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Ninepenny Marl, Simple Gifts, (Folksound 69). The four-part a capella harmony group (Des Patalong, Linda Dickson, and Barbara and Gareth Wyatt), Ninepenny Marl is back with this 17-song CD encompassing a variety of traditional English songs. Their voices suit these songs perfectly. Draw yourself a pint, clear your throat and join in the chorus. - MW |
Sing out • Vol 49#3 • Fall 2005
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"SIMPLE GIFTS" Ninepenny Marl. Folksound FSCD 69 (02476711935). 55 minutes. This unaccompanied four-piece (2m 2f) has a difficult task: all 17 tracks are mostly well known so their four-part arrangements (no solos) have to be spot-on as regards timing, intonation, and interest. Generally, they manage excellently, and as their diction is superb this CD will make a useful and interesting addition to a traditional collection. All the words are at: www.uk.geocities.com/ninepennymarl. CWR |
Folknews Kernow
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Ninepenny Marl - Simple Gifts |
Ah! What memories of fine songs and fine singing. Ninepenny Marl hail from Warwickshire and have been singing together off and on since the 1970's. Barbara & Gareth Wyatt, Linda Dickson and Des Patalong are all well known in the Midlands and their simple gift is a selection of well known traditional songs, sung acapella and beautifully recorded by Graham Bradshaw.
No surprises, nothing clever or stunning. Just a fine replication of their live performances including titles such as Let Union be in all our hearts, Padstow Drinking Song and Who Killed Cock Robin.
This may be a "simple gift" but it will be an excellent source of good songs for newcomers and a souvenir for those who have enjoyed them at a club or festival.
Anne Lennox-Martm FSCD 69
Shreds & Patches Issue 34
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'SIMPLE GIFTS' Ninepenny Marl Folksound FSCD69 |
Ninepenny Marl (the name comes from a version of Nine Man's Morris) are a four part unaccompanied harmony group which formed in the early seventies, then took 'a bit of a break' and reformed a couple of years ago, As a result, this is their debut album, but unlike most first albums it benefits from assured performances of well-sung-in songs from an extensive range,
The spectrum of music featured on the album's seventeen songs is itself impressive - from hymns ancient to updated paganism, songs from every part of the English-speaking world, Even when the song is familiar, their arrangements are surprising and always valid (take a listen to their take on The Battle Hymn Of The Republic, Johnny Todd or Babylon).
The singing is rugged: the production is deliberately basic and unobtrusive and the album is all the better for this bold move. The effect is that you hear the group exactly as you would in a folk club: the greatest affirmation of this is that you simply cannot resist joining in, There is no temptation to take the album off - as one track concludes you genuinely want to hear what's coming next. No mean feat on a long CD where all you hear are four unadorned voices,
Thoroughly enjoyable and a genuine delight.
Nigel Schofield
Tykes news
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NINEPENNY MARL Simple Gifts (Folksound fscd69) |
Englese traditionele folkiedjes, a-capella vierstemmig gezongen door twee dames en twee heren uit Warwickshire. De groep is met tussenpozen al sinds de zeventiger jaren actied, maar dit is pas hun debuutplatt.