Lisa Knapp - Till April Is Dead: A Garland Of May (2017)

This sparklingly fresh album features twelve startlingly original versions of traditional songs. With a radiant interpretation of traditional folk, Lisa merges fiddle, hammer dulcimer and strings, with birdsong and sonic delights from the technological age.

'May Garland', which Lisa found at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, reminds us – 'a man a man, his lifes' a span, he flourishes like a flower, he's here today and gone tomorrow, he's gone all in an hour' - that in the midst of celebration, there are limits on our time. Lisa is joined by another ground-breaking folk singer, Mary Hampton on 'Bedfordshire May Carol'. Lisa's version of the title track, 'Til April is Dead/Hal-An-Tow' was inspired by the Mystery Play in Helston, Cornwall. Originally printed as 'The Maypole Song' in 1656, 'Staines Morris' has a melody with a courtly, theatrical sound and this version features the lively and mischievous vocals of David Tibet. In 'Searching for Lambs' - a song Lisa first heard sung by Shirley Collins - she is joined by Graham Coxon. Both Lisa and Graham have performed with Shirley and here he lends his vocals and guitar to this English folksong gem.
"A masterful creation" ***** 5 Stars The Observer