Ron recommends: Tattletale Saints, Donal Clancy and Vance Gilbert

When you are a folk DJ, every day is Christmas. Just ask my postal carrier who delivers stacks of packages to my home each week (good thing she listens to the show!) Inside each package is a “gift” of a newly released CD sent for my appraisal for potential airplay on WFDU-FM’s TRADITIONS.

While it takes time to dig through the recordings, I enjoy spending the hours because I know I will soon come across a new gem to share on the radio.  I’d like to recommend a couple of “new and noteworthy” recordings that I’ve received in recent weeks:

TATTLETALE SAINTS
HOW RED IS THE BLOOD
(self – www.tattletalesaints.com)

Over the past year, contemporary folk music has witnessed a trend of new duos, often with a male and female combination.  Perhaps it was the success of the Civil Wars, but it is exciting to hear some of these groups that are coming into their own.

The Tattletale Saints intrigued me. The press release that accompanied this CD mentioned that the duo was from New Zealand originally. Cy Winstanley was playing in local rock and jazz bands when he discovered his love for country and bluegrass music. He met Vanessa McGowan who was playing in a jazz band. Cy would travel to London where he would spend seven years busking and performing as an opening act from groups like the Violent Femmes. Vanessa traveled to the United States when she received a scholarship to do a Masters of Music in Jazz Bass at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The duo later reunited in New Zealand and formed a band that would eventually evolve into the Tattle Saints. In 2013 they went to Nashville, Tennessee to record this new album with Grammy Award winner Tim O’Brien as their producer.

If you were to close your eyes and play this CD without knowing it was from the Tattletale Saints, you probably would think you were listening to a new recording from Paul Simon. Cy Winstanley’s voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Simon’s, and he also possesses similar lyrical instincts as the legendary singer-songwriter.   However, it is not forced or fake, Cy Winstanley has a natural ability that hooks you at the first note. Vanessa McGowan brings in an exceptional bass line as well as brilliant harmonies (Before you ask , the answer is “no” – she does not bear any resemblance to Paul Simon’s sometime musical partner!).

“Kathleen,” the first song on the CD, starts out as a catchy pop tune about young love and quickly turns into a much darker story that caught me off guard. “Fell Upon the Fields” features some wonderful banjo, mandolin and fiddle (from Tim O’Brien) and the lyrics share the experience of suffering through a London winter as the writer fantasizes about being on the Western plains.

There are numerous examples of lyrical and melodic contradictions on this CD that makes for a stimulating musical ride. Intelligent, entertaining and thoroughly captivating.  It is recordings like this that gives me assurance that folk music continues to thrive and create new traditions.  At its heart are the truths of the human condition that make folk music so important to all of us.

This CD was the winner for the New Zealand Music Award for Folk Album of the Year in 2014. I hope folk music fans will embrace them across this continent as well.

DONÁL CLANCY
SONGS OF A ROVING BLADE
(self – www.donalclancy.com)

This CD actually arrived in late December, so while it might not be as “new” as some of the other CDs I’m recommending, it is certainly noteworthy!

I was taken by surprise when I heard Donál’s latest. Based on his previous recordings and performances, I was expecting a new CD that would focus on his guitar skills.

Donál has a reputation as one of the finest guitarists in Irish music. In the  mid ’90s he co-founded the Irish trad band Danu. He moved to New York City in 1998 where he found himself in demand supporting numerous Irish artists from fiddler Eileen Ivers to the Chieftains, and also accompanying his father, the late Liam Clancy.  Liam and Donál also formed a trio with cousin Robbie O’Connell.

A few years ago, I booked Donál at the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in Fair Lawn, New Jersey to perform an instrumental set. We were chatting backstage and I asked him why I never heard him sing. With a sheepish grin he replied “oh, nobody would want to listen to me.” His response, coupled with his resume, gave me the impression that the genes that made Liam Clancy one of the most beloved voices in Irish music simply didn’t get passed on to Donál.

Wrong. You can imagine my surprise when I heard the first track on this new CD, Mrs. McGrath. Donál not only can sing, but he sings beautifully. In the liner notes Donál mentioned that after his fathers passing, music was missing in their home. He began singing to help fill the void and honor his father.

When you hear Donál sing “Mrs. McGrath” you notice that there are differences from the version sung by the Clancy Brothers, but you will also witness the remarkable similarity between the voices of Donál and his late father. Like Liam, Donál has a voice that is powerful without overpowering the material – subtle yet strong and very pleasing.  The key to a good ballad singer is the ability to not rush the song but to let the story determine the pace.  Liam was a master, and his son has obviously learned well.

Fans of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem (to whom Donál dedicated the recording) will be familiar with the songs even though Donál has given them some new settings or used different versions of the lyrics. Fears that their songs would be forgotten are put to rest once you hear Donál sing “Roddy McCorley,” or one of my favorites: “The Sean-Bhean Bhoct.” Not to worry. Donál’s trademark guitar is well represented on this recording, and he is joined by a number renowned Irish musicians including David Power on uillean pipes, Karan Casey with backing vocals on “Mrs. McGrath” and “The Broom of the Cowdenknowes,” and Donál’s wife Mary Rafferty (former member of Cherish the Ladies and the daughter of the late Mike Rafferty, celebrated Irish flautist.)

The Clancy family has played an important role in the preservation of Irish folk music, and Donál Clancy, already established in the field, is not only carrying on the tradition, but also making his own unique imprint.  The beautiful voice of Donál Clancy is sure to become a favorite on the folk scene. While I look forward to what the future will bring, I will be enjoying this great CD!

VANCE GILBERT
BaD Dog Buffet
(Disismye Music – www.vancegilbert.com)

Okay, it may be true that Vance Gilbert really doesn’t need a plug.  His stellar reputation and fans anticipation for a new recording will probably make this new recording a very popular choice on folk radio across the nation.

If you’ve ever seen Vance perform (full disclosure – I’ve booked him for the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in Fair Lawn, NJ for a show on Saturday May 10, 2014), you know what a wonderfully wicked sense of humor and quick wit Vance posses. Couple that with his warm vocals and dazzling guitar work and you realize why Vance is one of the folk community’s most cherished performers.

His humor certainly shines in this new collection.  My favorite cut just might be “Out the Way We Came In,” a loving song about a break-up of a marriage. Another whimsical piece is “Sweet Potato Dove,” a vocal exercise that had me thinking about the possibilities of chocolate egg foo young. (Trust me, once you hear the song, you will have cravings too!) “Holiday Employment” is a unique look at finding work for a certain red-nosed holiday icon.

Another outstanding song and performance is found in “December 3rd,” a poignant look back at a first love blocked by social situations. I was also enamored with a new recording of Vance’s “trademark” song “Unfamiliar Moon,” this time accompanied by Darol Anger on fiddle.

I’ve been a fan for years, and one of my favorite moments in radio was when Vance visited my show about 10 years ago (Vance – you are overdue for a return!). I don’t think he has ever recorded a bad CD, and BaD Dog Buffet is one of his best.