It's been ages since I've posted anything on here. Various lockdowns and the complete close down of entertainment has taken its toll on all of us. In my case I just lost the creative urge to write anything about music any more. So I am indebted to Greengrass for inspiring me to write an album review again. Here is my first album review since July 2020. Thank you, guys!
From The Forge Greengrass
Those of us who live in the Coventry and Warwickshire area already knew about the fine work of this band, from their “live” performances. Three talented musicians with a strong sense of the traditional and an intuitive ear for a sensitively worked cover version. In addition they are blessed with being fortunate enough to be able to write and create decent original material.
Greengrass are Keith Nickless, Lauren South and Kate McAlister, all based in Rugby. They began playing in their present line-up in January 2019 after having played together previously in a 5-piece band. On the basis of this album one can only hope they stay together for a long time. From The Forge is a very brave attempt to capture their “live” performances. As a first venture together they boldly set about recording a “one take” session. This was lovingly co-ordinated by Tom Gittins of Monochrome Productions at the Forge Studio in Southam.
There were all kinds of obstacles which could have held them back in attempting this ambitious enterprise, but the net result is a very listenable album available as a download or as a CD. Personally I’d recommend the latter option, because the unique packaging and artwork is well worth the additional effort. Greengrass are very sensitive to environmental and ecological issues. This was reflected in my copy which arrived delightfully packaged in an ingeniously decorated brown card wallet. You had to literally undo it like a parcel (string included!). Quite a few people have already admired it as a standalone art piece!
Comprehensive sleeve notes were included as a separate booklet, with the same artisanal illustration and lettering. Simple, effective, and meaning that the only plastic contained was the disc it self. The booklet contains concise details and background of each of the 14 tracks. ( Going with the CD means you’d have to download Three Birds a Keith Donnelly song, via Bandcamp). Copies in either format can be ordered via the contact details at the bottom of this review. It was released in March 2020 but obviously with Covid 19 taking almost immediate hold, promotional opportunities became restricted to virtual online performances only.
Given the circumstances, Greengrass have recorded a fabulous debut collection of songs, beautifully played and arranged. I absolutely love covers of traditional songs anyway: it’s a personal weakness of mine. So they had me halfway hooked with the set list even before I began listening. There’s not a dud among them. Each one is different and all bring something new to the table, with adaptations of Black is The Colour, The Blacksmith, Spencer The Rover and Lord Franklin. They also handle a Karine Polwart song “Follow The Heron,” with great panache.
Yet Greengrass are no one-trick ponies. Besides playing old favourites evocatively, there is new material here. “Judiths Song” is Lauren’s solo work and she and Keith combined to write “History” together. Kate McAlister adds guitar and harmonies and weighs in with two of her own compositions, “The Waltz,” and “Tame Yourself.”
Lauren plays violin/fiddle and is developing an interest in other instruments. Some of her fiddle fills are evocatively haunting. She also has a distinctive vocal style. There are a plethora of young women singers with memorable voices. I can identify quite a lot of them just by hearing them. I’m pretty sure I could pick Lauren out now. Which adds her to a distinguished company including Kitty McFarlane, Ruth Notman, Josienne Clarke, Hannah Sanders, Kelly Oliver Cara Dillon and Laura Ward.
I’d seen and heard Keith playing previously in other formats. I’m sure he won’t me saying that visually, he is both unique and unforgettable. I knew he was a good musician but I hadn’t realised that he had such a sensitive voice and a good song-writing style. Best exemplified in a song he wrote himself “Soft Words.” Top earworm material this. Avoid it if you don't want to find yourself murmuring it later, as you varnish that canoe or stir the goulash on the iron stove.
At the end of the day, combining all this talent, they can also knock out a good rollicking instrumental, as in “Star of The County Down/King of The Faeries." No words to this one, but it's a Folk Club and Festival favourite guaranteed to get the feet tapping In summary From The Forge is an eclectic mix of old and new songs: just the right kind of cross section you want from a decent Folk album. I can’t wait to hear their first studio album. With additional instrumentation, some imaginative mixing and production, it's going to be a cracker.
The CD is available by emailing greengrassfolk@gmail.com
The digital download is available via Bandcamp at:
http://greengrassfolk.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-forge-live
The band also have a Facebook Page
