Thursday, November 11, 2010

CD Review: Fay Hield's 'Looking Glass'


Looking Glass

U.K.-native, Fay Hield, dazzles audiences with her folk-based songs. A purely folk-endeavor, Fay incorporates a few instruments familiar to the folk genre, including the fiddle, concertina, viola, nyckelharpa, and guitar. The songs seem to be inspired by Scottish, Gaelic, or Celtic roots. Fay sings in English, even though her voice takes on an almost Gaelic-vocal signature. The folk music is similar in sound to Scotland's Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis. The sweet melodies, contemplative fiddling, and poetic lyrics steeped in English history and fables mark a solid effort for English folk music. Looking Glass is devoid of modern arrangements or electronic wizardry. In short, Fay sings from the heart and so do the instruments. Looking Glass contains giddy tunes, vocal masterpieces, and an equal amount of charismatic charm. ~ Matthew Forss

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