Claire Hastings: Those Who Roam
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.
Copper Viper: Cut it Down, Count the Rings
Cut it Down does not feel much like a debut album. The songs and performances are strong and confident and pieces like ‘Unseen’ are bold and experimental. It also feels like a set of robust, well-written songs that have been carefully and purposefully crafted to sit alongside each other harmoniously. The playing, too, is top-draw, at once subtle and dynamic, with the flourishes pitched just right. The overall impression is that these two musicians fit each other’s talents very well, with each being very aware of the other, but most importantly, this is an album that is a real pleasure to sit and listen to; there is not a bum note on there and it all feels at once new and utterly focused and considered. Hats fully off to them, I just wonder where they go from here.
Cormac Byrne & Adam Summerhayes: Stone Soup
Under the Aarne-Thompson-Uther classification system for almost all folk tales, the ‘Stone Soup’ ones are considered ‘clever man’ stories; these two musicians are most certainly clever men and their own Stone Soup project is the best thing I have heard so far this year. I love the innocence and mystery of improvised music and Stone Soup is one of the finest examples of it I can think of. A beautiful album.
Damien Jurado: In the Shape of a Storm
Having spent several restless years in search and motion, it would seem Jurado has finally found a shore on which to set anchor and land, the fact that he wrote these songs many years ago fittingly echoing the sense of waiting for time to unfold its plans.
Daoirí Farrell – A Lifetime of Happiness
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.
Daughter of Swords: Dawnbreaker
Expectations are deceiving. What leads you down one path sometimes takes you in a direction you never expected to go. Along the way, the experiences help shape what you will become. The journey taken to create Daughter of Swords’ Dawnbreaker dazzles in its simplicity. And it surprises in the ability to put a positive spin onto some of life’s heartbreaking moments.
Dervish – The Great Irish Songbook
Featuring a long list of special guests, The Great Irish Songbook is a stirring celebration of both their own thirty years together and the music of their native Ireland, given the wealth of material on which to draw, perhaps a future anniversary might bring another most welcome second volume.
Edd Donovan: Guardians Of Our Time
I believe you can always hear the difference between music that had to be written and that which is written to order. Edd Donovan’s work belongs firmly in the former, these songs have solid foundations and were simply waiting for someone with a visionary radar to bring them into the world. So, for the time being, the man remains a social worker. However, creating music is indisputably in his blood, it’s his true calling. I sincerely hope there comes a day when he can dedicate all his time to developing his craft. This album is one more giant step towards that day; ‘Guardians Of Our Time’ is a modern-day folk song for people with a taste for beauty, adventure, nature and wonder. His best album yet.
There are some albums that reflect a current mood or fit snugly into their own period of history. With Feather, Edgelarks have not tried to achieve that. Instead, they have accomplished something more impressive. They have created an album that captures something much more long-lasting, universal and difficult to pin down: the nature of human happiness and the need for hope, not just now but in perpetuity. And in that respect Feather is an uplifting triumph.
Restitute came out of necessity and a feeling of personal responsibility towards her friends. Here is a collection of diverse songs that clearly mean a lot to her …a singer at the height of her power.