Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
There is no other way to write it down, a statement, that unless something the internet decides that enough is enough and crawls off to be superseded by pure thought, should stand for all time, the combination between literature and Folk/Rock music in Steeleye Span’s Wintersmith is one of the albums of the year.
This collaboration between one of the leading exponents of Folk/Rock and arguably one of the most popular writers of the late 20th – early 21st Century fantasy writers, Sir Terry Pratchett is an absolute barnstormer of an album. The fluidity shown by the musicianship of the new members to the band who joined in 2011, Julian Littman and Peter Zorn, matched the ethos set down by the stunning vocals of Maddy Prior, the man who bridges the gap between Folk and Rock, the exceptional Peter Knight, Rick Kemp and Liam Genockey.
That fluidity, the viable gracefulness that is essential to the name of Steeleye Span is enhanced by the approach of Wintersmith, the concepts laid down by Sir Terry Pratchett in all his Disc World novels are fully captured, nurtured and given extra credence in tales of ancient rituals and elegies and of the forgotten ways.
Whilst this is not the first Folk Rock band to ever delve in to the works of British literature for inspiration, for example classic Progressive acts such as Genesis, Anthrax and Marillion performed to great effect by delving into the world of words, it is quite some feat to jump head first with fiddle blazing into the imagination of Sir Terry Pratchett. Even if you are not a fan of the man’s work or even prefer the peculiarity of his contemporary Tom Holt, this is an album more than worthy of being in the collection. The feel of a time left behind, when the modern world was only in the imagination of writers, of majestic vocals and intricate, well-laid out musicianship. It is a nothing less than a triumph, a marriage between the written word and music that is devastatingly superb.
Wintersmith will be released towards the end of 2013.
Steeleye Span perform amongst other dates, at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on 28th November 2013, The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury on 2nd December, The Platform in Morecambe on 14th December and The City Hall in Salisbury on 19th December.
Ian D. Hall