Jim MorayCountry of origin:England Type of music generally:Traditional folk and updated neo-traditional contemporary folk Status:Most recent release, Upceterea (2016) See also:Jim Moray's site Comparisons:Marthy Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Bella Hardy, Jackie Oates (his sister), akin in theory (but not so very much in sound) to The Unthanks Covers/own material:Mostly traditional, but also own neo-traditional compositions General comments:Jim Moray is at the forefront of the new traditional folk movement. With his evocative voice and willingness to both hold on to traditional styles of ballad singing and to incorporate new styles of music to his sound (separately and sometimes in the same song), he is an impressive artist—new and old at the same time. Almost always a magical combination. We've both been fascinated by his techno-folk: traditional songs with new touches. Recommended first album:Sweet England and In Modern History are my favourites, though the A Beginner's Guide would probably be a good place to start. Really, I'd recommend anywhere except Jim Moray Recordings:
I Am Jim Moray (EP)Release info:2001—Niblick is a Giraffe—NIBL002 Availability:See Jim Moray's site Ecto priority:Recommended for fans of neo-traditional and traditional folk Group members:Jim Moray—vocals, guitar Guest artists:The Hareem (Ruth Angell, Naomi Bates, Debbie Chalmers, Sam Graper, Anna Picken)—strings (3, 6) Produced by:Jim Moray Comments:This is a six-track EP. From the first track, "Lemady," it's clear that while this is traditional, the arrangements aren't waht we're used to hearing. It's a lovely round (and while the arrangement is likely very traditional, it's not the usual. While I like the sweeter ballads okay, my favourite tracks here are the aforementioned "Lemady" and the rocking "The Bonny Black Hare." Wonderful music! (Neile) Sweet EnglandRelease info:2003—Niblick is a Giraffe—NIBL003 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended for fans of neo-traditional and traditional folk Group members:Jim Moray—vocals, guitar, piano, pedal steeling, programming, drums, bass, string conducting Guest artists:Laurence Hunt—drums (3, 5) Produced by:Jim Moray, additional production on track 1 by Simon Emmerson and Mass Comments:I've been listening to Jim Moray's lovely collection of traditional ballads, Sweet England, trying to figure out why I keep hitting repeat. It's great music—the traditional songs, sung with great heart, and with electric and sometimes electronic backing. He has a lovely, evocative voice and the arrangements are great here. One of my very favourite releases of 2003. (Neile) Sprig of Thyme (single)Release info:2003—Niblick is a Giraffe—NIBL004 Availability:See Jim Moray's site Ecto priority:Recommended for Jim Moray fans Group members:Jim Moray—guitars, piano, mellotraon, programming, drums, bass, vocals Guest artists:Ryan Trebilcock—drouble bass (1) Produced by:Jim Moray, additional production on track 2 by Simon Emmerson and Mass Comments:A three-track single, including "Early One Morning" (track 2 here) from Sweet England and "Fair and Tender Lovers", which appears on Jim Moray. "Sprig of Thyme" is the only one that doesn't appear elsewhere, but it's charming and any fan of Jim Moray's work—or of updated folk—will love it. (Neile) Jim MorayRelease info:2006—Niblick is a Giraffe (NIBL)—NIBL005 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Recommended only for Jim Moray fans or fans of orchestrated folk Group members:Jim Moray—vocals, piano, guitars, drums, bass, keyboards, programming, percussion, orchestrations Guest artists:Rose Kemp—vocals (4) Produced by:Jim Moray Comments:The Jim Moray a little more uneven for my taste than his first. A few of the tracks are too pretty for me—I'm not generally a fan of orchestration, and with traditional folk it tends to make it over-dramatic ot my ears. But the good ones are great. However, when these songs work, they really do. "Lord Willoughby" is a good example of one that really comes together well for my tastes. I'm less fond of tracks like "My Sweet Rose" and his version of Dowland's "Flow My Tears." As I said, this one is a mixed bag for me. (Neile) Low CultureRelease info:2008—Niblick is a Giraffe (NIBL)—NIBL007 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Jim Moray—vocals, thumb piano, violin, bass, guitar, drums, mandolin, concertina, Hohner Pokerwork melodeon, double bass, programming, bass, Hammond organ, vocals samples, treatments, verse melodeon, verse violin, hi-hat, mellotron brass air organ, found sound Guest artists:Laurence Hunt—marimba, tambourine (1) Produced by:Jim Moray Comments:I had lost a little of my interest in Jim Moray with his self-titled album, but this album totally restored my faith. A strong collection of songs well-arranged. I even like the rapping on "Lucy Wan." The album includes a good cover of Bella Hardy's "Three Black Feathers." Overall, a lovely collection of traditional and neo-traditional material, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this kind of music. The lively songs here are especially great, like "Rufford Park Pachers" and "I'll Go List for a Sailor." (Neile) In Modern HistoryRelease info:2010—Niblick is a Giraffe (NIBL)—NIBL10 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Jim Moray—vocals, drums, bass, guitars, piano, synthesizer, mellotron, mandolin, banjo, Hammond organ, bouzouki, hurdy gurdy, cittern, Guest artists:Saul Rose—melodeon (1, 2, 4, 8, 9) Produced by:Jim Moray Comments:One of my favourite CDs of 2010. Jim Moray really shines on this album, and his own compositions shine here, too, and can stand against any of the traditional songs. "Bristol Harbour" and "Hard" are particularly good. Overall, it's a powerful collection and well worth checking out if you like traditional and neo-traditional music at all. Great stuff. (Neile) SkulkRelease info:2012—Niblick is a Giraffe Availability:See Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Jim Moray—acoustic and electric guitars, piano, bass, drums, organ, keyboards, banjo, concertina, melodeon Guest artists:Daisy Palmer—drums (3, 9) Produced by:Jim Moray Comments:Another impressive album from Jim Moray. He includes several contemporary covers, which he manages to fit in amazingly well with the traditional material. One of his best albums. (Neile) UpcetereaRelease info:2016—NIAG Records Availability:See Jim Moray's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Jim Moray—acoustic guitars, electric guitars, piano, electric bass, drums, vibraphone, ukulelek banjo, lute, organ, vocals Guest artists:Matt Downer—double bass Produced by:Jim Moray Comments:Another fine, emotive album by Jim Moray. He's a wonder. (Neile) |
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