Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith
Album: Let The Wind Blow High Or Low
Label: Fellside
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.jimmyandsid.com

First impressions are of an album which places the songs and their stories ahead of flashy artwork. What also seems clear is that these are two musicians who cut their teeth on the folk scene and who take pride in collecting and learning songs via the oral tradition at clubs and festivals around the UK.

The instrumental playing is dynamic and the simplicity of the arrangements endearing giving the sense that the duo thrives on performing story songs and with enticing chorus songs 'Paddy West' and 'The Bonnie Ship The Diamond' I hope it will not be long until I catch Aldridge and Goldsmith at a folk club. Placing guitar and banjo side by side these are two equal musicians who complement each other's playing and the a capella song 'Hold the Lantern High' further demonstrates their synergy. Credit must be given to Olly Craigan and Aaron Catlow whose support on bodhran and fiddle respectively adds significantly to the harmonic scope of the album.

Whilst the sleeve notes provide any context which cannot be gleaned from the songs this pair of earthy voices is well suited to narration and this is apparent on the title track 'Let the Wind Blow High Or Low'. Respectful of tradition Aldridge and Goldsmith nonetheless seem happy to carve out their own versions of the songs they have chosen for their debut album. The opening track is by their own admission 'a slightly odd folk journey' making its way from the Penguin Book of English Folk Songs towards an Appalachian fiddle tune via an Irish polka and yet the lyrics of the former are sung as if contemporary. The story has evidently been taken to heart.

Similarly, the versions of traditional songs that the duo have selected are carefully explained in the album notes and the 'White Dove' is a favourite track chosen in preference to the more frequently heard 'Cuckoo'. Likewise 'Keep Your Hand on the Plough' has been stripped of its religious connotations in order that Aldridge and Goldsmith can deliver their own message of determination through the song.

Highlights on the album include the rootsy inflections of 'L & N Don't Stop Here Anymore' whilst the call and response and close harmonies of 'White Dove' are particularly satisfying.

It would be interesting to catch this duo live and find out how they communicate these songs and stories in person. Personal, empathetic and focussed on the individual, these are stories told from the perspective of real people accompanied by accomplished and considered musical arrangements. Understated and thought-provoking this album would be well matched to a glass of whisky and a mellowing fire.

Louise Jordan