Folk signs in Folk Music

"Signs of Life" (02/09/1999) Folk Carthy, Martin, Topic RecordsPersonnel includes: Martin Carthy; Eliza Carthy (fiddle); Chris Parkinson (harmonica). Recorded at Panda Sound, Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire, England. Includes liner notes by Martin Carthy. Personnel: Martin Carthy (vocals, guitar); Eliza Carthy (fiddle); Chris Parkinson (harmonica). Audio Mixers: Martin Carthy; Tony Engle. Liner Note Author: Martin Carthy. Recording information: Panda Sound, Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire (1998). Photographer: Tom Howard. Arranger: Martin Carthy. After far too long between solo outings, England's leading man of folk returns with a surprisingly relaxed, refreshed set, Signs of Life. While there's plenty of traditional material, like the epic revisiting of "Prince Heathen," which Martin Carthy first recorded with musical partner Dave Swarbrick back in the '60s, and a wonderful take on "Sir Patrick Spens," the emphasis is far more on the modern, be it Hoagy Carmichael's "Hong Kong Blues," a tune he recalled from childhood, or Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel," beautifully rendered as country blues, or most unusual of all, a very moving version of the Bee Gees' "New York Mine Disaster, 1941" which makes the listener realize that at heart it's a folk song. His guitar technique, never flashy, is sparer than ever, but never less than effective and gripping, while his voice has mellowed beautifully into something that not only befits a folk veteran but also carries wisdom. The highlight of the disc, however, has to be "Prince Heathen," a song he's grappled with for 30 years and has finally completely made his own. Even as he reduces it to something simple, it grows more complex in his hands, showing itself as one of the great ballads. While it might have taken him a while to make this record, the contents are more than worth the wait. ~ Chris Nickson Given the late '90s success of Waterson:Carthy and Martin Carthy's seemingly endless schedule of live appearances, it is surprising that Carthy had time to enter the studio at Robin Hood's Bay to lay down an album of his own. But we are glad that he made the effort, because SIGNS OF LIFE is a thoroughly satisfying collection of some of his favorite songs. On the traditional front, he revisits "The Deserter" to restore a superior last verse unavailable to him when he first recorded the song in 1961. Perhaps the best traditional arrangement here is "Sir Patrick Spens," one of four tracks on which daughter Eliza plays fiddle. She is also on the Bee Gees' "New York Mine Disaster, 1941" an inspired selection which works perfectly here. Other popular songs covered include "Heartbreak Hotel" and Hoagy Carmichael's "Hong Kong Blues," with Chris Parkinson on harmonica.

"Some Kind of Sign" (01/20/2003) Folk Nick Masullo, Pingleblobber

"Signs of the Times" (05/31/1994) Folk McCutcheon, John, Rounder SelectOn this re-issue of SIGNS OF THE TIMES, McCutcheon and Kahn have each contributed two new songs. These two regular playing partners share an interest in combining the sounds of traditional music with more contemporary lyrics and songwriting styles. They are, in fact, so compatible that in one case they are able to create a suite by combining a song by each of them, and the music flows effortlessly. As songwriters, some listeners might want to give Kahn the winning nod; his lyrics are sharper on the political songs while his partner seems more drawn toward comfortable settings and smooth edges. Perhaps this is a byproduct of his many performances and recordings aimed at children. Musical backgrounds are capable and sound good, if a bit polite. ~ Eugene Chadbourne