TWO TIME POLKA

CD Review

Fourth Time Round

The Cork Cajuneers, Two Time Polka, have knocked out their fourth toe-tapping, foot-stomping offering in this 15 track CD that showcases their eclectic tastes and wide variety of musical talents perfectly.

Back for another round of American sounds are vocalist Aaron Dillon and probably the best mandolin player around on the folk circuit Ray Barron. TTP’s repertoire has widened a little to include more 12 bar blues such as Hoist Your Windows High which has the great refrain “if you don't like peaches then don't shake my tree” and blue grass with Ray's Orange Blossom Mandolin.

TTP are one of those bands which has the talent and guts to play around with musical genres and make them work for instance on the Dark Side of the Macroom where Pink Floyd’s Shine on you Crazy Diamond is suddenly blended into traditional Greek bouzouki music and, while it sounds bizarre, Barron makes it work.

Polka have a wealth of talent which they have called on for this album, which includes live bonus tracks, and they have combined to produce music that would make the dead start tapping their feet. 

If you like your folk with a twist then this is the album you want and you can get a chance to see them live at the Newhampton Inn, Folk Club on April 12 where you can get hold of a copy or log onto www.custysmusic.com

Mary Black

Stories From the Steeples

It’s been a long time coming but the consensus is that the Irish songstress' offering on her latest album Stories from the Steeples was well worth the wait. 

Why Black has taken so long to put an album together which showcases her clear and distinctive voice is anyone’s guess. This said she has lost none of her ability to put her emotions into song which comes out wonderfully in the track Faith in Fate.

This blends gently into the sweet ballad of Steady Breathing in which Black's breathy tones give the track a real depth.

On Lighthouse Light Black teams up with Janis Ian to come up with one of those songs which gets in your head and is just so easy to remember and enjoy.

Stories from the Steeples is one of those albums which can tap into your emotions and you can listen to it and empathise with many of the sentiments such as “I promise there will be no sorrow, there will be no pain, when we meet in the one true place again”. 

In a final twist Fifi the Flea sounds like something straight from a circus in the Parisian streets, it’s wonderfully playful and yet still contains the human condition which Black has the ability to convey so well.
For more information log on to www.mary-black.net

The Staves

The Motherlode EP

The Stavelley sisters have yet to put together a full album but until they do you will have to make do and enjoy another three track EP. 

You will have to go a long way to find sweeter, more harmonious voices than Emily, Camilla and Jessica and you get a real flavour of this on the track Pay Us No Mind and you get both barrels with Wisely and Slow. 

All three are talented musicians but it’s their voices which set them apart and their first album will be eagerly received on the folk circuit.

The trio are on tour and will be appearing at the Glee Club, Studio, Birmingham on April 29.

For more information visit www.thestaves.com