Stick in the Wheel Present From Here: English Folk Field Recordings

‘Field Recordings’ carries with it the exciting suggestion that Stick in the Wheel have sought out unheard music performed by unknown geniuses in remote places – the way Shirley Collins and Alan Lomax recorded Mississippi Fred McDowell in 1959 when he strode out of a cotton field with a guitar over his shoulder. But most of the artists here are familiar – Eliza and Martin Carthy, Sam Lee, Spiro, Jon Boden, Bella Hardy and Lisa Knapp. True, they didn't lay down their tracks in studios; Nicola Kearney and Ian Carter (of Stick in the Wheel) came to them, recording in their kitchens, living rooms or in the garden. Home, then, rather than field, recordings.

Much of the material is familiar, too. Rob Harbron plays ‘Young Collins’, one of the best-known Morris tunes; Martin Carthy sings ‘The Bedmaking’; and Sam Lee tackles pub-session favourite, ‘The Wild Rover’. Disappointing, then? Well, no. Lee reveals the overlooked jeopardy in the song; his parents might not forgive their prodigal son. Harbron adds harmonies and concertina chords, exploring the possibilities of his chosen tune. Carthy enjoys the wit of the song, but makes the predicament of the abused servant girl clear, too.

There are less well-known artists, and less familiar music included here too. So, while the title is somewhat misleading, From Here: English Folk Field Recordings (also available on vinyl) provides an interesting, fresh sample of English folk music being played around the country today.