Anyone familiar with Peggy Seeger's life will know that she's an irrepressible tour de force of an artist. So, no surprises for fans when the album rumoured as her last arrives with a touch of irony in its title, 'First Farewell'. It's Seeger's 24th solo album in a...
Mark my words dear reader, there will come a year when Iain Matthews releases only one album, 2021 isn’t it though. Until then he keeps up his prodigious output with each new or archive release holding a charm all its own. As many as he produces I don’t believe he’s...
Unearthed by MIG- Made In Germany- this album may have a groan inducing title but the contents from a 1978 radio broadcast more than justifies the archaeology. Just what was it with maids? The Smart Alecs among you will know this crew had already named one album after...
The new album from Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere marks an interesting stage in their journey as Ninebarrow. The enforced isolation of lockdown has encouraged self reflection for many of us, whether by purpose or not. Jon and Jay had a stark realisation of the...
In amongst the various musical adventures of Jon Boden, there have been a few common strings. One of the most obvious is the solo albums that form the promised trilogy that began with 'Songs From The Floodplain' back in 2010. Starting with a post apocalyptic view of...
The very thing for these difficult times, a new Edward II recording, brimming with sunshine, good time intentions, infectious melodies and a definite party intention. But this is different: I suppose it was only a matter of time before E II turned their attention to...
Fiddle music and its many variants is a multi-headed beast and the native ethnic textures that make its unique style is what makes it so attractive to the trained and consumerist ear. John O'Regan takes a look at a batch of diverse releases covering everything from...
There aren’t too many bands that get asked to play punk and folk festivals, but Headsticks are one. Latest release ‘C.O.W.’ is their fourth and first on Chapter 22 records and it’s a mind and body-provoking collection of songs of “Folk, Punk, Roots, Revolution”. First...
Recorded in a four hour session in New Orleans in 2019, that brevity is both the strength and weakness of this release. There’s a freshness about the recordings, especially Alabama Slim’s world-worn and gritty vocals but at times the players embrace what might be most...
This release is a collection of out takes from London Ned Roberts’ first three albums and acts as a primer to those unfamiliar with his work. Vocally, Roberts evokes shades of James Taylor in his gentle melodic style. Opener “Ring Of Stones” is an autumnal love song...
Following up on the release of 'All Souls' in 2018 (reviewed here on Spiral Earth), Eamon O'Leary has delivered 'The Silver Sun' for our enjoyment in 2021. Whilst much has changed in the world over that period, O'Leary's approach to the new record has shifted little...
Born in Oklahoma, but now resident in Essex, Bob Collum’s American and British influences are displayed for all to hear on this album, which has a lot in common with cult Springfield, Missouri’s The Skeletons and the UK’s Rockpile. The Buddy Holly “Midnight Shift”...
On Saturday 27 February, Seth Lakeman performed an online session celebrating the 15th anniversary of the release of his seminal album Freedom Fields. The session was wonderfully filmed and the audio was superb, all of which makes you miss live music even more. It is...
jim Causley is a fine singer and box player from Devon who will be well known to those who like their folk music at the traditional end of the spectrum. He has been nominated no less than six times for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and won the Spiral Earth Singer of the...
This is a quality CD that comfortably straddles the line between country and Americana. Peach and Quiet are Heather Read and Jonny Miller. They have an established reputation on the Canadian roots scene and judging by this it’s well deserved. They offer up songs with...
This should be called Country and Wilmington music. Let me explain. Milton Hide are Jim and Josie Tipler from Wilmington, Sussex and they take their name from a patch of woodland near their home. They are a folk duo that do what good folksingers do. They wander...
One of the benefits of career longevity is the amassed treasure of past recordings that can be compiled, reworked or repackaged. Inevitably, there is plenty to write about too. That's how we end up with Richard Thompson's first autobiography, 'Beeswing'. It...
Double CD as diverse as the Knockengorroch gathering itself – hopefully Covid clear, held this coming September – which was laid over due to circumstances and replaced by a digital event. Most of this eclectic roster have become firm festival favourites, whilst...
From the archives of Lincolnshire guitarist Eddie Baird comes a two fer reissue on Manchester's worthy Epona label. You may know his name from The Amazing Blondel, if you've the original Island LPs where they dressed as dandies, revealing a music rooted in centuries...
Begun a decade ago ‘Still Time,’ sat on the shelf as Matheson’s life unfolded personal loss, brought back during the difficult days of lock down, reflection meant focus updated the tracks and completion. Over seen by husband Donald Shaw who handles multiple...
