Album review: STEVE KNIGHTLEY – Positively Folk Street: Dylan, Carthy & Me

Hands On Music [Release date 04.03.25]

Seems the recent Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ is inspiring quite a few artists to revisit the Dylan back catalogue, as Steve Knightley does on here, along with another one of his major musical influences, Martin Carthy.

As Steve Knightley explains, “When I first picked up an acoustic guitar in my mid-teens, my repertoire was very limited—and then I discovered ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.’ That album was a revelation. At the time, I had no idea Dylan had drawn so deeply from our own folk traditions to shape many of his songs. Later that same summer, I found myself at Sidmouth Folk Festival, where I saw Martin Carthy perform live for the first time. Another moment of discovery!

This album is a tribute to those formative influences. Across these 12 songs, I revisit the worlds of Bob Dylan and Martin Carthy—two artists who shaped my musical journey and set me on a path I’m still walking.”

Hard to pick out highlights, however, ‘Forever Young’ is spinetingling in its delivery, a strong song that really comes alive in Steve Knightley’s interpretation. ‘Lord Franklin’ is traditional folk at its most sparse and emotive. On ‘Spanish Boots of Leather’ marvel at the guitar playing, whilst ‘Seven Yellow Gypsies’ sees the album out on a jaunty note.

You can’t really go wrong with the songs of Carthy and Dylan sung and played by a talented musician like Steve Knightley. Perfect album to delve into, enjoying the timeless songs sung so marvellously by Steve Knightley. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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