Reviews

Artist: Marina Florance Band
Album: Migration
Label: Not The Mumma
Tracks: 16
Website:http://www.marinaflorance.com

The Marina Florance Band are based in East Anglia. "Migration" is a live album recorded at the High Barn in Essex.If Marina and band were based in the US, I'm sure that this album would have been recorded at The Ryman in front of a packed audience. Nanci Griffith gets name checked in one of Marina's songs, it's a good starting reference.

There's a story telling element to the songs on the album. Short cross sections on people's lives, often the songs pay homage to the human spirit, times may be hard, but with a sense of purpose and an inner belief we can make it better.

Stylistically the album ranges across Americana, bluegrassand country, but it's not really tied into anything apart from the quality of the songs and playing. It's a very uplifting album to listen t, one that makes you feel warm inside as you feel the belief of the singer in the words.

It's something that's as true when Mick Kennedy takes over the lead vocals as when Marina does, except that its a bit deeper and rougher around the edges.

There are parts of the album that remind me of when Dolly Parton returned to her bluegrass roots. It's not just the quality of the vocal it's the subject matter and arrangements, the way the songs are infused with a sense of hope. There's not enough time in life to complain about it so lets make it the best we can.

A migration is a journey, sometimes its one thats part of a giant round trip sometimes its permanent, a person or people heading off for pastures new. A search for something different from the place where you are. This album takes you off on those journies.

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