Fly Like a Sprite Rec. Mama : Crow Coyote Buffalo (UK/IR,2008)****
Although the songs of this songwriting duo (with Zoë, a songwriter who worked in the 90s with people like Steve Hillage and with the band Morcheeba, who has also released a very good EP as Hephzibah Broom, reviewed here, and Sarah McQuaid a folk singer of mixed origin with Irish folk and Southern Appalachian folk roots), are coming from different interests and sorts of singing moods, this is gives very much an impression of a woman-friendly spirituality at one with nature or with a very natural environment, a country side showing the best of it, a worldly vision. At the same time I am also reminded of the approach of some of the American native female singers (like Marie Sioux and much older examples), perhaps for the same interests and connections. With two different songwriters of course the songs have a still very consistent variety. Some of the vocal harmonies remind me of the Faun Fables, elsewhere different approaches are chosen when certain songs come more to the fore. Different acoustic guitars and ukulele are used most often as foundations, additional instruments like accordion, harmonium, trumpet, percussion and drums appear. Guests on the album are flute player Tiffany Bryant and also Andy Jarvis (on drums, percussion, trumpet, harmonium, accordion), both of the Cornish acid folk-rock band band Thistletown, and its off-shoot the Rosemarie Band. Recommended.
