Jeez, it's almost a decade since the previous studio album from Ireland's brilliant Socks in the Frying Pan. I believe they've been otherwise active all these years, though, and when inspiration finally came and they headed for the studio, Waiting For Inspiration came out sounding fresh and vibrant late last year. In the cover photo, … Continue reading The waiting is over for Socks in the Frying Pan
Tag: album review
“Sanju” finds Flook in a beautifully peaceful mood
It's always a bit of a challenge when you want to say something about someone who everyone thinks is great. In this case, a band, an iconic one. Finnegan, Allen, Boyd, Kelly. Flook are legendary, we all know that. Listen to their albums - they're amazing. Witness them live - it's mindblowing; I hope you … Continue reading “Sanju” finds Flook in a beautifully peaceful mood
“Her By Design”: Jenn Butterworth takes center stage and shines brightly
As you all probably know, Jenn Butterworth has been the go-to guitar player in the (mostly) Scottish trad and folk scene for years now, and a visible fixture in Celtic Connections, playing with almost everyone (not to mention an epic on-the-fly guitar string change on stage during a tune). But as a headlining artist, no … Continue reading “Her By Design”: Jenn Butterworth takes center stage and shines brightly
Countercurrent’s “Flow” brightens these dark times!
It must have been one of those Bandcamp recommendations... Because I have zero recollection of ever hearing or reading about the folk duo from the Northwestern corner of the US before I found myself pressing play on Flow, their brand new release, the third album in their discography. When you don't really know what's coming, … Continue reading Countercurrent’s “Flow” brightens these dark times!
Dreamers’ Circus goes back to Danish folk roots – kind of – with “Handed On”
We have seen Dreamers' Circus, the pride of Denmark's modern folk scene, on stage only once. That was in Celtic Connections 2023 when they played in the main hall of the Royal Concert Hall. Their gig was preceded by Finland's very own Frigg who were absolutely great (and we were patriotically so proud in the … Continue reading Dreamers’ Circus goes back to Danish folk roots – kind of – with “Handed On”
Finland’s Frigg promise you Dreamscapes and deliver in full
One of Finland's folk music spearheads internationally has been, for over two decades already, the masterful Frigg. They both continue and reform the Finnish folk and fiddle traditions as they swing from very traditional to very original, sometimes album by album. Two albums back, they released the inventive FriXX that was also meant as a … Continue reading Finland’s Frigg promise you Dreamscapes and deliver in full
Tern’s “Flyway”: a debut album for the books!
It's a rare occasion when you can honestly say that you've been there when something really, really good was beginning. Me and my wife were lucky enough to be in the audience of Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections 2023 when Tern played their first ever public gig on January 30. The usually amateur … Continue reading Tern’s “Flyway”: a debut album for the books!
The Fretless: Glasswing
I admit it. Me and The Fretless haven't quite met, and I have honestly tried. And I'm a bit mystified about it... Let me make this clear: I have nothing but the highest respect for the Canadian modern folk string quartet. They are excellent musicians and they have deserved their nearly iconic reputation and the … Continue reading The Fretless: Glasswing
Kennedy & O’Leary’s “Hydra” is not a beast, it’s a beauty
I was delighted to witness Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O'Leary perform at the Edinburgh TradFest 2022. It was an intimate and lively set and I well remember the warm atmosphere and the brilliant musicianship of these Irish masters. And now they have released an absolutely magical album. I believe this is the first time they … Continue reading Kennedy & O’Leary’s “Hydra” is not a beast, it’s a beauty
Genticorum: Au coeur de l’aube
The magnificent Quebec trio of Yann Falquet, Pascal Gemme and Nicholas Williams (who replaced Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand a while back) have come up with an album that rocketed into the #1 position in my Genticorum albums ranking.Not only does Au coeur de l'aube (At dawn) have beautiful cover art, the music itself is warm and … Continue reading Genticorum: Au coeur de l’aube
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