Reviews
Artist:Kitewing Album: Kitewing
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: https://www.kitewingmusic.com
Already booked to appear at Cambridge, Ely and Sidmouth Folk Festivals in 2024, Norwich-based Kitewing are poised to soar this year with the release of their eponymous debut album providing further lift to their latest collaborative venture. For Kitewing is probably the closest thing to an acoustic super group to have emerged from Norfolk in recent times.
Fiddle player Georgia Shackleton, guitarist Aaren Bennett and mandolin player Nic Zuppardi first came together in 2011 via stampy English folk ensemble Addison's Uncle. Formed by Philip Pearson, the album, 'I'd Like to Tell You A Story', received considerable local airplay. Nowadays, the three friends still perform together as The Shackleton Trio, and their debut album 'Mousehold' won much praise for its powerful three-part harmonies and their Norfolk-inspired songs.
Zuppardi's own solo release, 'North Cape', showcased his own writing and playing, and also drew beauty from the local landscapes. It also featured guitar and banjo player Christina Alden and fiddle player Alex Patterson who, as a duo, have performed at many festivals, and who also toured with Show of Hands. Their own 'Hunter' album was praised by The Guardian as 'evoking the sensation of a summer folk festival'.
To say, therefore, that Kitewing's own debut album has been keenly anticipated is nothing short of an understatement. And what a joyous release it is - a formidable fusion of vocal, instrumental and song writing talent, guaranteed to have your toes tapping and your soul sated. From Georgia Shackleton's lively opening instrumental, 'Island', which eases effortlessly into the traditional 'Pull Down Your Vest'; to the closing 'Dig Away', a song from Christina and Alex that seems to touch on faith and certainty, this is an album that captivates and charms its way into your heart. Nic Zuppardi's 'Holy Mackerel' and 'Five Thousand Miles' each seem to introduce an Appalachian feel into what are, essentially, nautical themes that are relating to the migration of birds. In 'The Greenland Shark' we find ourselves floating above the sea, looking down on a solitary travelling shark in the North Atlantic ocean. Even the lively Irish reel, 'A Tune for The Girls' cleverly morphs into Shackleton's own 'Tune For The Gulls'.
If you have not yet seen Kitewing live, then check out your festival line-ups, and mark them down as a must-see. In the meantime, give the ten tracks on this impressive debut collection a listen. It could well turn out to be the best debut folk album of 2024.
David Auckland
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