Saturday, 20 June 2009
Musical interlude
Just a little post while I sort the next one out. My very favourite album just now is 'Hill of Thieves' by Irish singer and musician Cara Dillon. Mike Harding played lots from it on his BBC Radio 2 Folk Show and in the end I just had to buy it. It's nearly all traditional songs but as I am, by some standards, new to what gets called folk music a lot of the songs are new to me anyway. My favourite track on the album is her version of 'Spencer the Rover' (featuring very lovely backing vocals by Seth Lakeman) and you can hear that song on her myspace page (here). Here is what the album looks like so you can make sure to buy or borrow it next time you see it:
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10 comments:
She's got three albums on spotify as well... I just checked. :)
Not this one though. :(
Saw her at Southwell Folk Festival last year accompanied by one of the Lakeman brothers on keyboards. She was wonderful.
They must be previous albums, D. This is the only one I have so far.
I'm a late convert to this singer, SW. A friend (with very wide tastes) played me some of her stuff a couple of years ago and I was...so-so. I tend to like meatier women's voices (as in the voices are meatier not the women!) and I think I thought she was too delicate for me. But then I kept hearing the tracks from this album on the radio and now I absolutely love it. I always like it when my tastes get widened (though sometimes it takes a bit of work!). One day I imagine I may even be able to listen to opera singing without covering my ears, grimacing and thinking 'why would anyone want to use their voice to make that noise?'. It might happen.
We have family in Southwell and would head for the folk festival if it weren't for the fact that it happens during our school term (and it's a long way away!). My sister goes a lot and really enjoys it - says it has a great atmosphere.
x
Oh and that Lakeman brother is her husband you know, SW. I saw them on the Transatlantic Sessions TV programme.
x
Am I going to have to send you a Spotify invite? If you use spotify, you have those three other albums. Legally and always. :)
I've still to investigate Spotify. I will.
x
Interestingly, it also took me a little while to get into her - and I, too, generally prefer a 'meatier' voice. I heard her first on Mike Harding and instantly thought 'Wow!', and bought the 1st (I think it was) album immediately. Listening to it at home and in the car, I was a bit disappointed, it must be said. But seeing and hearing her live was a revelation. There's a steely strength and depth behind her pretty good looks and 'girly' voice.
Yes, I did know that Lakeman was her husband. Just forgotten his first name and too lazy to look it up. There is, I believe, a 3rd brother (what a family!) - and I think it was this one I chatted to when I went to see the latest 'Equation' regrouping at Gainsborough Trinity Arts Centre some years ago.
Seth, incidentally, I saw at Leicester's De Montfort Hall last summer (along with Alison Moorer, Steve Earle & others). It was quite honestly the loudest gig I've ever been to (perhaps I don't get out much!) Why he thinks he has to turn it up so loud I really don't know (to attract a younger, 'hipper' audience?) My eardrums were literally throbbing in pain and I nearly walked out.
I think he's just excitable. I like his voice though - especially on his 'Lady of the Sea'. I think he sounds really good on the backing vocals on Cara Dillon's album. Their voices complement each other really well.
x
Thanks for the tip - will keep my eyes and ears out for it!
I'm sure it would be the perfect music to accompany some of your lovely views over the lake, Deborah.
x
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