Pilgrims' Way are a young folk trio from Stockport, in northern England, comprising Lucy Wright, Edwin Beasant and Tom Kitching. Their debut album is an earthy collection of mostly traditional material, released on the excellent Fellside label.
The Vocals
Lucy Wright has a strong, traditional voice, reminiscent of Eliza Carthy (indeed the whole album puts you in mind of early Eliza Carthy recordings) although it is fresh and original. On occasion there are three-part harmonies, which are effective, but the bulk of the vocals are handled by Lucy Wright. Although the recording is generally quite a hauntingly sparse "as live" affair, occasional multi-tracking of the female vocal is used to excellent effect. At times, these harmonies - one of a few reminders that the 20th century happened - are reminiscent of Chumbawamba, or even All About Eve. But for the most part, the vocals are firmly rooted in the styles of traditional English music.
The Music
Between the three of them, Pilgrims' Way play a lot of instruments! This album features fiddles (from both Tom Kitching and Lucy Wright), mandolin (from Kitching), guitar, bass, concertina, harmonica and vocals (from Edwin Beasant) alongside jews harp and shruti (from Lucy Wright) and a guest hurdy gurdy performance from Jon Loomes on one track. The musicianship is of a very high standard. It is earthy and organic, rarely flashy, but that in itself is quite refreshing in a traditional market rather too dominated by instrumental performances that are virtuoso but can be soulless.
For the most part, the musicianship is, like the vocals, comfortable in its very traditional roots. However, there are some hints of modernity in the arrangements. Electric bass provides a funky feel to 'Tarry Trousers' and the jews harp entwines with the other instruments to an almost psychedelic effect.
There is also a tendency to be novel and innovative with arrangements and rhythms which is almost always successful.
The Material
It is easy to imagine that all the good traditional songs have been done. And they probably have been, by somebody! However, Pilgrims' Way have managed to introduce this old folky to some new songs, as well as doing some fresh arrangements of more familiar material. 'Only a Soldier', 'The Handweaver and the Factory Maid' and 'Tarry Trousers' were all new to me and are among the strongest pieces on the album. Feisty, irreverent and lively - these appear to epitomise the Pilgrims' Way sound, along with their signature tune 'A Pilgrim's Way'. This latter piece is Pete Bellamy's setting of the humanist Rudyard Kipling's poem and is a delight.
Some of the more familiar material is not quite as satisfying. 'Adieu Lovely Nancy' and Archie Fisher's 'Dark Eyed Molly' cannot help but be compared with very famous versions. Having said that, 'Young Men Are False' stands up very well to such comparisons.
Fellside Recordings
Fellside Recordings have made some iconic albums over the years, including some of my youthful favourites. This album stands up very well to its illustrious company. Traditional without being conservative; contemporary without being gimmicky; English without being Little English and palpably northern, this is a debut album to be proud of.
I look forward to seeing Pilgrims' Way emblazoned on the bills of many festivals (as I have no doubt it will be) and, if this album is anything to go by, their sets will be a blast. Go and see them! And buy the album!
Duncan Hall - Duncan Hall is a semi-professional acoustic musician and lecturer in Government & Politics
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