Askew Sisters & Craig, Morgan, Robson, The Axford Five (Wild Goose Records, 2009)
This themed album see the bringing together of two very talented young singer and musicians Emily and Hazel Askew, with three more mature singers Moira Craig, Sarah Morgan, and Carolyn Robson. It works quite well with Emily Askew (fiddle and vocals) and Hazel Askew (melodeon, harp and vocals) enhancing the fine harmony vocal qualities of Craig, Morgan, Robson.
The album takes its theme from 15 traditional English songs collected by George Gardiner from five women singers who lived in or around Axford in Hampshire, England over 100 years ago (1904). It was really the doing of Sarah Goodyear, who in her cottage, hosted meetings of female singers which enabled Gardiner and his music notator Charles Gamblin, to note down the songs more easily. Most of Gardiner's collection (164 songs) was collected from the pub singing communities, which were around in those days. Notably, the 'Axford Five' ladies were Sarah Goodyear aged 72 in 1907, Marty Munday aged 55 in 1907, Charlotte Hall aged 71 in 1907, Emma Jane Hopkins aged 28 in 1907, and Elizabeth Randall aged 50 in 1907. The sleeve notes accompanying the album give some details of each lady.
Those familiar with Gardiner's collection will instantly recognise songs such as 'Gipsy Laddie' (aka 'Raggle Taggle Gypsies'), 'Long Lankie,' 'Bold William Taylor,' 'An Old Man Came Courting Me,' 'The Lowlands of Holland' to name but a few. However, one song I had't heard before was 'He Was Under My Window' collected from Marty Munday. I don't much about it, but it's set in waltz time and suggests it may have been a 19th century parlour ballad. I really don't know.
The ladies all sing very well with some sweet harmonies. The instrumental backing given by the Askew sisters isn't too complicated but very tastefully done lifting the vocals to a more entertaining level. Perhaps the tunes do vary a little and stray a little from some of the most popular covers already done, but it doesn't distract from its listening pleasure.
I am sure that the traditional addicts (and particularly the ladies) amongst you will really enjoy this album. You can buy the album on line here. At £13 Including P and P for UK, it's good value for money!
