Corrie Shelley releases an album of her diverse folky songs with members of her touring band which will appeal to all discerning  music followers.

Release Date:  Out Now

Label:   Shelley Clan Music

Format: CD / Digital

I am wondering after listening to the delightful voice of Corrie Shelley on her  heartfelt album Forget Me Not how many more hidden gems there are entertaining in our national folk clubs, which have sadly dwindled drastically since the 70’s when there was  a plethora of clubs in each town.

Shelley shows that she can sing her self penned songs of forlorn love through betrayal, separation and abandonment ,  family anxiety concerning tragedy and loss and songs of social issues about religion, with sensitivity and honesty.

Her ability to compose songs throughout different folk styles, traditional, folk rock and a touch of country too is astounding.

Her songs are touching, sensitive and yearning but never morose or dirgy , appealing to the modern folk ear and to those of more traditional bent. When accompanied by her tight support band they are always in tandem with whatever mood Corrie is trying to convey.  

She is mainly supported on the album by Stephen Shelley (drums and percussion), Les Hilton (guitar, lap steel , harmonica) and John Kettle (guitar bass and drums). There is also the addition of Nicki Louise on bass for Clocks. They are all  capable of rocking it up and being melodious. John  also takes the production and recording credit but touring duties are taken on by Nicki.

To illustrate this eclectic  compilation of folk styles the opening track I Wish I’d Listened   romps along with mix of country meets The Seekers  in which she rues not taking parental advice. The Box sees her accompanied by a delightful mix of a warm acoustic guitar, lap steel guitar  and simple beat as she attempts to bring closure to a relationship which began with so much promise.

Culloden has a Celtic flavour and Hard to Believe could easily be dropped into an early Fairport Convention album as they were  developing their new folk sound. There is  wonderful upbeat ending with Shadows’ Hank  Marvin solo- like licks shuffling along including a rolling  bass solo. Bluesy harmonica rings out on Big Man; a tongue-in-cheek poke at religious salvation. 

All the songs , apart from Sit Down Together with which  Bob Kettle collaborated, are written totally by Corrie, who also plays guitar, ukulele and shruti. She lets us in to her personal world pouring her heart out without grating on our emotions. 

Her songs can be plaintive and they can have ‘ooomph;’ there is a soft touch to the music but listen carefully and there are  hard- edged messages too.  The chemistry between her and the band comes through strongly on this delicate palette of folky tunes.

Corrie is hoping to build on the success of Over Hulton Folk Club, which attracts national and international artists to their monthly concerts and encourages locals to join in on singarounds too. A  performance by the  globally renowned Strawbs is planned for 2022!

Corrie Shelley: Bandcamp / Website / Twitter

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