The Hall of Einar Sunday Recommendation #43

Hello and welcome to my Sunday Recommendation. Thanks for joining me. Every week I read great wildlife and nature books, stumble upon engrossing websites and hear wonderful new music. This is my chance to bring you carefully curated recommendations of all the best I’ve experienced – every Sunday. If it’s folk, or independent, or about wildlife, nature or Orkney, I may love it, and so may you.

Volume 1 – Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth

Listening with pleasure to Will Pound and Jenn Butterworth‘s album Volume 1 is something I’ve been doing a lot this week as I’ve been working from home. It’s got a special quality, with the choice of material, the pace, and the sheer breathtaking musicianship meaning I can never get bored of it, and I’m sure it will remain a favourite for a long time to come. There are certain albums you hear which become a part of your personality; this is one of them. Music which becomes an indelible part of that era in your life is a precious thing and Volume 1 is going to remind me of these weeks working at home, providing welcome joy every time I press the play button.

Jenn Butterworth is a fine and expressive guitarist and Will Pound moves from sensitive to robust at the touch of a button with his melodeon. They mix a set of traditional and original tunes to great effect. Here’s Sheba, a striking version of Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, originally from Will’s project to play music from each of the EU countries:

The album of full of spirited performances by two musicians who are finding great joy in their creativity. Here’s Speedy, the final set of tunes from the album, combining Speed the Plough with The Hesleyside Reel.

The album is a triumph and I can only wish more speed to their plough.

The album is available from their Bandcamp. Do check it out.

That’s it for this week. I’ll be back with more recommendations of things you might adore next Sunday. In the meantime, I wish you a great week. Keep safe, everyone.

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