FolkWorld CD Reviews

Eliza Carthy, the 22 years old fiddle player and vocalist, daughter of Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson (with whom she forms also the excellent trio Waterson:Carthy), has now released her second 'solo' album. This album is, to be exact, a two album package (both CDs seem to be available separately as well). The two albums are quite different, and they showcase the two ends of Elizas current work: 'Rice' is quite a traditional album, while 'Red' is more progressive, leading English traditions into new modern directions.

Let's start with 'Red', the more electric, more modern album: It sounds to me a bit like a concept album where new borders are reached and even crossed. Liza is backed on this album by - amongst others - Martin Green (acc, keys), Barnaby Stradling (e + ac bass), Sam Thomas (dr), Ed Boyd (ac g), Olly Knight (e g) and, on the last two tracks, by Shack and Paul (Programming). And the programming (especially on the tune 'Red Rice') is the element of the album that I don't really like. I mean there are really genius moments in the tune 'Red Rice', but all in all, this kind of programming is for me a step too far into the modern music market.
The other nine tracks I like much more. The eight songs are either (mostly English) traditional or written by Liza herself, plus one by Ben Harper. Liza has a very good feeling for her traditions, and her songwriting is very promising. This 'Red' album has many interesting influences just like Jazz, Blues, Rock etc.; and it's a very good album; although it is not a round thing and has lots of edges - but that does not really matter.

The second album 'Rice' is different - it is an acoustic album with a very traditional feeling in it. Eliza is mostly backed by Melodeon (Saul Rose) and Guitar (Ed Boyd). The material is traditional completed by some fine fiddle tunes written by Liza. On this album the young lady proves again that she is one of the best interpreters of English traditional songs I know. This is an excellent and very homogenious album with extraordinary arrangements for traditional English music.

All in all this two CD package is very well worth its price. It was a good idea to have this double one, as the material is that much different that you could not put it on one album; and as it proves to all fans - those who like more the trad as well as those who like the progressive side of Eliza - that the girl still represents 'their' favourite style. It is amazing to find this performer managing to be part of both ends of the folk scene - the acoustic trad one and the modern electrified one.
Please Eliza make your own way further on, staying true to both ends of the scene - otherwise something would be missing in the English folk scene.

Topic Records, 50 Stroud Green Rd., London N4 3EF
Christian Moll