Reviews

Artist:Beth Malcolm
Album: Folkmosis
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 20
Website: https://www.bethmalcolm.com/

Born out of a New Voices Celtic Connections commission FOLKMOSIS is an album, the second by major folk musician Beth Malcolm, and it is also a process, explored by the album. FOLKMOSIS is songs woven together with spoken word, an autobiographical tale of Malcolm finding her creative and musical way through the world. Broadly speaking it is becoming Beth Malcolm with a look at the wider musicial world.

"Osmosis medley" opens the album, like an overture of folk songs introducing Beth's effortless and versatile vocals. Beth herself explains the songs in spoken verse over electronics, rhythmic and beautiful like Scotland's dreamily trippy Laurie Anderson. "Halloween" is surreal story telling full of rich detail. Beth and a light as air band with Tiernan Courell's whistles and Callum Cloudsley bodhran rip effortlessly through a, tricky version of "Edward" that is by turns furious and then dreamy. "Aberdeen Angus Bairn" and "In The Seam Between" are spoken diary entries, that run deep describing folkmosis, the way music seeps in and some thoughtful life lessons. "(Meet Me By The) Goretree" is soft and hypnotic Beth, a slow drift through perfection. "Ghosted" is an edgy song of rejection, standing in for the non folk teen years, voice, piano and David Bowden's double bass, as troubled as Van Morrison's "Slim Slow Slider". "To Glasgow" is a spoken end and beginning, leading to the sublime Joni like "Growing" from 2023's KISSED AND CRIED, re-recorded here in a softer, reflective version. Its a brave Artist who revisits a track from their previous album and fascinating to compare, but the FOLKMOSIS version is simply stunning, tender, nuanced and perfectly placed in the unfolding narrative. "Ghosted" and "Growing" musically reach back futher to Beth's 2019 recordings with Scots muscular Jazz band Fat Suit. "A Man Who Loves The Worst Of Me" and "Rolling Stone" are honest, bare but beautiful love songs full of real emotion and pathos.

The FOLKMOSIS process is gradual and almost unnoticed with "Bonny Glenshee" recalling a moment of connection and "To Orkney" underscoring the impact and message of folk song. Leading to a beautiful choir version of Ed Pickford's "The Workers Song" "Little Lows" is, souful and bluesy, breathy and sensuous, with sophisticated electric piano and organ and washes of perfect jazzy vocals. "I Am Bound" with washes of electronica and circling guitar is on of the central points of the album, Beth's "Amazing Grace", dealing with deep rooted connection. "Come Gies A Sang Medley" i is a joyful exploration of folk song storytelling, with some fine playing and fine vocalsftom. Beth and Jack Babcock. "The Mountain (Glen Artney)" is a spiritual song about coming home, full of presence and atmosphere, with a big finish that washes over you. "The Beginning Of The End" isxa spoken epilogue and summing up as Beth describes how grounded Scottish Folk Song makes her feel.

This a brave album, brave in its reach and honesty, but modest too. Beth points out this isnt just her journey, but an experience shared by many, while her insights and real life details in rich and sharpen the story telling. Highly recommended and rewarding listen from an accomplished singer, musician and storyteller.

Marc Higgins

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