Tom Bell-Richards of Shire Folk

reviews Floating Verses by Mary Humphreys & Anahata

This CD is a fine companion to Mary & Anahatas Sharp Practice (WGS312, 2003.) Mary Humphreys sings English folk songs with a genuine feel of a continuous tradition, as if a folk revival had never been necessary. Floating Verses refers to those words that pop up in more than one song, but the concept has not been over worked here. Extensive sleeve notes about the songs are also on the website. Theres sensitive accompaniment from Marys own concertina and her suitably mournful English finger?style banjo, plus Anahatas melodeon and cello, and they play three tune sets as well. If restricted to just one of the CDs Id choose Sharp Practice but recommend this one to follow.