ELIZA CARTHY - Heat, Light and Sound (Topic / Direct Distribution)
Forget Riverdance, forget the endless conveyor belt of mainstream rubbish using the word 'Celtic' as commercial currency.
The English revival back-lash has started, fired by the young blood of people like Ms Carthy.
This solo album (with appearances by Jock Tydesley, Hazel Wrigley and a host of others) sees Eliza carrying the torch bravely forward for English music - re-touching the fading sepia photograph of our cultural identity.
The albums opener 'Cold Wet and Rainy Night' is a stormer and is followed by a set of dance tunes and traditional songs - all of them English.
There are also a couple of original songs that avoid the excess and gush of some contemporary writers.
One tune though, 'Stamps For The Dog', sounds suspiciously like a re-working of a William Mittell hornpipe, recorded by Barry Dransfield on his last CD - credit?
Her playing throughout is assertive and at times powerful.
A fulfilling album that consolidates her deservedly growing status.
It will almost certainly stand the test of time and could well be regarded as a classic in years to come.
(Andy Hemsley)