Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
The music business may be seen to be dying but that does not mean that music is an art form that is on its knees, taking everything into account, it is arguably in a rude state of health and never it seems has Folk been so popular away from its original inspiring inception.
One such label who has had a more than a hand in the continued growth of artists is Fellside and at 40 years old, the lover of such fine music can but wish a happy birthday, blow out the candles of sincere gratitude and revel in some of the finest music made over the last 10 years since the label released the triple compilation album Landmarks.
The Journey Continues: Fellside at 40 is another sojourn into the realms of triple albums and like many productions that come with huge expectations attached to them, the listener is advised to proceed with caution for about the length of time it takes to put the C.D. in the device and then to sit back and celebrate with each and every artist that Fellside have managed to bring under one outrageously cool umbrella.
The tone of the album borders on reverence, of honest admiration for the craft and a subtle appreciation for the task undertaken. The signpost may say 40 but the journey is that being undertaken by a season professional, the map and road planner well versed and one that offers a glimpse upon the natural talent along the way.
With musicians such as Frankie Armstrong with her song Madeline, Rachel Newton joining forces with Lillas Kingman-Blake, Sara Grey, the excellent Lizzie Nunnery, The Hut People, Pilgrim’s Way, Joe Tilson, the fabulous Pete Morton, Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar and the Preston Isle Metal Band all contributing to the 57 song strong album, this is a party of absolute distinction to which the listener feels privileged to be part of, to nestle within, the comfort of enjoyment not lost for a single minute.
Long may all musicians feel the tenderness that Fellside put out, 40 years offering excellent quality of musicianship is not to be ignored, instead it should be applauded and in Fellside at 40 that applause is deafening and rapturous
The Journey Continues: Fellside at 40 is released on February 5th. The music that Fellside showcases and features on this C.D. can also be heard at the inaugural Roots 66 festival at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick over the weekend of 5th-7th February. This new Folk festival is one that is surely going to be a hit with fans of the genre.
Ian D. Hall