FolkWorld #60 07/2016

CD & DVD Reviews

Barry Kinane "The Hills Above the Valley"
Own label; 2015

Artist Video

www.batkinanemusic.com

Now here is a folk album title you can set your watch to. No irony here, just a fine Irish folk LP from this veteran singer songwriter. This is folk music and full band acoustic folk rock. The Irish style is there, but there are more worldly songs that could come from anywhere. All the good things are here: warm voice, vibrant acoustic guitar, smart songs, and rock solid melodies. There is a reel and a poem set to music along with a full set of original songs that will resonate with any folk fan.
© David Hintz


Janiva Magness "Love Wins Agains"
Blue Élan; 2016

www.janivamagness.com

Take a female blues voice and music that starts from blues-rock, but moves to differing muses, and you just may have something. There is old time soul in here, some pop moves, and other interesting twists and turns. It still sounds pretty bluesy throughout, although it is on the bright assertive side, as opposed to the deep melancholic vibe. There are even some country moments, but the blues are embedded in every song and keep the strength of the material on full display. The songs can be grasped easily enough with plenty going on to keep your attention. Good album.
© David Hintz


The Deep Hollow "The Deep Hollow"
Own label; 2016

www.thedeephollow.com

This has a rural feel and this trio comes from down state Illinois, which is plenty rural. But it is also close to Chicago, Memphis, and even Nashville, so there are some strong urban musical scenes near by to help influence this likeable album. These guys hit all the right buttons for the style they seem to want to achieve. The instrumental portions are mostly sparse with plenty of room for the vocals, which are expressive and rich in harmonies. Both the vocal harmonies and instrument combinations are used to push and pull back to enhance the drama of the song. This is an album that just about any Folkworld reader should have a serious listen.
© David Hintz


Yes We Mystic "Forgiven"
MFM; 2016

Artist Video

www.yeswemystic.com

This is more vibrant rock music with pop hooks than folk or Americana. In fact, there is virtually nothing folk about this. But, if that doesn’t bother you, the band is quite good bringing catchy songs to life with striking instrumentation and a big bold production. If you like something between Muse and Aha, then you may want to give this a listen. I never mind a good bracing rock album in between the folk records. It is a good way to cleanse one’s listening palette.
© David Hintz


Cobblestones "Live on Tour Vol. II"
Prosodia, 2015

www.cobblestones.de

Good traditional Irish music revved up to rock proportions is always a good formula, which is just what Germany’s Cobblestones employ. It’s not as original as the Pogues or as furiously rocking as the Dropkick Murphys, but there is more rock element than with most Irish traditionalists. Although I am a proponent of cultural musical integration, it is a little disarming to hear German banter in between songs. Sometimes the accents in the vocals make me think I am listening more to Ukranian folk rock as well. But most of the time the vocals are fine and the spirit is there. But like most live albums, good as this sounds, it is more an advertisement for seeing the band live when they come to your town. And I would do that with the Cobblestones.
© David Hintz


Dactah Chando "Ansestrel"
Achinech; 2016

www.dactahchando.com

This Spanish reggae artist has a smooth voice and fast delivery. The music just doesn’t immediately jump out at me as much as I would like in reggae. However, as the songs keep coming, he has some interesting electronica mixed in, which spices it up and gives this a more original sound. So ultimately, if you like modern twists to old classic forms, this album would be well worth a listen.
© David Hintz


Hornsman Coyote & Soulcraft "Safe Planet"
Ammonite Records; 2016

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Here is a Serbian reggae band that does quite well in establishing a classic sound. Their variance is to head to a slight rhythm and blues sound at a couple points and it works very well. The brass is exceptional and the whole band manages to play together in a smooth manner without being bland. The vocals and melodies are thoughtful and effective throughout. I have never been to Belgrade, but I cannot imagine there is anything else there that could provide such a warm island vibe.
© David Hintz


Meg Braun "Restless Moon"
Own label; 2015

Artist Video

www.megbraun.com

Meg Braun and the musicians helping her out have crafted a nice little album of rather gripping songs. There are murder ballads to story-songs, all of which have an edge to them and intensity either on the surface or underneath. While it goes a bit too country for me at times, the vocal phrasing and song quality keep me there through every measure. There are folkier cuts and rich Americana moves throughout, so the tempos and instrumental intensities vary enough to help the album along.
© David Hintz


