The English Landscape in all its splendour .
Hilary James is a rising star on the English folk scene solo and also with her partner Simon Mayor.
In a quantum leap forward in terms of ambition and delivery this new album is a delightful exploration of the English landscape in all its diversity as to seasons, weather, and mankind’s relationship with its elemental forces.
This project had its origins in a series of folk concerts at the Museum of English Rural Life based in Reading.
Hilary and her collaborators took as their starting point the poems of Shakespeare,’Winter and Spring’, ‘Bredon Hill’ by A. E. Housman and Thomas Hardy’s ‘Weathers’ and set them to music.
From there ‘The Two Ravens’and ‘The Bell Ringing Song’ emerged.
Heartfelt and moving the CD has a wistful charm and elegance of delivery.
Hilary James’s voice is as clear as a highland stream.
A mood lifter and production of fine quality this album deserves a wide audience for its charm and elegance.
Hilary James is a talented lady.
Her art dignifies the CD’s cover!
Hilary James English Sketches Acoustic Records.