Multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Adam Clark seems to have it all. Bred and born in Norwich, in Folk & Fold he has produced what he calls a love-letter to Norfolk in traditional and original material. In support he has the cream of East Anglian musicians; Alex Patterson, Georgia Shackleton, Christina Alden, Nic Zuppardi, Matt Clark and Aaren Bennett. Sources include two giants of the region – Harry Cox and Peter Bellamy.
The album includes two quintessential regional songs. Adam opens with ‘Bungay Roger’, a humorous song laced with local dialect and an excellent way to begin a record – from the singing of the blessed Bellamy. In contrast is the transportation song, ‘Australia’ begins the album’s engagement with the East Anglian criminal fraternity and that’s followed by the first original composition, ‘I Walked The Night’, concerning the poacher Frederick Rolfe whose story was published under that title in 1935. Rolfe was a notorious figure, frequently imprisoned for his nefarious activities, who took his own life with one of his own snares.
Clark is a veteran performer and his experience shines through the delicate arrangements beautifully realised by the supporting cast and his own seven instruments. I’m shocked to realise that I hadn’t heard of him before which may also say something about the parochial nature of the folk scene.
Harry Cox is the source of ‘Georgie’, his version of the well-known ballad. Another bad end arrived at, of course, and the track is rounded out by a duet of ‘The Cuckoo’s Nest’. The protagonist of ‘The Female Cabin Boy’ suffered only the fate worse than death even though in similar songs she is thrown overboard. Next comes an instrumental set, ‘The Hearty Goodfellow/The Perfect Cure’ and then the other quintessential local song, ‘Fakenham Fair’. I’ve heard many versions of this and I reckon Adam’s best captures the spirit of the piece.
There are two more original songs, ‘Home’ and ‘The Passing Year’ and finally a return to Harry Cox with ‘Adieu To Old England’. In case I haven’t made myself clear enough, Folk & Fold is a delightful album in so many ways and I heartily recommend that you seek it out when it is released at the end of the month.
Dai Jeffries
Artist’s website: https://www.facebook.com/adamclarkfolk/
‘Adieu To Old England’ – live at home:
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