Various Artists
Album: Joy Of Living - A Tribute To Ewan MacColl
Label: Cooking Vinyl
Tracks: 21
Website: http://www.ewanmaccoll.co.uk

For those uninitiated, like myself until hearing this album and digging a little deeper, Ewan MacColl was at the forefront of, if not the leader of the British folk revival.

Comprising 21 tracks, this double CD release is a tribute to the man and his work. The fact that this album features reworkings of MacColl's songs from the current crop of folk talents, including his family members, as well as luminaries from other genres, such as blues, pop, Irish and indie, is a testament to the broad, enduring influence and legacy that he had and continues to have. The album is released in what would have been his centenary year and at the time of writing this review, it was exactly 26 years to the day after his death.

Produced by Ewan's sons, Calum and Neil, there are song contributions from those you might expect to see (Eliza Carthy, Seth Lakeman, Billy Bragg, Marry and Norma Waterson) and a few pleasant surprises (Jarvis Cocker, David Gray, Steve Earle, Bombay Bicycle Club and Rufus & Martha Wainwright).

This is by no means a definitive collection - it was never intended to be. When listening, you get the distinct impression that the family Ewan has left behind have definitely had a hand in choosing the artists they like and admire to perform the songs of his that they liked.

That said, there is no way that the classic 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' performed here by Paul Buchanan, could not have been included. Other highlights for me are 'The Father's Song' (Martin Simpson), 'Alone' (Kathryn Williams) 'The Terror Time' (Karine Polwart) 'The Shoals Of Herring' (Seth Lakeman) but to be honest, all tracks are stunningly beautiful, brilliant and as poignant, current and as moving as they were all those years ago. Through these artists reaching their own audiences and bringing the work of MacColl to new ears, he will continue to influence folk singers and beyond for years to come, even though they may not immediately realise it.

A superb and fitting tribute, not just to a singer, songwriter, political activist, actor, poet, playwright, and record producer but to a true folk legend. I'm glad I went digging.

Chris Giles