THREADS

"Further proof that the British folk scene is in remarkably fine shape comes from an 18-year-old from Nottingham, who has recorded one of the most assured, varied and impressive debut albums of the year. Notman is remarkable for her confident, mature and sensitive vocal and instrumental work and for the bold range and variety in her choice of material. Nearly half the tracks are traditional songs, often treated to her unexpected new arrangements. The rest range from a sturdy reworking of Dougie McLean's charming Caledonia to Richard Thompson's classic Farewell, Farewell, or her own compositions, such as the thoughtful and drifting Roaming. Her piano-backed Fause Fause has a thoughtful, brooding quality that echoes Sandy Denny, while other traditional songs such as Still I Love Her show that she's also capable of rousing, good-humoured celebration. Notman is little known right now, but that, I suspect, is soon going to change." (Robin Denselow, www.guardian.co.uk)