Recordings > "Songs for the Singing" Reviews

Sleeve Notes Songs for the Singing Vol. 1

There are times in life when one little decision leaves the door wide open for a life time of cherished memories to accumulate, and it was one such decision that led me to the Jolly Sailor pub in Whitby one night in the late 1990’s during the annual August folk week. This was my first time attending the folk festival and my friend Tug Wilson assured me that I would like the music there, so in we went. Iain was one of the duo “Early Doors” performing that evening, and indeed I enjoyed listening to and singing along with their tunes so much, I called in for a lengthy stay every night that week. The following year when I walked in the door, Iain looked up and beamed so brightly in my direction that I turned around to see which one of his best friends must have walked in right behind me, and then I realized that very welcoming beacon was entirely for me. Every year after that my husband Donnie and I would look forward to meeting up with him again. We first met Jeff briefly in Whitby in August 2004 after he and Iain had teamed up as “Keepers Fold”, but when we all really had the time to begin to get to know each other properly was when Iain, Jeff and Sally came to stay with us in Nova Scotia for three days in the spring of 2005. The weather then was cold, wet and miserable, but the camaraderie was warm, heartfelt and convivial , and when they flew back to the UK they left a host of new Canadian friends behind. Since that time we have been meeting up as often as we can, on either side of the Atlantic, and through the joy of playing and singing, the harmonies have been flowing not just in the tunes but in the delight we share in being together again. Jeff and Iain are talented and charismatic musicians who give the gift of themselves as they travel hundred of miles and give up countless week nights and weekends to further the promotion of traditional folk singing in many different venues around the Riding's of Yorkshire and beyond. Their music is heartfelt and infectious, delivered as it is with skill, enthusiasm, joy and an occasional touch of irreverence. All audience members are welcomed, indeed expected, to join in and when the additional harmonies work together perfectly Jeff has his eyes closed, his head to one side and a big grin on his face to indicate satisfaction for a job well done. Iain’s creative abilities shine through in the beautiful songs he has written, a wonderful legacy for everyone to enjoy. 

Over the years I know their music will continue to bring people together in common delight and pleasure, and we will look forward to the times when we can cross the Atlantic to be in each other’s company again, doing tunes and just being friends. 

Carol Webb

Hubbards Nova Scotia

 

Recordings > "Time To Go" Reviews
	For a pair who's website describes them as 'stalwart promoters of folk ballads and rousing chorus songs', this first album is a shining example of the material and style that makes them popular wherever they play. Their powerful and enthusiastic delivery is intended to generate audience participation. They take absolute delight in the harmonies and sheer volume of sound that their performances can (and usually do) generate. This recording is an uncannily accurate reproduction of a live Keepers Fold performance. It portrays the infectious exuberance that grabs both young and old alike. I slotted it into the CD player at a family party recently - within seconds, children were dancing around the room whilst adults were tapping their feet in time. Everyone wanted to know who 'the band' were. These days, when we face falling folk club audiences and worries about pulling youngsters in to keep the tradition going, the ability to stimulate such interest is to be applauded. Keepers Fold are much more than a powerhouse, however. Their more sensitive side, and indeed their sense of humour, shines through here on a number of softer ballads and comic songs but yet again the pull to join in is as strong as ever. Now what key is that first track in again...........? Vince Jerrison