Fallow Alchemy is the second studio album from husband/wife duo Will Finn and Rosie Calvert. Their concept of ‘the radical and transformative power of rest and stillness’ follows many traditional and contemporary pathways between old English ballads and Americana. A varied and engaging stream of acappella tracks and cleverly-crafted ensemble pieces.
‘Daddy Fox’ is an earthier version of the old folk-song ‘The Fox’ that many of us may have learned at school in simpler times. On another evergreen – ‘The Herring Song’ the splendid accompanists, Nicola Beazley (fiddle), Bertie Armstrong (banjo) and Adam Stapleford (percussion) add to the alchemy and I think I may have found another favourite instrument for accompanying many folk songs – Rosie’s steel-pan playing is a pleasure throughout this whole album. There is easy delight here but most of all there is infectious joy. From Rosie’s wickedly clever, sardonic retort when questioned by her husband in ‘Lady, What Do You Do All Day?’ to the restful peace of the set ‘Weed’s Waltz/Oranges In Bloom/Beattie’s Waltz’.
In the rich but sometimes over-heady abundance of folk sounds this album will reconnect you for an hour or so to the echoes of traditional songs from the early days of your widening folk-music consciousness. I can recommend singing along to this album – really!, I’ve tried it!
Bob Langstaff.
willfinnandrosiecalvert.com
