Album Reviews

A throwback to the '60's British folk scene that produced The Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Shirley and Dolly Collins and dozens of others, Scottish folksinger Alasdair Roberts brings a spare purity to his original folk balladry.

Without sounding precious or contrived, he creates new songs that manage to sound both old and authentic.

Roberts' fourth album shifts 180 degree shift from the dark No Earthly Man, his previous record, which consisted of eight traditional 'death ballads.'

This album has a delicate, pastel, springtime feel, though Mr. Roberts' singing is infused with an achy longing and a tenderness that adds an effective aging patina. Roberts sounds somewhat like Will Oldham, who produced the aforementioned last album.

Clearly Mr. Roberts has heard the past greats and knows the history, both musically and sonically. He rises to the standards set by pickers like John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, proving himself on this disc to be both a skilled and tasteful acoustic guitarist as well as an adept lyricist and an effective storyteller who sounds far older than he probably is. He also knows how to turn a catchy melody.

The production and engineering demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the sonic values of the great folk albums of the 1960's. The engineer/mixer consistently produces a pure, three-dimensional, ultra-natural picture, whether of Mr. Roberts playing and singing solo, or fronting a four-man group playing mostly acoustic instruments plus drums.



On the first tune, 'Riddle Me This,' you'll clearly hear the talents of both Mr. Roberts and the recording engineer who treats the artist to a well organized, effects-free, three dimensional picture filled with tonal colors, spatial generosity and solid, dimensional imaging.

The music and sound are consistently engaging, making for an album you'll invite in often. The more I think about what Roberts has done here, which is to write new folk songs that sound like old 'standards,' the more impressed I am.

If you're a fan of those great '60s British folk artists and the sonically superior records they made back then, do yourself a favor and pick this up.

You'll enjoy listening and feel satisfied knowing that the great circle has, indeed, gone around. This review is based upon the CD. The LP is on order!