Sam Kelly
Album: Spokes
Label: Hairpin
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.samkelly.org

Sam Kelly is a young singer, songwriter steeped in the folk traditions by his Irish Grandfather who taught him to sing. "Spokes" is his second release and showcases the versatility not only of his writing but also the depth of material he covers.

"On Board a 98" a traditional song, many will be familiar with from the singing of Peter Bellamy or Mike Barber & Mike Wilson, is given a outing. A powerful song that tells the tale of a wayward young man press ganged onto a ship of war by his parents. From the slowness of a creaking ship, Jamie Francis's Banjo steps up the pace at the forefront of the mix and tight drumming by Evan Carson drives the track to its conclusion. All through Sam Kelly's voice is strong and totally at home to what almost becomes a sea shanty..

Of the originals on this EP, "Healing Hands" is lighter and has a lovely warn feel to the mix of guitar, mandolin and the fiddle courtesy of James Findlay, whilst "Hickathrift" is the story of a giant killer from East Anglian folklore, it rocks and features an impressive electric guitar solo form Francis.

Concluding the album, Kelly chooses another trad song, this time recorded live. It's "The Unquiet Grave" which some will know as "Cold Blows The Wind" especially Bellowhead fans. Here it's given a superb slow rendition which drips sadness and longing .

And that's the thing really, a voice good enough to reach the final of "Britain's Got Talent", a talent large enough to be offered a Management contract and a conviction strong enough to turn it down preferring to concentrate on the music he wants to record.

A gamble you'll agree. On this offering however my money is on Mr Kelly to succeed.

Ian Cripps