MIGRATING BIRD: THE SONGS OF LAL WATERSON

"Lal Waterson is hardly the best known of folk singers, but her work has proved influential in the scene. (...) This compilation is a celebration of Lal Waterson's many songs (she continued to write up until her death in 1998) and fittingly takes cult names from the new wave of British folk music, as well as dropping in a couple of classics. We've got Richard Youngs, James Yorkston, King Creosote, The Memory Band, Alasdair Roberts, Nancy Elizabeth and loads more putting their unique spin on Waterson's haunting songs and each one manages to take them into another place altogether. It surprises me in fact how varied the album is, from Leaf signee Nancy Elizabeth's straightforward loveliness to Lavinia Blackwall and Alex Neilson's bizarre dip into the avant garde and The Memory Band's subtle electronically aided sing-along. Even the traditional folk of Richard James and Sabbath Folk manage to add something deeply enjoyable to the lineup and you get the feeling that these tracks have been managed and pieced together with the utmost care and consideration. By the time the album comes to a close on Vashti Bunyan's cover of 'Migrating Bird' (a real highlight) you're left with no doubt that Lal Waterson was a serious forgotten talent and should (if there'sany justice in the world) be rediscovered by a host of new listeners. Excellent stuff." (www.boomkat.com)