A Year Too Late and a Month Too Soon

Thankfully, it is now that we are beginning to see the beauty that can emerge from a tumultuous few years. This wonderful collection of folk songs from Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones was curated during periods of lockdown, a time where we were forced to connect with our immediate surroundings. From two proud Yorkshire natives, this album celebrates the rich heritage of Yorkshire folk song.

Their voices complement each other perfectly, as if this duo were always meant to sing together. Their vocals are left to hold their own entirely on the a cappella waltz ‘The Girl Who Was Poorly Clad’, and hold their own they do as reminiscent of sean nós singing, subtly beautiful harmonies allow storytelling to take centre stage. The duo are also talented instrumentalists; the beautiful ‘Nellie O’Bob’s O’t’Crowtrees’ opens with Jones’ delicate acoustic guitar, joined soon by Griffith’s arresting fiddle melodies. Several tracks are underpinned by Jones’ enchanting harmonium, most notably the hymn-like ballad ‘What is That Blood on Thy Shirt Sleeve’. Every element weaves together seamlessly throughout this album, the delicate subtlety with which each line has been curated only adding to the impressive handling of these tunes.