Album review: SIOBHAN MILLER – Bloom
Proper Music [Release date 16.09.22]
Siobhan Miller was like many artists releasing a new album just as the covid epidemic started, curtailing any touring plans and coverage for any new music. Now we are back into vaguely normal times again Siobhan Miller returns with her latest album which sees her cover Scottish songs (bar the closing track ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ which is of Irish origin).
It is a real feel good album that also proved a joy to record apparently as Siobhan was reunited with the all-star line-up from her award-winning second album 2017′s ‘Strata’, including Orcadian singer/guitarist and long-time collaborator Kris Drever (Lau), Eddi Reader, Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow) and guitarist Ian Carr (Kate Rusby Band).
Where to start with highlights? Opening with the Andy M. Stewart penned ‘Queen Of Argyll’ sees a high standard set and do check out the Silly Wizard version. ‘Go, Move, Shift’ by Ewan McColl, his powerful protest song based on traveller Mindy Smith, who was ‘moved on’ while giving birth in her caravan by local police. Still resonates in today’s world sadly.
Folk music loves a good murder and body count, which ‘The Swan Swims’ – a tale of one sister killing another – and ‘The Battle Of Waterloo’ provide on here.
The rousing Rab Noakes tune ‘Open All Night’ is a joyous mix of folk, jazz, pop and above all, a song to put a spring in your step and lift the spirits.
The singing alone of Siobhan Miller should be enough to see this album nestle in your music collection. One of the finest singers in folk music at the moment. There is the added bonus that many of these songs are well known and all benefit from the magical musical touch of Siobhan Miller and her musical companions. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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