Album review: Anaïs Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer, Child Ballads (Wilderland)

 

Andy Gill
Friday 08 February 2013 20:00 GMT
Comments
Anaïs Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer, Child Ballads (Wilderland)
Anaïs Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer, Child Ballads (Wilderland)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The folk songs collated in the 19th century by Sir Francis James Child are the taproot of transcontinental folk culture: a treasure-house of tales for performers from Martin Carthy to Bob Dylan, and a more recent influence on nu-folkies like The Decemberists.

Anaïs Mitchell here teams up with singer/guitarist Jefferson Hamer for interpretations of seven Child ballads, their sleek but salty harmonies borne on warm, hypnotic arrangements of guitar, accordion, pump organ and fiddle. It's a deeply satisfying album, steeped in mystery and enchantment.

Download: Willie of Winsbury; Sir Patrick Spens; Riddles Wisely Expounded; Tam Lin

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in