Sparkling new CDs from Fellside’s younger generation:
F
ellside, one of this country’s foremost small independent folk labels, can never be
accused of ignoring up-and-coming young talent. In the case of this triumvirate of
new acts, label boss Paul Adams is clearly ahead of the pack in recognizing their potential
and having the foresight to sign them
pronto! For each has a strongly-defined
character and illustrates a different aspect of
FOLK
the incredible vibrancy of today’s folk scene.
Harpist/singer Rachel Newton and flautist Lillias Kinsman-Blake
met while degree students at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Their debut
CD is chock-full of fleet-footed, fresh-toned and clear-textured
performances of songs and tunes in roughly equal proportion. The
six songs are with one exception drawn from the tradition and learnt
directly from recordings of source singers, two being sung proficiently
in Gaelic. Rachel’s voice is pure in tone, yet also has depth, excellent
diction and a supple maturity of phrasing. The duo’s treatment of
Young Horseman and their cover of Gillian Welch’s Dear Someone
are especially beguiling. The instrumental tracks mix invigorating self-
penned tunes with modern and traditional items, all played with a
life-affirming zest (a highlight being the Hoi Lieffie! set). The lasses’ natural musicianship possesses
both a lithe and nimble quality and an expressiveness that virtuosity can easily belie, and a canny
feel for syncopation (gently augmented by percussionist Paul Jennings on five tracks). The delightfully
unpretentious contentment and joy in the playing proves equally uplifting for the listener.
Jack and Charlie, currently studying classical music at Birmingham
Conservatoire, were finalists in last year’s Radio 2 Young Folk Awards.
Rachel & Lillias
Bravely, the material on their debut CD is entirely non-traditional in
Dear Someone
origin: a collection of thoughtful and intelligent songs penned by Jack
Fellside Recordings
and instrumental pieces composed by violinist Charlie. The songs,
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though often distinctly personal in nature, are thought-provoking and
refreshingly devoid of archetypal student introspection. Most impressive
among these perhaps are Breakwaters and the intense Quiet The Child. Jack’s singing style is
forthright, confident and strongly individual; his guitar work, in contrast, is deft and imaginatively
melodic, whereas Charlie’s rich-toned accompaniment is supremely innovative in its approach
to phrasing and contour. In all, although initially Jack and Charlie’s debut offering may have less
immediate an impact than the other Fellside releases in this crop – uncompromising, a trifle
elusive, even daunting – paradoxically, it’s actually these qualities that make it so exciting. So it’s
worth persevering with close listening and eventually, yes, it will light up all your beacons.
The Maerlock’s debut is a cathartic and welcomingly
unpredictable experience. The band members met while
studying at the Royal Northern College Of Music; their
diverse musical sensibilities enable them to inventively
transform pieces from Britain’s heritage into a veritable
cocktail of folk and various global musics. Salma Adam,
Sarah Stuart, Paul-Isaac Franks, Olly Hamilton and Toby
Kearney together employ a broad instrumental palette,
with occasional creative enhancement from electronics, and
the lead vocal role is taken by Salma: cool and jazzy yet keenly
expressive. Macedonian Tune starts with stabbing rhythms that
melt into a freer Latin groove then funkily gear-change into a
Jack McNeill & frantic tumbling reel. Salma’s flute and Sarah’s fiddle provide a
Charlie Heys fiery front-line through which Olly weaves gleeful
Light Up All The
jazzy-classical improvisations. The five songs
Beacons tease out some intriguing treatments: I Drew
Fellside Recordings My Ship is given an eerily atmospheric setting,
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Two Magicians an exuberant Latin vibe, and Twa
Corbies an Eastern European feel. The disc’s
encore introduces the 13-piece Maerlock Big
Band, which augments the quintet with horns, rhythm section and
extra fiddle – mega-impressive!
Fellside have backed three clear winners here, all of whom proudly
proclaim an individual take on the concept of folk music, and have The Maerlock
something genuinely unique to offer the listener.
Sofa
Fellside Recordings
David Kidman
6 Properganda 0
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