Multi-national trio of  enchanting singers combine their harmonies, musical roots and languages for this hugely entertaining album .

Release Date:  9th June 2024

Label: Self release

Format:   CD

Although only familiar with German born Karen Pfeiffer through her touring the folk circuit with Paul Walker, I knew this new venture would reveal some treats. Blending their own arrangements of a variety familiar songs  English, German and Russian traditional tunes and their own arrangements has been a great success.

My Love’s In Germany  opens the album  and introduces immediately to their splendid harmonies. A Celtic flavoured  tune Song Of The Free follows, with sweet lead vocals. The much covered protest Peatbog Soldiers written by imprisoned German communists  is given an airing and expertly blends their languages too.

Flowers is a traditional English folk tale and highlights the simple but effective instrumentation heard through the album. Although supported by Jason Emberton and  Katrina Davies they are equally adept  with bouzouki, guitar, accordion, bodhran, shruti box, percussion and woodwind on the album.

Introduced by spoken German, Lady Margaret is a jaunty mystical tune with a familiar character to folky  followers, Tam Lin.  Phil Beer lends his hand on violin on the instantly recognisable tune( well to 60sSeekers fans anyway!) of the lesser known tragic traditional tale, The Cossack’s Bride (sung in Russian , English and German). Just in case you were under a rock in the 60s the song ends with the well known chorus to remind you of where you’ve heard the tune before.

Tragedy at sea is no stranger to the folk  world and is represented by the Scottish tale May Colven, once sung by Emily Smith, a lady who became familiar with ATB in its very early days through her performing with partner Jamie McClennan. From Scotland to Italy (emphasising what an international journey we have on this album!!) we have the lively Bella Ciao.

To complete the album we have the evergreen favourite , the 60’s anthem Where Have All The Flowers Gone which is given a truly international make over and  reflects globally how we haven’t learnt anything. The finale comes onThose Were The Days, with some mournful violin and smooth harmonies .

Those who  attend the launch at the Riverhouse Barn in Walton-On-Thames will be highly privileged to hear these songs live and I hope  Odette, Karen and Daria’s tour which follows, reaches our locality

Here’s The Cossack’s Bride:

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