Tim Graham And Rose Lippard
Album: Tim Graham And Rose Lippard EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: http://www.timgrahammusic.co.uk

Tim and Rosemary are a young duo whose stamping ground seems to be around the edge of London/Essex;. They contributed a track to this year's Leigh Folk Festival sampler CD, which I singled out as a particularly fine example of the unsigned talents on display; that very track, a superlative account of the classic ballad Long Lankin, closes this EP, which constitutes Tim and Rose's official debut release.

The remaining three tracks were recorded "live in the studio" just a short while ago (presumably since the aforementioned Festival), in order to further showcase Rose's accomplished vocal talents and Tim's poised guitar style. Their musical togetherness is very much apparent in this recording; it turns out they've been sharing music for the last three years, so it's surprising to discover that (the LFF track aside) they've not hitherto recorded as a duo (although Tim has previously recorded an EP with violinist Rachel Hall and Rose has been working with former Owl Service member Steven Collins on his Country Parish Music project).

I may be imagining this, but I do note an apparent difference in Rose's vocal timbre between the first three tracks and Lankin; on the latter, there's a quality of free-spirited earthiness that (as I originally observed) recalls an early Eliza Carthy, whereas I sense more of a kinship with Anne Briggs on the newer studio recordings.

Rose's confident command of phrasing is impressive, as is her strength of attack, and Tim's sensitivity in providing supportive guitar fills is indicative of a long-term empathy while its own attack, tone and expression has much of the character of his inspiration Bert Jansch without being in any way overtly imitative.

The combination of power and thoughtful poise that both performers together display is best heard when contrasting the disc's two central tracks, Martinmas Time and Little Yellow Roses; it's a combination that's as winning as it is contemporary, yet entirely respectful of the tradition that Tim and Rose evidently deeply love. Yes, I'll be following Tim and Rose with interest.

David Kidman