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Fernhill
Llatai (Beautiful Jo Records)
$17.99
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The sequel to fernhill's acclaimed debut ca nos (BEJOCD-14), Llatai (BEJO-23) again presents rich, vibrant interpretations of the traditional songs and dance music of Wales, Brittany and England, with the soulful voice of Julie Murphy at the heart. From the tumultuous suites Pontypridd and Cariad to the spare, exquisite settings of The Blacksmith and A.E. Housman's Bredon Hill, this is an album of fluid grace and beauty which will confirm fernhill's place 'at the forefront of new Celtic music from Wales'. (Time Out)
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'If there is to be - as seems likely - a brave new dawn for acoustic and roots music, Fernhill are pioneers. What they do is so simple but so effective, nobody else does it quite like they do and nobody does it better. With minds patriotic, Eurocentric, ethnic and any other 'ics you may care to conjure with, the results are beautiful and magical. This is forty-five minutes of music I'd happily play to any and all comers as a shining example that demonstrates the grip and power proper folk music has. Moreover, it's obvious that Fernhill care, they give a damn like too few do these days. This is an album sensitive to its soul, and with each play the sense of achievement grows. And if you want an example take the heartstopping treatment granted to The Blacksmith, which echoes Pete Morton's 'this is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard.' Here that is amply delivered; sure it's a lovelorn ballad, but hell, Fernhill's stab at it is wonderful. Coming on in English, Welsh and French they've adapted sources from trad to A.e. Housman and written (sorry, made) more of their own. Central to the whole is Cariad, thirteen minutes which pulls together four disparate Welsh strands in a mini symphony, Julie Murphy's voice is buoyant over Ceri Matthews's jaunty guitar, whilst Andy Cutting's accordeons weave a counterpoint, and Jon Shorland's ancient woodwinds break almost jazz-like into blasts of Breton, enjoyably raunchy and rustic. You want me to say more? Come on! Eight tracks but not one ounce of short change. Take it home and appreciate." - Simon Jones - Folk Roots |
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