The music of Scottish guitarist and singer Alasdair Roberts continues to touch the soul. His newest Drag City release, Grief in the Kitchen and Mirth in the Hall offers traditional songs sung and performed in a fresh manner. On some levels, this is Alasdair's most listenable record yet.
"The Wonderful Grey Horse" is spry and as light as air, a nimble ramble indeed, while "The Lichtbob's Lassie" adds a piano-line to buttress Roberts' plaintive vocals. It's a heartbreaking performance, stunning in its simplicity. Elsewhere, "Mary Mild" touches the heart, the familiar piece arranged here to suit Roberts' skills.
Grief in the Kitchen and Mirth in the Hall is full of simple and direct tracks. There's nothing here to distract from the impact of the folk songs themselves. Roberts wisely keeps the arrangements as basic as possible, alternating between selections where the guitar is the central instrument, and others where it's the piano. All throughout, his voice carries the emotions forward and into a listener's soul.
Grief in the Kitchen and Mirth in the Hall is out now via Drag City.
[Photo: Harrison Reid]