Have you ever wondered what Adrian Sherwood producing an album of traditional songs for an English folk singer would sound like? Very likely not but play along please.
I have the answer for you. It is called "Panic Grass & Fever Few" by Ian King. It came out in 2009 and no less an authority than the great Shirley Collins called it "English folk music for the 21st century".
Mr Sherwood brought a few of his regulars along with him. Skip 'Little Axe' McDonald, Doug Wimbush and Ghetto Priest all pop up at various points and daughter Denise duets on one song. Between them and Mr King they make a pretty good job of things all told.
"Four Loom Weaver" - Ian King
"Jovial Broom Man" - Ian King
As good a record as it is, it doesn't topple the all-time trad. arr. reggae mash-up. Readers of long standing may recall me raving more than once about "Higher Heights", the ace 1992 collaboration between The Twinkle Brothers and the Polish family folk group Trebunie-Tutki. Imagine how delighted I was to discover an hour-long concert by them all on YouTube. You may want to set aside some time for this.
I am enjoying that video. A lot.
ReplyDeleteThat is because you are a man of sophistication and taste.
DeleteSkip and Adrian did a couple other folk albums with Sinead O'Connor and Dave Dobbyn around that time. They were dub doctors without borders!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware of the Dave Dobbyn album, I will have to check that out. Thanks.
DeleteLoved those two 'occupation' trad folk songs. I'm going to have to seek out that album
ReplyDelete