A couple of introductions, in case either or both are necessary:
Nic Jones is a towering figure in the folk revival: a singer, arranger and guitarist whose work reshaped traditional song for generations of listeners and performers. A hugely influential performer throughout the 70s, his ‘Penguin Eggs’ album is rightly recognised as a classic, frequently included in ‘best of’ lists compiled by those who know. Nic was severely injured in a road accident in 1982 and has been unable to perform since then, other than a few emotional appearances in recent years.
Sam Carter is one of the finest contemporary folk singers and guitarists in Britain. A songsmith in his own right just as was Nic and like Jones, he is also a fabulous interpreter of traditional songs. A BBC Folk Award winner, his intricate, driving fingerpicking guitar style, has also long been admired, with figures such as Jon Boden of Bellowhead and broadcaster Mike Harding among those who have praised his playing. Carter’s connection to Jones’s music is not new or casual; it is the result of years of admiration and close listening, something evident in every phrase of this performance. He approaches this material with the assurance, sensitivity and musical intelligence it deserves
The album itself, recorded live at Celtic Connections, is a beautiful and deeply respectful celebration of one of English folk music’s most distinctive voices. Rather than simply imitating Jones, Carter captures the spirit, tension and elegance of the songs while bringing his own warmth and clarity to them. The live setting adds an extra sense of intimacy and commitment, making the album feel both like a celebration and a living continuation of a remarkable body of work. Having recently had the good luck and pleasure of seeing the songs performed live, to an audience happy to sing along to the well-remembered and much loved material, it is certainly the case that fans of the originals are also captivated by and approving of the current interpretations.
Perhaps most importantly, this recording has the potential to introduce Nic Jones — and the mainly traditional material he made so powerfully his own — to new audiences. That would be a triumph in itself. But this album achieves even more than that: it reminds us just how vital, moving and brilliantly crafted these songs still are in the hands of a musician who truly understands them.
Damian Liptrot.
www.samcartermusic.co.uk
