Gary Allan’s 25 year career has seen him top the charts on several occasions and I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruthless didn’t follow in the footsteps of previous records such as ‘Set You Free’. The production and instrumentation draws from Allan’s 80’s and 90’s influences. Temptation kicks off the record with a very intriguing arrangement, …
Kate Rusby ANGELS & MEN Pure Records ***1/2 Subtle and delicate tones that warm the heart This Christmas album marks Kate Rusby’s 25 years in the business. It’s no wonder the artist has had such a lengthy career, owing to her gentle tone of voice and emotive delivery. ‘See Amid The Winter Snow’ is my …
Kate Rusby's ANGELS & MEN is a true winter warmer Read More »
Four piece band Pilgrims’ Way oozes the rich variety of English Folk culture that will lead you to consider the storytelling of yesteryear and the heritage connected with it. Opening song, ‘Caveat For Cutpurses’, is equally astonishing and unique. With inspiration taken from playwright Ben Johnson’s ‘Bartholomew Fair’ it sets an interesting scene, the result …
'Stand and Deliver' by Pilgrims' Way is noticeable for its originality Read More »
Ned Roberts OUTSIDE MY MIND Aveline Records 4.5 stars A hopeless romantic but Ned Roberts is one to watch With his 2014 self-titled debut album receiving significant exposure on BBC radio, newcomer to the British folk scene, London based Ned Roberts is sure to reach an even wider audience with OUTSIDE MY MIND. Recorded in …
Hat Fitz & Cara AFTER THE RAIN Independent Release *** Vintage meets modern in a drum fuelled, foot stomping showdown. Australian Hat Fitz and Irish born Cara Robinson are a husband and wife team based ‘down under’ that are a unique combination of hill-style Gospel blues and stripped back, drum driven roots topped off with …
The Western Flyers WILD BLUE YONDER Versa Tone Records 4.5 stars Fresh take on a classic American art form Sounding like the energetic authentic Western Swing version of the Star Wars cantina band, this new band manage to combine Western Swing, hot jazz, cowboy songs and fantastic fiddle tunes into a truly unique country offering. …
NAKED MUSIC – THE SONGBOOK Eleanor McEvoy Hot Press Books With her latest album NAKED MUSIC firmly established in the folk catalogue, Eleanor McEvoy has embarked on a worldwide tour and has now published her first ever songbook to support the album. Inspiration for the album came after Eleanor purchased a painting by famed English …
Book review: Naked music – The Songbook – Eleanor McEvoy Read More »
Red Moon Road SORROWS AND GLORIES Manitoba Film and Music ***** Blissfully beautiful folk that will have you harmonising with your hips swaying. Aptly titled Sorrows and Glories, Red Moon Road return with their third studio album, which was recorded in the aftermath of an accident which saw lead singer Sheena Rattai need to take …
John Ward SARGASSO Ion Music UK *** East Anglian singer-songwriter done good Back in the days of yore, a little after the days of knight’s with helmets and horses, but certainly when I still had all my own teeth, I used to watch John Ward playing support slots in many East Anglian folk clubs, often …
Exchange Studio, Maidstone September 30, 2016 Alan Cackett is an iconic figure in the music world and his encyclopaedic knowledge of country music is unrivalled. Alan’s passion began with an innocent record collecting hobby. By September 1966, he was editing and producing two magazines and ever since has been involved in promoting tours, organising festivals, …
Alan Cackett’s 50th Anniversary in Music: a Celebration Read More »
