Songs of Love & Death

This collaboration between English acoustic scene veteran Reg Meuross and the Devon folk duo David Harbottle and Freya Jonas sprung from Harbottle & Jonas’ lockdown video series #savingthegoodstuff. It has resulted in Meuross’ first ever release of traditional folk songs, surprisingly for a man so steeped in the folk club circuit. Meuross plucks and strums a restored 1944 Martin 0-17 guitar and sings, while Jonas plays concertina, harmonium and piano and Harbottle the cittern and guitars. The duo both provide backing vocals. The ten songs are a Best Of collection of folk standards from Britain and Ireland, from ‘She Moved Through the Fair’ and ‘Lord Franklin’ to ‘Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy’ and ‘I Wish the Wars Were All Over’, recorded in a 15th-century Devon church.

Given the selection of well-worn classics, the tempo and texture has a disappointing predictable air. Meuross has a delicate, breathy voice that lacks character and the tone of the album soon becomes monotonous despite the material. Given that all these songs have been recorded many times by many artists, there are far better renditions to be found elsewhere.