LAL WATERSON AND OLIVER KNIGHT - Once In A Blue Moon (Topic - Direct Distribution)
All I can do is add my voice to rising cacophony of reviewers who are already proclaiming this as the best release of the year. Lal is joined on these 13 original compositions by her son Oliver on guitar. Guests include Jo Freya and Martin Carthy.
Rarely have I come across original songs of this standard - every single one stands on its own as a masterpiece.
And yet, despite its complete originality, it embodies all the earthy tones of the English tradition.
The material is complex, with great depth and yet instantly accessible.
Lyrics are often stunning: 'He had a head like a toy shop, bow legged stance off, must have been the rolling sea...' from 'Some Old Salty'.
Just when this album feels familiar and warm a gust of cold wind blows in to create a strange feeling of disquiet.
Dark, poetic, beguiling, organic and elemental. This is a recording that must be heard.
(Andy Hemsley)