Plainsong – Following Amelia, the 1972 recordings and more: Boxset Review
A trawl through the years and archives, hoovering up, enjoyably, all things Earhart and beyond. How was it not seen how good this band was back then?
"Well, what sort of music do you like, Seuras?" Ever since that question was first aired by his mother a decade or six back he has struggled with the answer. And struggles still now. Call him a folkie, a country dude, a bluesman and he'll be happy, but don't forget the whiff of jazz, electronica and more. Not so keen on the charts, mind.
A trawl through the years and archives, hoovering up, enjoyably, all things Earhart and beyond. How was it not seen how good this band was back then?
Astonishing game, set and match from Hartley, overlooked and underloved bandleader with a prescient knack for where blues, soul and jazz meet, his band(s) masters of all.
Astonishing later life flourish of new wave rhythms from this polished songwriter, blowing away, and some, any earlier stereotyping.
Rewarding reinvention of Dublin legend evokes memories of classic Irish acts, all framed within an acidic self judgement.
A retro folk bomb of some delight, consistently sublime vocals with sterling backing from an A team of Scots trad specialists.
Feisty neo-trad warriors, Elephant Sessions, stamp an indelible mark on their state of the art highlands fusion.
Surprising and searching solo debut from this accomplished singer, with a beguiling switch of focus.
A balmy day in Bethnal Green finds this ambitious enterprise going from strength to strength, with something for everyone.
Stunning dual pipes and guitar virtuoso playing and a whole lot more.
Elemental music, literally, from the Northern Isles. Powerful and organic.
Bluegrassy jam band from the mountains with a moonshiney special brew – all on Summer Honey from Shovelin Stone.
Sumptuous recording of Gretchen Peters at her finest, in concert, with her band and the Southern Fried Quartet.
Swampy hardcore electric blues from Nashville, with added flavours of gospel, soul and zydeco, from 2nd generation blues royalty; Shemekia Copeland.
Wickham Festival 2022 was a far cry from last years’ deluge ridden iteration. We were in sunshine for this years festival.
Charlie Musselwhite delivers another career high point with an album full of swampy swagger as the great bluesman returns to the delta.