This review is written by Dai Woosnam, daigress@hotmail.com, 7/04
This is an album showcasing the talents of some of the stalwart
talents of the North East Lincolnshire (England) folk scene. That it
has been produced in aid of a worthy local charity will not affect the
way I approach it as a critic. My foremost consideration will be
whether or not the prospective buyer of this album will be making a
shrewd purchase.
This was a live recording made one night last winter in aid of “The
Heneage Live At Home Scheme” (part of a nationwide initiative run by
the Methodist Church for the most senior of Senior Citizens). And as
you would expect with live recordings, what it lacks in finesse it more
than makes up in spontaneity.
We start of with the authoritative guitar and vocal delivery of Roger
Beard. The two numbers he presents are sure-footedness personified. And
how nice to hear someone sing Dylan with no hint of an American accent.
Then comes veteran Bob Heaton. Now this guy is respected throughout the
County as one of the finest “a cappella” singers around. He is not
always the best judge of what suits him, but the two he selects here
are well-chosen. Indeed “The Spaniard Who Blighted My Life” (with
audience participation singing the “He Shall Die!” response) is a
candidate for the best track on the album.
Then comes Eddie Weeks with his couple. How nice to hear that Paul
Metsers song again. About 18 years ago, New Zealander Metsers’ songs
were ever so popular on the UK Folk Circuit: nowadays you seldom hear
them.
Broadsword are a duo new to me. Accomplished musicianship, and good
vocals….if albeit the latter are a bit derivative! Their “Hotel
California” sounded more “Eagles” than the real thing.
Then Dick Appleton who incidentally recorded and produced this album.
He has a big reputation in the County as a blues guitarist and
vocalist. And you can hear why. He does nothing fancy with the lyric:
just puts it across in the traditional way.
And then Parcel of Rogues, a trio fronted by Martin Carthy soundalike,
Martin Campbell. Was particularly taken with “Gabriel’s Message” with
its words by the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould. (Now, that is the Folk
name to trump all other names in a name-dropping review, eh?!)
Get this very decent album at the very modest price of £8
(excluding postage), and remember your money goes to a fine cause. And
for you North Americans reading this: obtain this CD and it will give
you an insight into the Folk Scene in a coastal part of the East of
England, some 200 miles north of London.
Buy it from Martin Campbell atmartincampbell9@ntlworld.com
Dai Woosnam
Grimsby, England
daigress@hotmail.com
Track List:
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