This week’s Folk Show features new music from Jess Tuthill, Megson, Daoiri Farrell, Lau, Jon Wilks, Claire Hastings, Harbottle and Jonas, Joshua Burnell, Martin Simpson (a live track from 2007), Tom Russell, California Feetwarmers, Todd Snider and Kinloch Nelson.
There are also some favourites from Allysen Callery, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young & Crazy Horse.
Music Played
Allysen Callery – Blackwaterside (feat. Bob Kendall)
From a 2014 Folk Radio UK Session – The session marked a new direction for Allysen on which she intertwines her love of psychedelic and trad folk. Her friend Bob Kendall (bobkendall.com) recorded her in his shed one snowy evening, “Don Julio tequila was involved” she tells me, “He put the ambient production on for fun, and I liked it so much now I think we’ll be making more music together. His style & mine are a perfect match.” Full Session here. It’s also available on Bandcamp here.
Jess Tuthill – Fuzzy Love
Whilst in London recently I bumped into Jess at a late night jamming session and she sent me her new single Fuzzy Love which I was very taken by. Definitely, a name to watch out for as she has a promising future. You can grab this track on Bandcamp.
Leonard Cohen – The Partisan
from Songs from a Room, Cohen’s second album released in 1969.
Megson – The New Girl
from Contradicshun, one of our Featured Albums of the Month. “It is no overstatement to say that Contradicshun is a masterpiece of shared creativity, the fullest flowering of a partnership that has been nurtured for fifteen years. It is Megson’s most complete album and their best to date.” Read the full review here.
Daoirí Farrell – Rosie Reilly
From A Lifetime of Happiness. Daoirí is also our Artist of the Month. “A Lifetime of Happiness confirms that progression, with songs that are delivered with infinite care and deep affection; and intricate arrangements that never take centre stage. It’s a perfect mix. Daoirí Farrell’s passion for Irish song extends to his engaging sleeve notes, providing not only the origins of these songs but his inspiration for singing them. Of those songs he says “I hope I served them well” – he most certainly did. A Lifetime of Happiness is a wonderful album that delights on every level.” Read the full review here.
Lau – Itshardtoseemtobeokwhenyourenot
From Midnight and Closedown, one of our Featured Albums of the Month. “This is music in evolution – tempo and dynamics are in constant motion, in a state of flux that’s paused and re-started like a tape machine. Melody, poetry, emotion and memory weave in and out like stories. Midnight And Closedown is the next chapter in Lau’s fascinating story. As ever from Lau, it’s a unique and exceptional album.” Read the full review here.
Jon Wilks – There Was an Old Man Came Over the Sea (Roud 362)
From Midlife. Jon recently wrote a gust article for Folk Radio in which he shares his journey of uncovering traditional folk songs from the Midlands which led to the release of this Midlife album back in November… But it doesn’t stop there. Read it here.
Claire Hastings – Jack the Sailor
From Those Who Roam, a Featured Album of the Month. “Each individual element of this album is worthy of praise in its own right. Guitar, fiddle, accordion and piano provide pace or pathos in exactly the right measure, Inge Thomson’s production delivers an inventive finish, and, of course, Claire’s clear and inviting vocal shines throughout. This is far more than a vehicle for that fine voice, though. It’s a collection where new work stands side-by-side with traditional songs that, while immediately familiar, are still capable of inspiring a new and imaginative approach. Those Who Roam is a shining example of the enduring appeal of traditional songs, and of Claire Hastings’ exceptional talent for delivering them.” Read the full review here.
Harbottle And Jonas – A Lady Awake
From The Sea is My Brother, the fourth album from this fast-rising Devon duo (out on 22nd February) – “awash with strong songs and excellent musicianship and fully deserves to carry the duo aloft on a wave of acclaim and success.” read our full review here.
Joshua Burnell – Ah! Robin, Gentyl Robin
From The Road to Horn Fair. Burnell pays homage to the sounds of the late sixties and seventies. Fun, lots of tongue in cheek but at the same time spot on. Read our Album Review here.
Martin Simpson – I Can’t Keep from Crying Sometimes (Live)
This is from the forthcoming Deluxe Double CD release on Topic Records celebrating their 80th Anniversary. It features a 24-page booklet with new sleeve notes by Colin Irwin and Martin Simpson. The second CD was recorded live at Union Chapel, Islington, London on 13th November 2007.
Townes Van Zandt – Colorado Girl
From Townes third self-titled album, originally released in 1969.
Bob Dylan – If You See Her, Say Hello (Take 1) [Edit]
From The Bootleg Series Vol. 14, More Blood, More Tracks. Danny Neill wrote a great piece on the expansive Deluxe Edition of the album which is well worth a read here.
Tom Russell – October In The Railroad Earth
From October In The Railroad Earth which is due for release via Proper Records. I’m a big Beat Generation fan, especially Jack Kerouac, so this had to feature in the show… I love the nostalgia of Russell’s music which always resonates way below the surface. The new studio album comprises ten original Tom Russell songs, including the title track from the Irish film Small Engine Repair and features Bill Kirchen on lead electric guitar, Eliza Gilkyson on backing vocals and the Grammy Award-winning Texmaniacs.
Russell describes the songs and sound as: “Jack Kerouac meets Johnny Cash…in Bakersfield”. Order it here.
California Feetwarmers – No Vacancy
From Gloryland, due for a UK release on March 15th. Another collection of period gems and originals that finds them exploring the full depth and range of their character. Since being Grammy-nominated for their work with ‘Keb ‘Mo on his Blues Americana project, the band has continued to tour internationally and build on their reputation as boisterous entertainers whose on-stage antics are solidly underpinned by playing that is as close to the source as it can be.
Todd Snider – Talking Reality Television Blues
From Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3 which is released in the UK on March 15th. Snider has long been recognized as one of his generation’s most gifted and engaging songwriters, so it’s no surprise he has returned with a brilliant set of songs — and make no mistake. Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3 contains some of his best work as a writer.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse – The Losing End (When You’re On)
From Everybody Knows this is Nowhere. Young’s second solo album which was released in 1969 – he joined Crosby, Stills and Nash just a month after its release. I was there at Wembley when he performed with Crazy Horse in 1987, an unforgettable concert.
Kinloch Nelson – Partly On Time
From Partly on Time: Recordings 1968-1970 which will be released worldwide on March 22nd via Tompkins Square. Nelson has been pretty much flying under the radar despite still having a performance schedule alongside teaching privately and conducting guitar workshops. It was thanks to Duck Baker that the guitarist was brought to the attention of Tompkins Square, who visited Rochester in 2018 supporting his own Tompkins Square archival release, Les Blues Du Richmond: Demos & Outtakes, 1973-1979. Read more about the release here.
Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash