FRANKIE ARMSTRONG/LOVELY ON THE WATER 12TS216 (-72) UK

I've always had a big room in my heart for female vocal and especially those embellishing the revamped British folk scene. The simple and catchy melodies fit rock and pop tempo perfectly, as shown by Maddy Prior and Sandy Denny with attached bands through the seventies. But there's also a more traditional form, often sung acapella or with sparse backing, allowing the voices to blossom as they are without safety net, an expression almost perfected through the years by singers as Anne Briggs, June Tabor and - Frankie Armstrong. Born 1941 and started off with skiffle groups doing US covers in the fifties before moving towards British folk around the mid-sixies. Through a number of performances and collaborations she soon became established in the traditional circuit and made her vinyl debute 1966 together with Anne Briggs, performing a collection of traditional erotic songs - "The Bird In The Bush" (Topic 12T135). Parallel to the singing carreer she's been active as teacher and social worker, but also a strong force in political and feminist movements. Those engagements is probably one of the reasons she only issued nine solo albums in fortytwo years, the last 2008. This was her first. It includes thirteen traditional songs - five performed acapella and the rest with sparse accompaniments. Her voice is open and beautiful and so firm it's almost tangible. You get strong and self-sufficient, personal and honest. She's in charge and one thing is clear - you don't mess with Frankie Armstrong. The combination of plain arrangements and very good pressing brings top audio with true connection. Favorite track - "The Cruel Mother". 2000 CD issue came with seven bonus tracks picked from two of her later collaboration LP:s (Fellside Recordings FECD 151). To my knowledge this UK was the only vinyl release. It had label as shown here and laminated cover.(BRYF*)(FÄV*) (QÖP*)