50p No. 88 Winter 2008/2009 - Devon Folk

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Reviews ALL KINDS OF DISORDER Nick Burbridge & Jon Sevink For years the folk music scene has been witness to a close relationship between folk song and poetry, from the many recitals heard uttered by Ashley Hutchings in the Albion Band’s Christmas shows, to Johnny Coppin’s collaboration with poet, Laurie Lee, to Roddy Woomble’s more recent album, Ballads of the Book. All Kinds of Disorder, an album featuring Nick Burbridge (of McDermott’s 2hrs ) and Jon Sevink (the ddler from The Levellers), continues the trend of blending Poetry with music, folk or otherwise, but it does take things a step further, devoting almost its entire running time to spoken word against a musical backdrop. There is a distinct emphasis on the words and the poetry, rather than the music, which serves only as a background to the spoken word. The music, therefore, is about ambience rather than melody., and, like the album title suggests it is rather disordered, which is both tting and rather awkward at the same time. People looking for a pure folk album of sorts are going to be sorely disappointed and techno dance rhythms of the album’s fourth track, Oi! are going to provoke a few cringes amongst certain listeners. In fact there is little on the album that can be perceived as particularly folk-orientated. Listeners are sure to be divided between those who like the music but hate the poetry and vice versa. I would concur that if you don’t like or even appreciate poetry, you should really avoid this album at all costs. I will probably nnot be alone in nding this album quite difcult to listen to, and it is one that takes a long time to ease into the consciousness. Despite, an appreciation of poetry, I tend to listen to the music before the lyrics, and this album challenged this. The music didn’t interest me enough, unfortunately, and didn’t help me listen to the poetry either. Avant-garde, jazz, dance and folk provide much of the backing but sometimes what is happening distracts from the speech.. The poetry, telling stories of life’s many 42 disorders, is by Nick Burbridge with additions from Robert Kennedy. Undeniably well written and thoughtful, it gives the album a loosely conceptual stance. For those that like their poetry to never be too clear as to their deeper meanings, to allow for personal introspection, this will serve you well. The spoken word is delivered well, sometimes subtly, other times very aggressively. It is rather dark material though, and the eerie musical background keeps things uneasy. Jon Sevink’s contribution is quite understated, far from the frenetic ddling that has become his trademark with Punk-Folkers, The Levellers. So reserved is his playing at times that he’s sometimes is not noticeable. The album does feature two instrumental tracks, the opening Overture and the middle track, Reprise, which is essentially a reprise of the Overture. These are perhaps the two most melodic tracks on the album and provide a moment for Sevink to shine.For good and bad, this was a very different album to listen to and one that would fall into the “like it or loathe it” category. If you’re prepared to listen with an open mind and a real appreciation for poetry then this album is for you. If, not, there is probably little that could sustain your interest. All that said, this album is a brave, if daring, experiment and in its own unusual way works very well, but at the expense of general audience appeal. Martyn Cornelius Available from www.burbridgearts.com or from The Leveller’s site, at www.levellers.com THE PIGEON ON THE GATE Melodeon Players from East Anglia VTDC 11CD www.veteran.co.uk Earlier this year the publication of a tune book (When The Night Was Out) of traditional music from East Anglia featured many of the musicians who can be heard on this double CD collection. It’s probably not something you’d want to put on for casual background music, with background noises off from pub recordings and several snatches of popular melodies, like the title tune, with slightly different versions. It is, however, an absolute goldmine of information to dip into,
Come and join us ..... TAVISTOCK FOLK DANCE CLUB for an evening of folk dancing. We meet on a Thursday evening at ST PETERS SCHOOL Greenland Estate 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm (Not July & August) Beginners welcome Forthcoming events at Tavistock Town Hall Saturday 21st March Frances Oates, Silver & Gold Saturday 22nd November Ted Farmer, Bridgwater Band to hear the authentic grass roots East Anglian style, and to appreciate the various nuances that different players give to their instrument and to the tunes. Of the featured musicians, Oscar Woods and Percy Brown are rightfully given a generous chunk of disc space, and, apart from Harry Cox, are the only ones whose names would be generally familiar outside East Anglia. Harry De Caux is the one box player I actually have heard live, in Norfolk in the 70’s and as a musician with Isca Morris in the 90’s. With over 100 tracks, and 28 musicians it is certainly excellent value - though you might have to be patient to locate a particular item ! Highly recommended for all you squeezers ! Colin Andrews BEYOND THE QUAY Tom & Barbara Brown WGS358CD Although they live just up the road at Combe Martin, it’s quite rarely that I hear Tom & Barbara sing, and it often takes a CD such as this to remind me what accomplished performers they are. This album is, I think, their best yet, with the nautical theme offering a splendid variety of largely less well known traditional songs, of which I especially enjoyed Little Fishes and The Spirits of George’s Bank. Even The Blackbird was a poignant minor-key variation on the almost music hall sounding familiar version. The Bonny Sailor Laddie is another song where a real gem of a tune hides behind an unremarkable title. There’s ample light relief from the perils of the deep, transportation and unrequited love in The Herring’s Head, and the medley of short songs. Tom’s own compositions, Padstow Bar to Lundy Light & Wreck of the Montagu are also particularly pleasing, with strong local connections. With unaccompanied pieces, two-part harmony, Tom’s own accomplished guitar, melodeon and concertina accompaniment (also the harpelek whatever that may be !), and support from Keith Kendrick, the Askew sisters, etc. on various instruments, this is a very well balanced album that further enhances Tom & Barbara’s already strong reputation as ne singers of great songs. Colin Andrews 43
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50p No. 88 Winter 2008/2009 - Devon Folk

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