The new album, her fifth, is somewhat of a departure but also a return to her roots, in that she has chosen to record folk songs reminiscent or redolent of her childhood and her introduction to the genre, and in doing so is treading in the footsteps of the likes of Joan Baez and Jean Ritchie, as well as Cecil Sharp. Given that the renewed popularity of many of the tracks can be dated back to the folk revival, she has followed the trail well, bringing her haunting and evocative vocals within sparse, fragile but emotive arrangements to a selection of traditional and well-loved tunes. Many of them, such as ‘Let No Man Steal Your Thyme,’ act as a warning to fair and young maidens not to dispense of their favours lightly, and the possible consequences if they do. Other are songs to be shared with children, a reflection of her recent events and include the likes of ‘The Counting Song’(other titles and versions are available) and ‘Come And I Will Sing You’ or ‘Jenny Put The Kettle On.’

The nine tracks were recorded live in the studio in collaboration with Zack Hobbs (of Richard and Linda Thomson family) and Anna Rheingans (of Sisters repute), for whom significant credit is also due.

The whole album makes for easy but rewarding listening, a wonderful example of how new life can be breathed into old and familiar material.  Maz herself refers to songs being polished over time like pebbles washed smooth by countless tides.  All in all, an interesting and enjoyable diversion before she returns to self-penned material, an event to which we look forward.