Bella Hardy – Songs Lost & Stolen (2011)

Derbyshire-born singer and fiddler Hardy made her name with a brace of traditional folk albums and one remarkable original, “Three Black Feathers”. Here, she takes a creative leap on a dozen self-penned works played with assorted members of Scotland’s Burns Unit collective. Hardy’s at her most comfortable on trad-sounding narratives such as “The Herring Girl” and “Flowers of May”, and the team give “Walk it With You” a deft, country turn. Folk-rock forays like “Good Friday” sound clumsy by comparison, and while songs such as “Labyrinth” intrigue, Hardy’s delivery doesn’t always do her larkish vocal talents justice. A more complete blend of ancient and modern lies just down the lane.

mp3 320 kbps | 93 MB | UL | OB