The Driving Test
A Musical Car Ride
Whilst we would love to give every album/EP/single a full indepth review,we are only human and don't have a time turner so we aren't able to give every release the time and attention it deserves.
In the past that would have ment that we either reviewed a release or we didn't, but now we have a third option, a middle way.
The solution here has been a simple one. Rather than review individual artists' CD's at length, we play them one after the other on a long car journey. The simple listening test is: "are they bearable in the car - interesting, enjoyable, not distracting". This may not be how the artists want us to hear their work, but it's how a lot gets listened to for the first time and at least raises awarenes! The rating system is simple and provides a shorthand for reference.:
Mark Lewandowski - A Bouquet (For Lady Day) ****
http://www.mark-lewandowski-bass.com
"A Bouquet(For Lady Day)" is a killer of an album and if you play it in the car after a long day, that could be literally. Sat between jazz and American songbook, bassist Mark Lewandowski has, together with Liam Nobel(paino) and guest vocalist Heidi Vogal, delivered an album that brings sophistication to a new level. This is an album for those wordless conversations leaning together on the sofa, rich in expression and mood, occasionally joined by lyrics, the cover of "Lady Sings The Blues" just captures a time to make memories. This is music to chill to to, just not behind the wheel of a car. AI
Now Voyagers - The Best Of All Possible Worlds ***
https://nowvoyagers.bandcamp.com
Now Voyagers is the project title for an album based on the writing and arragements of Kim Green. As the name of the band suggests, this is a journey album, taking us on a number of trips through life and the universe. Recorded in a chamber folk style, and some of Bath's finest musicians and performers. Journeys are often difficult and making it through some of those is often the most rewarding. There were times I failed to get where Now Voyagers were going with some of the tracks, but they always intrigued and like a good walk deserved a revisit. I also found "The Best Of All Pobbible Worlds" not to be rigidly route marched through, but which rewarded more on individual paths. NK
Erin K - Sink To Swim ****
https://erink.uk
There is a lot of poetry in the both the words of Erin K and the way she constructs her songs. It's a deceptive album, contemporary and uplifting in timbre, but not without a darkerside to some of the tales, including controlling relationships. There's an old adage that the easiest way to fail is not to try, "Sink To Swim" is an album that reaches inside and inspires making the effort, jump in, you'll never swim until you make the first step or stroke. Erin K sings in images and I love her sense of vision. Go for it! NK
Filkin's Ensemble - Live From The Folk EP *****
https://filkinsmusic.com/ensemble
This Birmingham area supergroup, a full 15 members, recently launched their debut EP and have been out on the festival circuit to boot. They've also become a staple on my journey home from work, not only because because it's one that raises the soul, but also because at just over twenty minutes it's car park to home. A veritable folk orchestra gives old standards, like "John Barleycorn" and "Wind & Rain" a different almost sophisticated feel, but it's "Old Spot" that provides a stirring feeling in the chest long after the music has faded. AI
Randall Stephen Hall - Red Man Rua ***
http://www.randallstephenhall.com
"Red Man Rua" is the latest cut from Belfast raised singer-songwriter and illustrator Randall Stephen Hall. Hall's releases are very much based on observation and have a very storybook feel to them, be they be on the more stripped back side or slightly showband in feel. Identity and purpose are a recurring theme across the album and whilst Randall mayu noty have the most expressive voice you'll ever here, he delivers on song after song. Whilst you're at it, check out his illustred book, "The Duck" an illustrated remix of The Ugly Duckling. NK
Kyle Culkin - Shotgun Ridge ***
https://www.kyleculkin.com/
Argueably this should be Kyle Culkin and friends, with guest appearences from the likes of BB King, Jade Macrae and Johnny Hilland. "Shotgun Ridge" runs the gamut of Americana genres, touching on blues, country, rockabilly and even swamp pop. This isn't an album that's going to tak your brain, but it will definitely get your toes tapping and it's a great accompaniament to a summer road trip. NK
Fred Abbott And The Wild Unknown - Shining Under The Soot****
http://www.fredabbott.com/
Only Abbott's second solo album since Noah & The Whale split up, the first being 2015's "Serious Poke", it wasn't until I'd heard the first couple of tracks of "Shining Under The Soot" that I realised how much I'd missed his slightly tangental approach to song writing. Fred Abbott has assembled him self a pretty good backing unit and a vocalist or two to share the work with. Yes there are elements of blue collar rock about the album, but they are well mixed in with Abbott's very individual stylings, definitely one to check out. NK
Keturah - Keturah ****
https://www.facebook.com/Localgirll
Having seemingly emerged from nowhere, this debut, emponymous album from Malawi's Keturah, has resparked my love for world music in a way I haven't had since the likes of Bhundu Boys or Kanda Bongo Man. With a voice to die for and backing that activiates the neurons this is an album that has good time written all over it and whilst I can barely understand a word the feel good factor takes this to another level, party or chill room, Keturah is a name to listen out for and to. AI
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.
Folk Friday Radio
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