'Two Score' (Cat No: Blowzabella4)
'Two Score'– Blowzabella’s latest album is a joy holding a cornucopia of great tunes and songs. Each track is very different to the others reflecting the contrasting musical voices and interests within the band and this keeps the listener on their toes which of course is a great thing for any dance band.
The band’s line-up features world class traditional musicians playing to their strengths with wit, musicality and panache. The price of the album is a small one to spend time in the company of Andy Cutting, Jo Freya, Paul James, Gregory Jolivet, David Shepherd, Barn Stradling and Jon Swayne playing beautifully together throughout proceedings.
Two Score side steps the earlier Blowzabella wall of sound approach, having a much more dynamic approach to arrangements often featuring duets and trios within the music and this really works. The band create lovely dynamics and textures keeping the sound interesting and constantly changing, with different players and instruments taking their turn to come to the fore.
There are four songs on the album and Jo Freya is in fine voice throughout. The pared down instrumentation of ‘Blackberry Fold’ providing a perfect backdrop for her emotive singing. Another favourite is ‘The Uttoxeter Souling Song/Turners’ which features close harmony vocals from Jo Freya and Paul James and which segues seamlessly into Andy Cutting’s big jig ‘Turners.’
One of the stand out tracks is ‘The Lark Descending / Bushes & Briars.’ ‘The Lark Descending’ originally composed by Paul James as a 'rant step' dance and companion to his tune ‘Falco’ is played beautifully by Dave Shepherd as a fiddle led intro to set the scene for the song ‘Bushes & Briars’ sung by Paul James.
But what of the dance tunes I hear you ask? Well the album abounds with them from Gregory Jolivet’s tune ‘Cé’ a fuzzy pentatonic rock waltz which flips between minor and major in a most balletic way. Jo Freya’s SCCS Polka set is a delight, some future session favourites to be found here. Dave Shepherd’s rearrangement of his father’s tunes for ‘The Grenoside Processional’ will keep the folk dancers and English traditional musicians entertained whilst ‘Conteeta’ a 3/8 bourree by Paul James dazzles us with its fiery opening and fierce virtuosity. Jon Swayne’s ‘481’ delights the ear with its ease and relaxed musicality whilst ‘Juggler’s Jig,’ composed by Barnaby Stradling, was written in memory of the shining star who was Jasper King: Chipolata, entertainer, nutcase and gentle man.
Two Score is a great album by a remarkable band. It really is a joy to listen to from start to finish. I can’t wait to see the band playing the material from the new album live. Blowzabella are immersed in English and European folk traditions and over the years have written much new music to delight audiences and players from all over the world. This album has something for everyone and I’m sure many of the tunes will be played in sessions throughout Europe.
I had the pleasure of listening to the album with the accompanying tune book ‘More Scores’ in front of me which really was fantastic experience. ‘More Scores’ is beautifully laid out book and features the tunes and songs from the albums: ‘Two Score’ and ‘Strange News’ hats off to Jon Swayne for his sterling work scoring, editing and compiling it. Dance instructions are by Dave Shepherd and songs are also included in the book which at £12.00 or £6.00 for the pdf is a bargain.
You can preview or purchase ‘Two Score’ and ‘More Scores’ direct from the Blowzabella shop on the band website as a download mp3s or PDF, or in physical form CD or book – here’s the link:
blowzabella.co.uk/shop
Go on you know you want too! In my opinion the ‘Two Score’ CD at £10 is probably the best tenner you will spend this year. Maybe this year will see Blowzabella get a well-earned lifetime achievement award. After all it takes a certain bloody mindedness, gritty determination and abundance of talent to artfully champion drone based folk music for two score years whilst adding to and developing the living tradition.
Quentin Budworth
Lens-based artist & musician
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