For reasons I can't for the life of me remember, I did not write a word on the fab duo of Rachel and Dan's 2021 releases, the gentle folk/singer-songwriter style early bird // night owl (yep, that's the album title) and the almost 100 % instrumental mini-album (at 26 minutes) ReDrawing Edinburgh, music for a … Continue reading Dowally continues to evolve with “Ici et là-bas”
Tag: contemporary folk music
The waiting is over for Socks in the Frying Pan
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
“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”
Calan goes out in a blaze of glory with “Nefydd”
So sad... I'm sure there are perfectly good reasons for Calan to wrap up their amazing journey, from supertalented youngsters to the undisputed masters and stars of modern Welsh folk. But I can't but feel a bit forlorn here. I have loved their music, and now that they present us with their finest work, they … Continue reading Calan goes out in a blaze of glory with “Nefydd”
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
Throwback time: “Otherworld” (1999) by Lúnasa
Just a quick note here. It had been years and years since I had listened to this wonderful album before I pressed play on it yesterday and was energized all over again. 26 years after its release, Otherworld remains a treasure trove of vision and energy. The guys at the time were already experienced and … Continue reading Throwback time: “Otherworld” (1999) by Lúnasa
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!
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