Shanti Powa "Peaceful Warriors"
Own label; 2016

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Well, there is ska-punk in here, dub moves, and all kinds of rock moves and a worldly rap of sorts. Call it what you want, it is all adventurous, mostly up-tempo, and quite border breaking on the world front. Space limitations and the desire not to be too lazy keep from listing how they describe themselves in their Facebook page. Suffice it to say they are a lot a bit of everything from places all over the world organizing themselves as a large band/orchestra in Italy. If cultural melting pots and high energy music are things you like, just dive in head first.
© David Hintz


Spicewood Seven "Still Mad"
Own label; 2015

www.phoebeclaire.com

At times this heads a bit too country for me (yeah I say that a lot), but some of the songs have a gritty easy going blues rock style that hit the heart just right. Tommy Spurlock’s vocals are quality throughout and the band and guests are all on point, including Garth Hudson on one song. This is not an album I would want to continually play from beginning to end, but it will be impossible to ignore some of the really great songs I have discovered within.
© David Hintz


Blind Lemon Pledge "Pledge Drive"
Own label; 2016

Artist Video

www.blues.james-creative.com

This was a surprise. Usually, when I have a chuckle at a band’s name or album title, I don’t expect to hear a subtle thoughtful set of songs such as this. It is blues based as you can guess, but there are more subtle approaches in some songs making them folkier or headed toward a straight rock music approach. There are some fine songs here, just don’t expect anything even remotely approaching a novelty album. I love the name, but maybe a simpler name like James Byfield would have sufficed.
© David Hintz


Eagulls "Ullages"
Parisan; 2016

Artist Video

www.eagulls.co.uk

I did a double take when this showed up in my FolkWorld review pile. This band is moderately hot indie rock band on tour, the type of which usually crosses my path for my blog covering the Washington DC live rock scene. I won’t be able to make this UK band’s local show, so I am happy to sample their album here, even though the Eagulls have nothing to do with folk. Not even a glimpse of folk is in this thick romantic, shimmering guitar album, capped off with powerful and earnest vocals. This is British rock music of the early eighties in style, working off numerous bands that were bold with a hearty approach to their songs. Folk diehards, move on, but if you like the Cure, James, or Echo and the Bunnymen, step right up and listen.
© David Hintz


The Felice Brothers "Life in the Dark"
Yep Roc Records, 2016

Artist Video

www.thefelicebrothers.com

The Felice Brothers are always welcome at FolkWorld, their Americana folk has been a strong part of the American folk scene for some time now. Listening to their latest album, it seems clear that this upstate New York band plays Americana music that seems more universal than that of other bands that focus into a region or a particular style. They still seem like descendants from the Dylan and the Band days as they bring a fresh rock approach to the folk core of their songs. The arrangements are varied and the vocals retain a rich hearty story telling feel that works well from beginning to end. Felice Brothers fans will not disappointed and newcomers may be headed to the back catalogue after giving this a thorough listen.
© David Hintz


Russell Morgan "Begin Simple"
Ray Recordings, 2016

Artist Video

www.russmorgan.co.uk

It is hard not to be impressed with the deep resonant voice of UK folk singer songwriter, Russell Morgan. He has the depth and resonance of Mick Softley with the breathiness of Nick Drake. There are lovely acoustic guitar passages, but some are accompanied by a piano and others are washed out in some dreamy keyboard background. There is some percussion and bass notes at times, but everything is subtle and serves an intriguing base for the rich vocals on top. This works for me.
© David Hintz


Beth Orton "Kidsticks"
Anti (Indigo), 2016

Article: A Bit Folktronica

www.bethortonofficial.com

Beth Orton came on my radar when she recorded and played with the late bert Jansch many years back. While Orton is not a pure folkie, neither was Jansch when you explore his full catalog. They worked well together and Orton went on to make a big name for herself, especially in Europe. She is teeming with creativity on this record as it does not fit comfortably into any one style. At times it is quite experimental, while other times fits comfortably into a folk, lounge pop, or light indie rock vibe. It is not quite as intense as Kate Bush, but it has that audacious originality within. Even when experimental, there is a comfortable engaging quality that allows this to be easily absorbed, if not fully understood on first listen. So basically, smart music fans should be giving Beth Orton full attention and this album has many wonderful songs to indulge in.
© David Hintz


