This is a collection of songs that first appeared on the album 'Bright Phoebus' plus some others written around the same time, performed by 'some of the folk world's finest performers'

Opening with an instrumental version of 'Bright Phoebus' played in a New Orleans parade band style, the album quickly moves on to 'Evona Darling' performed by Linda and Teddy Thompson - I was a bit disappointed with this, but it's competent enough with nice accordion and organ work from Van Dyke Parks - actually I think it might grow on me, but I don't think that Linda and Teddy's voices blend that well.

Next up - and for me one of the stand out tracks of the album - Dick Gaughan's stark version of one of the starkest songs ever written - 'Scarecrow' Just Dick, his wonderful voice and sensitive guitar - just brilliant. It's difficult to do anything else while this track is playing other than just listen.

'Never the Same' sees Martin Carthy backed by a string quartet, another fine track, but I'm not sure that Martin's voice is all that it was - however it's a moving song and this arrangement works well. 'Song for Thirza' sung by Norma Waterson is just about perfect, as is 'Piper's Path' performed by Christy Moore.

The Eliza Carthy Band give a competent rendition of 'Child Among the Weeds', but next up is another highlight - 'Shine' by Helen Watson and Heather Greenbank - simply a beautiful song beautifully performed. Then we come to 'Danny Rose', performed by Billy Bragg and the Blokes - never my favourite song, here it sounds like it was recorded inside a cardboard box and is frankly dreadful.

'Winifer Odd' by Maddy and Rose Prior does justice to an interesting song, but Christine Collister's 'The Marvellous Companion' is just that - marvellous.

Another highlight is 'One of Those Days' by Kare Brislin and Jody Stecher - I don't know this duo, but the voices blend in a wonderful way - puts me in mind of Jessica and Martin Simpson - great track. Then one of the best songs ever written - 'Fine Horseman' - cracking version by Dayteller - this lot sound really interesting and give the song a 'big sound' feel - doesn't beat Anne Briggs's version, but superb never the less.

Richard Thompson performs 'Red Wine Promises' in his distinctive style, generally it works well, but I think the key should have been lowered a bit for better effect - some of those high notes sound a bit forced.

Finally the album is closed by the wonderful Blue Murder singing 'Bright Phoebus' - a cracking ending to a generally worthwhile album.

 
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Jon Hall - July 2002