair Fraser & Paul Machlis – Legacy Of The Scottish Fiddle Volume One

Throughout the years, tastes change and, if like mine yours has mellowed, you will find nostalgia is no bad thing particularly when it is performed ...
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Maddy Prior – Arthur The King

The opening intro of Maddy's latest CD brings to mind Clannad's 'Robin The Hooded Man' with the Uilleann pipes set-up by Troy Donockley. Now sitting ...
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Ralph McTell – Right Side Up

Here's another superb offering to swell the ever-extending Ralph McTell back catalogue. His songs fit so comfortably - like a well-settled pair of slippers. 'Naomi', ...
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Ralph McTell – Red Sky

The wind whips and moves the stale air from those who only remember “Streets of London” as “Red Sky” dawns into a fresh collection of ...
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Vyktoria – Something about Driving

This live album oozes with confidence and is rich with intriguing time signatures and unearthly vocals. Track Listing: 1. Voice & the Drum - 2 ...
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Loscoe State Opera – Dawn Bird

Lively lot this - You're sweetly piped into "Brian Boru" a slow instrumental medley that accelerates into a medieval romp. "The Butterfly" starts as a ...
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MARTIN SIMPSON – The Bramble Briar

My first introduction to Martin's opening track 'Polly On The Shore' was the Trevor Lucas interpretation on the Fairport 9 album. Something to live up ...
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Ralph McTell – Ralph Albert & Sydney

I'm never more comfortable than when listening to a Ralph McTell record. Maybe it's because he writes songs that envelope you in their Englishness that ...
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MAGGIE MACINNES – Spirit Of Life

I first came across Maggie MacInnes on an album with George Jackson some years ago and was taken by her impressive vocals and harp playing. Last year ...
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Jamie Marshall – Here After

Jamie Marshall - a new shining light in acoustic music releases his latest album 'Here After' - an album mixed by the legendary John Wood. The opening track 'She is ...
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Darryl Purpose – Travelers’ Code

Travelers' Code, Darryl's third CD, is as colourful as the man himself. Darryl was once recognized as the World's top blackjack player and is an ...
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Sheila Nicholls – Brief Strop

Sheila Nicholls début album Brief Strop has classic written all over it. Her voice contains a primal emotion that makes you instantly connect with the ...
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LUNASA – The Merry Sisters Of Fate

A nice opening set-up from Donogh Hennessy's driving rhythmic guitar settles comfortably in to the jig 'Aoibhneas Eilis Ni Cheallaigh' with Kevin Crawford's flute and ...
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Bob Fox – Dreams Never Leave You

Bob Fox's latest album "Dreams Never Leave You" is like an old friend. "The Road to the North" welcomes you in and leads very nicely ...
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Battlefield Band – Happy Daze

Starting the album with Alan Reid's interpretation of the traditional song 'The Devil's Courtship' he is joined by the rather wonderful voice of Karine Polwart ...
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Celtarabia – Cult of Audio

Wow! The word 'programming' gives it away, this is a spectacular mix of trad and world music with a thumping techno back-beat. Celtarabia are: Quentin ...
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Bluehorses – Dragons Milk and Coal

This album bays loudly and stampedes the listener with a sound that has been created by the fusion of a classic Rock technique thrust into ...
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Shave the Monkey – Good Luck Mr Gorsky

Original folking posting date - 17-May-2001 When Apollo Mission Astronaut Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon, he not only gave his famous "one small ...
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Ashley Hutchings – An Hour With Cecil Sharp

Not exactly an hour but who's counting? Bearing in mind the current debate on the nature of Englishness, this is a timely and welcome re-issue ...
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Flook – Flatfish

Orginal folking.com Posting date - 17-May-2001 Flook are like a well-oiled machine, with the many parts working in harmonious precision. Driving the sound is the ...
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Martyn Joseph – Far from Silent

"Far from Silent" is about real life, people and experiences. When you listen to the words behind the songs you begin to understand the depth ...
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Lorraine Jordan – This Big Feeling

“This Big Feeling” has it all: Syncopated rhythms where guitar, cello, accordion and bouzouki work together in perfect harmony, blended with soft rhythmic swing vocals ...
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Celtus – What goes Around

“What goes Around” builds a new refined pyramid of sound, vocal and spirit. John and Pat McManus are at the heart of this new structure, which is ...
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Gjallarhorn – Sjofn

Gjallarhorn's unique mix of world music finds its roots in the Swedish folk music of Finland. It features a layered style of mythical medieval ballads, whirling ...
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Eliza Carthy – Angels & Cigarettes

Interesting concept that explores a yearning for what you can't have and an addiction for what you shouldn't have. Stylistically, the album reflects its title ...
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Calico – Songdogs

Songdogs is the second album by Irish band Calico and takes its name from the book written by the Dublin-born author Colum McCann. This album ...
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Andy Guttridge – Amongst Friends

Andy Guttridge "Amongst Friends" is a fine recording based on light soothing melodies with good guitar and vocal accompaniment sometimes reaching moments of purism. There ...
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Celtus Moonchild (Sony 487715 2)

Debut album of the incredibly talented Celtus, who were previously the hugely successful hard rock band Mama's Boys. Formed after the death of their drummer ...
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Interview with Bert Jansch at Fleadh Festival 2000

Here is a transcript of an impromptu interview I did backstage at the London Fleadh in 2000 with Bert Jansch. I was very lucky as Bert ...
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Celtus At the Memorial Hall, Sheffield 2000 -By Jean and Emma Camp – Devon, England

We all waited outside eagerly, knowing that we were in for a treat. We were not disappointed!! It was our first visit to the Memorial ...
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Interview with Dave Pegg from Fairport Convention on Saturday 29th April 2000

Brief introduction... A couple of weeks ago we visited Peggy's place, the "Woodworm Hilton" supposedly to do an interview with him in the morning before ...
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Celtus At the Royal Festival Hall on Monday 13th March, 2000

The air was filled with gathering excitement as we waited for Celtus to appear on stage. Our first view was of Dan bathed in a ...
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Celtus – Reviewed by The Sunday Citizen Milton Keynes on the 12th March, 2000 – by Paul Brookman

Celtus are simply the best! CELTUS are quite simply the best band Ireland has ever produced. Forget U2, The Corrs, Them or any group of ...
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Celtus Moonchild and Portrait Albums – A Poetic look back

Sitting in a high place, the darkness of night passes slowly to a dawn of eager glow. Beneath lie the souls of the loved and ...
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Celtus – Reviewed by the Liverpool Daily Post on the 06th March, 2000 – by Andrew Judge

It's a great achievement finally knowing you've got there. Celtus have paid their dues and they deserve it. The band have supported Paul Carrack of ...
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The History of Celtus

Pat, John & Tommy McManus grew up on a family farm near Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The parents, Valerie and John have a ...
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