Michael Hunter's Music Picks

A Few Of My Favourite CDs Of The Year, In No Particular Order:

FAIRPORT CONVENTION, A Sense Of Occasion (Matty Grooves) Probably an obvious choice, but it shows the band still going strong in its fortieth year. The rock side often takes more of a back seat these days but is still powerful when it appears. Unexpected covers alongside reworked songs from the back catalogue proves an interesting mix of past glories and future possibilities.
www.fairportconvention.com

STEVE ASHLEY, Time And Tide (Topic)
Most people start to contemplate retirement when they turn sixty. By contrast, Steve Ashley keeps producing heartfelt music that is timeless and thoughtful, and with "Time And Tide" produces a CD that is the equal of his early, classic work.
www.steveashley.co.uk

BONZO DOG DOO-DAH BAND, Pour L'Amour Des Chiens (Storming Music)
Described in their late 60s/early 70s heyday as a cross between The Beatles, vaudeville and Monty Python, the Bonzos reform for their first album in 35 years. Minus the late Vivian Stanshall but plus new boys Adrian Edmondson, Phill Jupitus and Stephen Fry, the original line-up provides a highly entertaining collection of original songs, along with a unique interpretation of the Kaiser Chiefs' "I Predict A Riot". ("Yes, you've been predicting that for some time...")
www.bonzodog.co.uk

SPIRAL DANCE, Live Worts'n'All (independent)
South Australian Pagan folk-rock band finally produces a live CD and shows their adaptability to major line-up changes, along with some new material that proves the consistency of the band's songwriting over the years.
www.spiraldance.com.au

THE FIDDLE CHICKS, Out The Window, Over The Gate (independent)
Also from Sth Australia, three "chicks' armed with a violin each produce their second CD full of fine original music and inspired traditional covers. Even though it might sound like other instruments in the mix, it's all done on the fiddles. A popular drawcard at festivals around the country, and this diverse disc shows why.
http://myspace.com/thefiddlechicks

NANCY ELIZABETH, Battle And Victory (independent)
AKA Nancy Elizabth Cunliffe, another of the new young breed of UK folk-based singer-songwriters, with her first full-length CD. The influences (Pentangle etc) may be apparent in places but the charming mix of acoustic and electronic sounds, along with an eclectic blend of instruments and mature songwriting, makes for a truly entertaining CD and provides much hope for a successful future.
http://www.myspace.com/nancyelizabethcunliffe

Honourable Mentions: Probably dozens if I thought about it!

LIVE GIG OF THE YEAR:
Alistair Hulett & Dave Swarbrick, The Trinity Sessions, Adelaide, Sth Australia March 30 and 31.
Just to see Swarb playing at the peak of his powers again, let alone the interplay between Dave and Alistair on the songs of political commentary that the duo are renowned for. An enthusiastic and attentive audience, a venue with sound properties that Swarb "wanted to take home" and masterly playing throughout could only add up to a memorable couple of evenings. Both performers enjoyed the gigs as much as the audience, and you can't ask for much more than that.
Videos from the performances can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioD8AvSfp2c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdHlnPux-JA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QiH2s_lvrs