Website [Release date 01.09.23]

Ninebarrow, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere, are at the forefront of folk artists building their own musical community. In this case Ninebarrow have the ‘Barrow Bods’, which helps them spread the word about their marvellous music, along with the duo’s walking tours, online shows – they have created their own successful and vibrant cottage industry.

Now we have album number five from Ninebarrow and one that marks ten years since the duo decided to start singing and performing together. As with previous albums the songs are a mix of their own original compositions and covers/rearrangements of traditional songs. Jon and Jay’s vocal harmonies are sublime, bringing to mind such greats as Simon & Garfunkel.

Opening the album is ‘House’, a cover of a song by Patrick Wolf which is described by Jon and Jay as something of a lockdown anthem, reflecting on a time when we were all confined to our homes. If ever there was a song they could ‘crossover’ with to a wider audience it is this one.

Ninebarrow have a knack of penning songs that bring nature to life, unleashing a host of wonderful images in the listener’s head. ‘Among the Boughs’ is one such song, based on ‘The Blackbird’, by the Dorset dialect poet William Barnes, the listener is whisked away to a hedgerow full of the song of the blackbird.

‘Walk With Me’ is described as “an ode to sharing time … with someone who makes your life better just by being there.” A touching and heartfelt sentiment, never too saccharine, and a song that will become a favourite amongst the duo’s fanbase.

Now Christy Moore’s version of ‘Ride On’ has been one of my favourite songs since first hearing it many years ago. So, there was a little trepidation as to how this would sound, however Ninebarrow make this song their own. From their beautifully arranged vocals, through to the piano and cello arrangements, this is one of the finest songs you’ll hear this, or indeed, any year.

They also do a sublime version of the traditional song ‘The Snows They Melt the Soonest’, made famous by Dick Guaghan on his excellent ‘Handfulk of Earth’ album (seems this reviewer and Ninebarrow has been raised on much of the amazing folk music around in the 80s!). Nick Drake’s ‘River Man’ ends the album on a high, where again the duo pay tribute to one of their musical influences and add their own musical spin on a classic song.

A mention also of the wonderfully illustrated and informative songbook that accompanies the album. They really do put a lot of care and thought into everything they do.

Ninebarrow deserve to be a household name in the folk world, and indeed beyond, as their singing, harmonies, music and lyrics have an appeal far beyond that of the folk scene. Their finest album to date – no mean feat given the high standards they have set on their previous albums. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Thursday, September 7, 2023 St Peter’s Church, Dunchurch
Friday, September 8, 2023 Sawley Village Hall, Ripon
Saturday, September 9, 2023 St Alkmund’s Church, Whitchurch
Sunday, September 10, 2023 St Mary’s Church, Wantage
Friday, September 15, 2023 St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll
Saturday, September 16, 2023 Milford on Sea Community Centre
Sunday, September 17, 2023 Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton on Thames
Thursday, September 21, 2023 St Peter’s Church, Henfield
Friday, September 22, 2023 Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton upon Trent
Saturday, September 23, 2023 Arnside WI & Village Hall, Cumbria
Saturday, November 25, 2023 Sturminster Exchange, Sturminster Newton

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