So it took me some time to get around to listening to this work by Mike Vass. Better late; I’ve enjoyed his various and versatile solo and collaborative projects very much and this is no exception. The album info on the web tells me that this work was ”commissioned by the Scots Fiddle Festival ... … Continue reading A better-late-than-never Album Review / Mike Vass: The Four Pillars (2018)
Tag: contemporary folk music
Album Review / Kate Rusby: Philosophers, Poets and Kings
To my ears, Kate Rusby's fabulous career took yet another upward turn with her previous ”regular” outing, Life In A Paper Boat; the winter/Christmas album Angels and Men came after that one and was excellent too but seasonal music is a genre unto itself, at least to me. And I find very little to complain … Continue reading Album Review / Kate Rusby: Philosophers, Poets and Kings
Album Review / The Elephant Sessions: What Makes You
The third album from the premier merchants of Celtic Funk continues the band's admirable evolution. From the more Trad-rooted debut The Elusive Highland Beauty to the tight'n'snappy funk of All We Have Is Now, the road has now led to a cooler approach where the funk is very controlled, less is more and electronics and … Continue reading Album Review / The Elephant Sessions: What Makes You
Album Review / Skipinnish: Steer By The Stars
Ah, Skipinnish... I don't even try to write a deep review because Steer By The Stars is just full of the solid, uplifting, tap-your-foot-and-smile music the band is so well known for. It picks me up when I'm down and gives me that extra charge when I'm already up - my happy soul music 😊🏴🎶 … Continue reading Album Review / Skipinnish: Steer By The Stars
Album Review / Colm Mac Con Iomaire: The River Holds Its Breath – Tost ar an Abhainn
Colm Mac Con Iomaire's new album is a natural link in the chain of his previous works: very calm and soothing music, this time with strings in the forefront. One might argue if this blog is the right place to review music whose Irish or Celtic roots are well in the background, hardly noticeable, but … Continue reading Album Review / Colm Mac Con Iomaire: The River Holds Its Breath – Tost ar an Abhainn
Album Review / Kim Richards: Leaves That Fly
I discovered Kim Richards' debut album purely by chance when Mike Vass mentioned it on his Facebook page. Mike is the co-producer of this fine album and I'm thankful to the Celtic gods who obviously helped me find it 😉 The songs and the production remind me of some other brilliant contemporary Scottish and Irish … Continue reading Album Review / Kim Richards: Leaves That Fly
Album Review / Gnoss: Drawn From Deep Water
I discovered Gnoss last year; their EP Brother Wind was impressive, not just because of the truly stunning bodhran work of Craig Baxter. The songs were solid and full of spirit and I marked them as a band to follow closely. And the new album certainly does not disappoint. It's full of their quicksilver playing … Continue reading Album Review / Gnoss: Drawn From Deep Water
Album Review / Andrew Waite: Tyde
Let me just say that I find Simon Thoumire's excellent Hands Up For Trad website and his Foot Stompin' podcast most valuable sources for a fanboy like me to spot new and exciting music. It was on one of the more recents podcasts I came across the name of Andrew Waite. Didn't ring no bells … Continue reading Album Review / Andrew Waite: Tyde
On electronics in folk, adding drums as an afterthought and the art of arrangements: My interview with Tannara’s Becca and Owen
Tannara's Strands stands out as one of the brightest and most ambitious albums in the current Celtic folk scene. After listening to it repeatedly, a few things about it intrigued me so much I gathered up my courage and asked for an interview. I was delighted when Becca Skeoch and Owen Sinclair graciously took the … Continue reading On electronics in folk, adding drums as an afterthought and the art of arrangements: My interview with Tannara’s Becca and Owen
Album Review / Flook: Ancora
Wow. Just wow. After a recording break of 14 years (!!!), Flook are back - and they sound as if they last played together just a few days ago. They continue to amaze as they shine on this new album; for all the dazzling talents of its members, Flook are a remarkable unit as a … Continue reading Album Review / Flook: Ancora
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