I had heard good reports on the folk grapevine about Karen and Colin, but had never seen them live, so I was delighted to receive this CD for review. Once again I find myself amazed by the standard and quality of real folk music to be found on independent releases and small labels. This album is a testament to the skill of working folk singers for researching and finding little known traditional ballads and poems and setting them to tasteful music. Mick Quinn produced the album, and it is an excellent recording.

Karen delivers the vocals with warmth and honesty. Colin provides guitar accompaniment and backing vocals. Originally a classical trained guitarist; Colin plays in styles reminiscent of Martin Carthy and Chris Woods and adds some effective ornamentation.

Not all of the songs are traditional, included in the 11 tracks are some well-chosen songs written by modern day writers. Here you will find a song with the strange title of 'F223' by Roy Jones, Phil Ochs’ “Pleasure of the Harbour,” Kate Rusby’s “Old Man Time” and Peter O’Hanlon's “Dangerous Dance.” Particularly noteworthy is the duo’s version of “Far Away Tom,” by Dave Goulder.

My only criticism of the CD lies in the sequencing of the tracks. I thought “Turn of the Road” a poor choice as the album’s opener. A greater initial impact would have been achieved with “Rob Roy” or “Ships Carpenter.” These are both strong traditional songs and Karen's arrangements are quite possibly the best that I have ever heard. Other traditional songs include “Mary of the Wild Moor” and the absolute the gem of the album, “Maiden of Glaisedale.” This song is based on the poem “The Lover's Bridge Near Whitby.” by Mrs George Dawson and is arranged here by Karen to a fine melody by Colin.

The last track takes the album out in fine folk club style with the North-East song 'Dance to your Daddy' on which Colin sings the lead chorus and Karen the verse.

If you have a yen for this sort of music and like collecting more obscure but excellent albums, this is a release that is well worth looking for.