Album review: BECKY MILLS – Tall Tales and Home Truths

Talking Elephant [Release date 26.04.19]

Becky Mills was part of the all girl folk band Waking the Witch, who split-up in 2008. After the band’s break-up Becky Mills released her debut solo album ‘Dandelion’ back in 2013. This new album has been six years in the making and features a number of guest musicians including folk legend Ashley Hutchings and Ruth Angell, who Becky has worked with in a number of live shows.

All the songs are written and arranged by Becky. The majority of the songs are based on various members of her family, yet each song resonates with the listener, for example ‘Crocuses’, a song about the loss of a loved one.

Two songs were recorded live , ‘Last Look At Home’ and ‘No Tears For The Fisherman’, with Ruth Angell helping out on violin and backing vocals. Both of these songs sound like they are older folks songs reworked under the ‘Trad. Arranged’ handle. The violin adds depth to both songs, without dominating the overall sound of songs.

The jaunty air of ‘The Gunsmith’s Daughter’ lifts the tempo and features Ashley Hutchings in amongst the backing vocalists. CD listeners get a bonus song in the shape of ‘Barry Sheene’, a fine song and tribute to the motorbike racer.

Live or in the studio Becky Mills has melodic vocal that enchants and commands the listener’s attention. She has created an album of new folk songs that themselves could well be covered and arranged by fellow musicians in the years to come. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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