The recipe for an evening’s entertainment of Elizabethan themed songs and tunes, is to take eight very accomplished folk artists and put them in a house for five days with a remit of producing pieces which relate to Elizabeth I and her time spent at Hatfield House before her accession to the throne. And did they succeed? Most definitely Yes!

The eight who were partipating in this project are Nancy Kerr – a singer/songwriter and violinist whose strength lay in the storytelling through song about the less desirable side of this period in history. She opened the set with The Shores Of Hispaniola and was also the main vocals on Broadside and The Oak Casts His Shadow.

There was also the gravely voice of John Smith and Martin Simpson who sang to us about London, Christopher Marlowe and Elizabeth Spells Death.  We had Folk singer Of The Year Bella Hardy with Love In Idleness and Hatfield,  Rachel Newton on the harp with Come Live With Me, Hannah James on accordion and with some clog dancing as well, Jim Moray on piano and Emily Askew on fiddle and recorders.

Each person took time to explain how their piece had come about and the history behind it, which may not be to everyones liking however I found the whole show very enjoyable and interesting too. The full album is available to download and if you are looking for something a wee bit different to listen to, I would recommend this album.

Ruth Roy

Presenter, Celtic Music Radio