Rory McLeod and the Familiar Strangers "The Glee and the Spark"
TalkatMe; 2016

Artist Video

www.rorymcleod.com

Rory McLeod provides the songs, vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica and percussion—we have certainly had that thousands of times before. But surrounding himself with a double bass, harp, and sax/clarinet? That is more unique. The clarinet almost gives a klezmer feel, while the harp takes this to parts unknown. The bass and guitar are somewhat lounge jazz/folk depending on the song. McLeod has a languid vocal style that works well with the stories he concocts. It is nice to hear something different that fits within the folk category and is still easy to get into. This is that.
© David Hintz


Ian Melrose "Swirling Sands"
Acoustic Music, 2015

Artist Video

www.ianmelrose.com

Ian Melrose is a fine fingerstyle guitarist with a brisk style that works well in upbeat songs as well as deep contemplative tracks. He adds some flute and cello in the mix, as well as percussion and a few other tricks. All of this adds up to his interpretation of a stay in northern Germany, Kühlungsborn to be exact. There are some fine original songs and three traditional numbers that will clearly interest fans of that style. And the traditional “Toreby Ligsalme” which closes the albums is magical with cello and female vocals adding to the mysterious guitar in creating a deeply magical landscape.
© David Hintz


Kris Drever "If Wishes were Horses"
Reveal, 2016

Artist Video

www.krisdrever.com

I have enjoyed the last couple of Kris Drever records and just add this one to that list. He may bang out the records, but he backs that up with catchy songs and highly attractive playing and singing. With guitarist Ian Carr, a rhythm section, and some backing female vocals, he has a band that can push the songs forward with brisk thoughtful playing that can handle the folk rockers to the quieter folk numbers. And then there are songs like ‘Capernaum’ that have a smart mysterious underpinning to the clean melodic vocal. There is a lot going on there and throughout this album that will give a lot of pleasure to folk fans who want something a bit more, while not losing the familiar base.
© David Hintz


Kornelius Flowers "Vintage Hedonist"
Sumo Rex; 2016

Artist Video

www.korneliusflowers.com

I really enjoy the spirit on this first solo record by the singer of the Shanes.[58] Down deep there is an earnest folk feeling, but the band pushes it with a heavy rock rhythm, even though the electric nature of the songs does not dominate. Spirit is the key word, as exemplified in the great cover choice of my friend Grant Hart’s brilliant song, ‘The Girl Who Lives on Heaven Hill”. Grant wrote with a sophisticated sense of fun and Kornelius Flowers exemplifies this here. Folk or Rock fan alike, go for it.
© David Hintz


Paulson "Between Worlds"
Own label; 2015

www.paulson-songwriter.de

Paulson is as much storyteller as musician and some of these songs get rather prosaic at times. And if most storytelling musicians write short stories, I think some of these go to novella lengths, with Arlo Guthrie mastering the epic novel to stretch my comparison further. The music is strong enough, so you feel the melody and song throughout, which is a fine skill that Paulson and his band have. The overall tone reminds me of Perry Leopold, although it is not quite that ‘out there’. Instead, this offers a comfort of sorts and plenty of stories and thoughts to consider.
© David Hintz


Hans Sølo "Head in the Air"
RecordJet; 2016

hansprolo.blogspot.de

Most of this album comes from recordings made in 2013-2014, yet there are bits that go back to 2010 along with some recent freshening up. I am glad Hans stayed with it, as it is a fine album. I loved the opener, although was worried that the programmed percussion would bother me further. Fortunately, there are real drums on most of the remaining cuts, along with sumptuous violins and cellos along with the more expected banjos and acoustic guitars. The vocals are laid back, but with much to stay so more from a quietly intense person you are comfortable listening to, rather than an ironic slacker type. This is one of those modern folk albums that fits in with the past, but is clearly of this age. And it is well worth a full listening.
© David Hintz


