Rachael Mcshane...No Man's Fool(2009)[FLAC]

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2009 No Man's Fool [Digipak] CD NAVIGATOR27

1 Captain Ward 4:11
2 The Highwayman Outwitted 3:48
3 The Fisherman 4:38
4 My Johnny Was a Shoemaker 3:58
5 Maid on the Shore 4:54
6 The Drowned Sailor 4:41
7 The Gardener 3:59
8 Broomfield Wager 4:13
9 Miles Weatherill 4:08
10 Shepherd Lad 6:03

Stepping out from the raucous crowd that is the 11-piece folk ensemble

Bellowhead could be viewed as something of a risk for vocalist, cellist and

fiddler Rachael McShane ΓΓé¼ΓÇ£ itΓΓé¼Γäós one thing to be carousing in a chorus, but

quite another to hold the stage all on your own.
Happily, as with fellow Bellowhead member Jon BowdenΓΓé¼Γäós superb Songs

From the Floodplain album of earlier this year, the gamble pays off

handsomely. Within seconds of the yearning start to The Gardner, you know

you're in the presence of something very special.

A traditional ballad, it sounds like it could have been written yesterday such is

the freshness of tone and the lightness of touch that McShane exhibits. Her

vocal is one that is conversant with the history and reputation of such a tune,

but is utterly unencumbered and far from intimidated.

Away from McShane's sparkling performances, the core group of James

Peacock (piano, keyboards), Jonathan Proud (bass) and Adam Sinclair

(drums) provide supple and engaging support. The horn-augmented

skitter-funk of Maid on the Shore wheels through tricky signatures as well as

rocking it up as McShane herself tears off a blinding fiddle solo.

Elsewhere, elegant and understated arrangements Captain Ward, The

Drowned Sailor and opener Miles Weatherhill wouldn't sound out of place

on an ECM label jazz album. Cool spacious keyboard runs, inquisitive and

prowling bass, and neatly polished drumming not only lift the instrumental

stakes, but serve to elevate McShane's voice.

And what a voice.

Folk music enthusiasts who've been around the block will be able to tell you

where they were when they first heard Anne Briggs or Sandy Denny. In a few

years a new generation of listeners will be able to do the same when it comes

to Rachael McShane.

CD ripped by dBpoweramp

please seed


http://dickthespic.org/2010/11/29/rachael-mcshane/