I have to say that given the gradual explosion, (yes I know there's really no such thing), in the popularity of Contemporary Folk, that Alasdair Roberts might finally get the moment in the sun this year that he's long deserved.
For proud Scotsman Roberts was one of those, (James Yorkston is certainly another), who sowed the Folk seeds twenty years and more back for which the likes of Lankum, Lisa O'Neill and Richard Dawson are currently reaping the harvest of newfound popular interest. in musical stylings like these.
It seems from the understated and low key level of immediate interest in latest album, the wonderfully titled, Grief in the Kitchen & Mirth in the Hall, that Alasdair need not prepare for stardom or Mojo covers just yet. Perhaps that's a good thing. From the couple of times I've seen him play live, he seems reluctant to iron a shirt before a gig. Never mind kowtow to the uglier expectations of the music industry.
Who cares about how many appreciate the man's mercurial talent frankly. There are those who do fully , and that's what matters. And the man himself seems in fine fettle more than twenty years into his musical journey, an inimitable, special middle order batting talent mounting up another tidy and invaluable innings here without ever feeling the need to flash outside off stump in search of easy boundaries.
This is another warm, emotive album with songs about bonny moorhens and and wonderful grey horses for those that appreciate such things. Roberts is a special talent. Intricate, guitar lines, reflective and touching lyrical reflections on life and all its strange turns. He's a treasure, what some might deem a national one. Don't worry about many of the so called notable releases for this week. Grief in the Kitchen & Mirth in the Hall, is as good as any of them.
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