Fatoumata Diawara - Bissa

Pick of the Week 65 - Fatoumata Diawara

What can you say about this Ivorian songstress? Smooth vocals, hypnotic song writing and mellow vibes all combine in this Wassoulou classic. Enjoy!

Navigator Records - 2011 Sampler

 

There’s always a couple of gems on ‘sampler’ albums and this Navigator collection is no exception. Mixed in with the standard folk fair is Bella Hardy’s slice of seaside history which sits somewhere between sea shanty and a piece of musical social history. It’s a moving story with a clever twist and timeless vocals.

 

 

 

Megson take the honours with their Geordie folk football song that will strike a chord with all fans of lower league also-rans. It’s a passionate little anthem which from a philosophical point of view is applicable to so many aspects of your life let alone football. I’ve bought an album on the strength of ‘The Longshot’ so the sampler did its job.

Notable other contributions come from the intriguing Lucy Ward, the always dependable Heidi Talbot and the soulful fiddling meets lush vocals of Nancy Kerr and James Fagan. A good value package all round and fair play to Navigator Records as they seem to have a quality collection of artists.