Eddi Reader "The Best of Eddi Reader"
Reveal, 2016

www.eddireader.co.uk

If you are fan of Scotland’s Eddi Reader, this is something you don’t need. But if you are like me, in knowing of her but not being familiar with her work, this is a great place to start. For this is a collection of 30 songs covering her career from the late 1980s onward. She has an expressive voice that balances powerful moments with delicate passages equally well. Her style is more classic torch singer than folkie, but there are elements of many styles beginning in the early 20th century. There is quality every step of the way, although some songs speak to me a bit more than others (hardly a surprise over 30 songs). Also, it is hard to get that ‘album feeling’ on a best of album. Still, this is a great reintroduction if needed.
© David Hintz


Hussy Hicks "Lucky Joe’s Wine and other Tales from Dog River"
Own label; 2016

Artist Video

www.hussyhicks.com

In just seven songs, there is enough time and space to determine this is a mixed bag of goodies (and perhaps some mediocrities). There is a mostly country rock vibe, but the rootsy approach pulsates in various blues, rock, and acoustic folk directions. The vocals are of that bluesy torch singing style for the most part, but there are some nice dynamics. And this a duo, not a band or an individual name, although the songs are arranged and played by a full band.
© David Hintz


David Stewart Ingleton "Mary Bell On Cipralex"
Timezone, 2015

Artist Video

www.davidstewartingleton.com

The title alone should give you some indication that these songs should have a peculiar twist to them. And they do. There is that outsider/real people musicality to this. The acoustic guitar and light backing is all comfortable enough, but the vocals have a certain timbre and rhythm to them that comes at you from different angles than what you would expect. This is all pretty likable, although I think some light/dark contrasts could be quite vivid considering the vocal and musical quality displayed on these seven songs. This is more a unique pleasure than something you would listen to for its profound musicality. But it is worth a listen.
© David Hintz


Inga Liljeström + Michael Lira "We Have Tigers"
Own label; 2015

www.ingaliljestromusic.com

I like a lot of drama in my music. I want a theatrical experience of rising tension and intriguing conclusions with a cast of interesting characters. This has all of that, as the vocals are quietly intense amidst a sea of flowing music that moves from light undulating waves to a raging storm. There are folk moves within and even a large number of traditionals like ‘Coo-Coo(sic)’. I can’t helped be perplexed by a musician named Michael Lira who reminds me of the Swans Michael Gira, not only with the obvious name similarity but a sense of building sonic dynamics.
© David Hintz


Tim Houlihan "Another Orion"
Own label; 2015

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We have a more straightforward folk-rock effort here. Although with Houlihan’s relaxed voice and the easygoing pace of the band, it does not feel like much of an effort. The songs flow out comfortably and with just enough finesse in the playing to draw attention. Sometimes it is just a little too nice, although I dread saying something like that. Thankfully there is some rocking electric guitars and good slide work to push things out a bit. So if I just relax and settle back and get into the proceedings, this album is a breeze to listen to and a bit of pleasure at its conclusion.
© David Hintz


Tony Reidy "Round Tower Blues"
Own label; 2015

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Although recorded in Ireland, this sounds a lot more like Welshman Meic Stephens than Dominic Behan or Terry Woods. That is excellent company to keep and while I am not nominating these songs to be considered as equals to those on ‘Outlander’, there is still many pleasant thoughts and music presented here. The guitar work is slow and steady with a strong touch and a good tone. There is just the right amount of accompanying instrumental variety to keep things fresh throughout. Good album.
© David Hintz


Ken Dunn & Gypsy Starfish "The Great Unknown"
Own label; 2015

www.kendunnmusic.com

Breezy easygoing Americana folk rock is the easiest way to describe this long player. Although from Ontario, Canada, Dunn seems to understand the western half of North America as well anyone that lives there. The guitar passages impress me more than the vocals, although there is nothing really to complain about there either. There are lighter folk arrangements, although some have string accompaniment. The songs are quite interesting and command your attention. This is a fine album for folk fans who don’t mind a bit of full band rock now and again.
© David Hintz


