https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAGiuwlcvNo&list=OLAK5uy_mu0b0yv3-AhQz8l...
Sean Taylor
Live in London
(Sean Taylor Songs)
★★★★★

SINGER-SONGWRITER Sean Taylor has spent nearly 20 years performing to live audiences but this 10th album, recorded at the Green Note cafe in Camden, is his first live album.

Unfortunately, lockdown has put on hold any plans for follow-up gigs, but the album does give a feel for what a future schedule will have in store.

There is a strong bluesy feel to songs like Texas Boogie, paying tribute to Lightning Hopkins and Stevie Ray Vaughan, while Hard Time Killing Blues is a tribute to Skip James.

Taylor’s anger at political injustice is also on display with This is England and Little Donny — a blast against Trump.

Stand Up pays tribute to Extinction Rebellion and the album ends with a rousing rendition of Hit the Road Jack. Let’s hope we can see him live again soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-8_-RqzAKg
John Cee Stannard
When the Time is Right
(Cast Iron Proceedings)
★★★★★

SADLY, this album from folk-blues veteran John Cee Stannard was recorded shortly before his death after a long battle with cancer.

A founder of folk group Tudor Lodge in 1971, Stannard had a long and distinguished career as a performer and musician.

This album of original compositions has a blues-jazz feel, redolent in songs like A Little Bit More and the title track, with many of the songs inspired by a writing course Stannard attended last summer.

Devil Behind Closed Doors deals with traditional blues themes and Nothing in The World is a heartfelt tribute to his long-time partner Angie.

With a backing band of vocalists and musicians playing piano, guitar and trumpet, this is an enjoyable album and a fitting tribute to the artist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjkSHfYuhZ4
The Magpies
Tidings
(Magpie Music)
★★★★★

FORMED in Yorkshire in 2017, The Magpies are a four-piece all-female folk band who have already made an impression at festivals with their vocal harmonies and instrumentals, including mandolin, fiddle and bouzouki.

Tidings is their debut album and has a flavour of both traditional folk and Americana.

The opening track, Two Magicians, is an old ballad rooted in English folklore, while their version of Gillian Welch’s Rock of Ages shows an Appalachian influence.

There’s a good version of Galway Shawl, another traditional song, and original composition Run River Run deals with traditional folk themes of escape and tragedy.
 
The last track Balls to the World is an instrumental with a distinct Balkan theme. This is symptomatic of a range of influences from a young group who we hope to hear more of in the future.