Artist Jackie Morris has been discussing folk music over on her Facebook page, and in one thread she asked readers to name their favorite folk songs. One response came from Scottish folk musician Karine Polwart, whose recommendation was "Lord Bateman" (Child Ballad 53) as performed by Chris Wood. "This mightn't be my actual favourite ballad," she said, "but it's possibly my favourite rendition."
It's one of my all-time favorites as well -- I adore Wood's voice, as rich and smooth as fine whiskey, along with his superb musicianship. Above is his gorgeous "Lord Bateman," recorded on his 2005 album, The Lark Descending. Below, Wood performs one of his own fine songs, an "atheist spiritual" called "Come down Jehovah."
The third tune today comes from Karine Polwart herself, for she's another one of my favorite musicians. Here, she discusses and then performs her song "Salters Road," from her beautiful new album, Traces.
Also via Jackie's folk music discussion, I've learned about Jon Boden's fabulous website, A Folk Song a Day. If you don't already know about this site, be warned. It's completely addictive.