Tri Yann "La Belle Enchantée"
Marzelle; 2016

Artist Video

www.tri-yann.com

It is great to see and hear that this excellent French folk rock band is still around and releasing records. Their early records have long been a part of my collection and this is a yet another fine addition. There is that rich full sound that I remember from decades back and a medieval feeling at various points. It is melodic, reasonably quick, with a full array of folk, ancient, and rock instrumentation. This is so vibrant and fun that it is hard to believe it comes from a band that is in its fifth decade. It is a fine record even for those who don’t know Tri Yann from fry pan. I encourage everyone to have a good listen, and then explore the back catalog.
© David Hintz


Reed Fromer "Looking for Freedom – A Celebration of the Music of Jon Fromer"
PM Press, 2015

www.reedfromermusic.com

This is an album featuring a nephew paying tribute to his late uncle’s music from the 1960s onward. Reed Fromer played with his uncle for many years and features three songs of them playing together here. It is hard not to appreciate the effort here and Fromer’s songs cover a lot of important issues and can be quite effective. If only I could enjoy the rock arrangements a bit more, but they really don’t do much more than conjure up images of the early seventies to early eighties that I was trying to avoid. More successful are the soulful folk songs, arranged more simply and thus, directly hit you with the power of the song. There are just not enough of them here, but this is a respectable effort and may be worth an exploratory listen.
© David Hintz


Ben Bedford "The Pilot and the Flying Machine"
Waterbug Records; 2016

www.benbedford.com

Early on, I was thinking the singing is good, the playing is good, but have I heard a lot of this before? Well of course I have, but staying with this record, you quickly come to realize that Ben Bedford writes really good songs. I also like the arrangements as he uses strings at various points and intensities throughout the album. This is smart, emotional, and this fine songwriter from Illinois should appeal to a broad ranged of Folkworld readers.
© David Hintz


Dave Gunning "Lift"
Own label; 2015

Artist Video

www.davegunning.com

Nova Scotia is a cool place for folk. In fact is downright cold in winter, but also has a fine folk music sensibility throughout its populace, much of which transported from Europe and of course adapted to the locale. Dave Gunning is doing his part to carry on the tradition, but with a mix of present day sensibility in his songs that integrates a heartland North America feeling much of the time. There are some classic historical song stories and some timeless protest styled songs as well, so you get a fine mix of themes and stories here. And the vocals and music will hold your interest just as well.
© David Hintz


Nii Okai Tagoe "West to West"
ARC Music, 2016

www.niitagoe.com

If you are like me, you may be unfamiliar with this African artist. But perhaps you may have heard of the band he was in—Osibisa. They were an early African/Caribbean export in the English music scene starting around 1969. Nii was a percussionist with them and has now put out a couple of solo albums featuring some fine Ghanaian guest musicians, including Osibisa bandmates. The music has killer rhythms as you would expect and sharp melodic bursts with brass and funky guitar parts. What is a bit surprising is some of the more rocking moments such on ‘3 Monkees’ which sounds like it could come from a creative indie rock band. This is a good record that has some nice rhythms, sounds, and shape shifting forms. It does not quite dazzle, but is a happy listening experience.
© David Hintz


Harper and the Midwest Kind "Show Your Love"
Bluharp Records; 2016

www.harper.biz

The digeridoo in the first song gives a rather obvious clue of where Peter D. Harper is from. But this Australian singer/songsmith has recruited a band from Detroit to get that Midwest rock sound. Alas, it is a bit too early 1970s rock for my liking, although that is when and roughly where I grew up. The blues moves may work for some, but there is not enough depth here for my liking.
© David Hintz


Annette Wasilik "Songs from the Talking House"
Own label; 2015

Artist Video

www.annettewasilik.com

Although she has performed many times near me (including a club one mile west), this is my first listening to the music of Annette Wasilik. It is fine singer songwriter folk music given a full band backing. Although local, Wasilik displays a broad American style that fits comfortably anywhere between the coasts. Her breathy voice could almost go lounge if she chose, but instead she has a sharp band laying down the light rock licks and quieter Americana folk passages to carry her songs forward. It all works well and there are some creative shifts in the songs that show her smarts and the band’s versatility. This is a fine record.
© David Hintz



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