Search - Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick :: Second Album

With his second record, Carthy has grown tremendously in confidence and ability, and the sympathetic work of fiddler Dave Swarbrick frames a lot of the songs here. The material has moved far beyond the obvious to begin exploring the recesses of the English tradition, with stunning versions of "Lord Franklin" and "Newlyn Town." On unaccompanied vocals ("Ball O'Yarn"), Carthy's voice has authority, and he's happy to note the sly humor that inhabits so much of the music. The guitar playing is still a tad shy of his later individuality, subservient to his voice, but it's obvious that he's a master on his instrument. Carthy's scholarship continues to grow, digging into the history of both words and music. A man moving along the road to greatness. --Chris Nickson