There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that COVID 19 was a terrible experience, and the negative impacts of that time will be with us for many years to come, but there is also no doubt that it pushed some artists musically and caused many to think ‘outside the box’ when it came to continuing to play and record. Here we have three very busy female folk performers who came together during this time to form a new close harmony group and record an album which features a strong theme of female empowerment and a heartfelt plea for peace. Michell, Pfeiffer & Kulesh brings together award-winning singers and songwriters Odette Michell (England), Karen Pfeiffer (Germany) and Daria Kulesh (Russia). They also provide bouzouki, guitar, accordion, bodhran, shruti box, percussion and woodwind (Irish flute and recorders) while they are further joined by Jason Emberton (drums, strings, keyboards), Katrina Davies (violin), Phil Beer (violin on “The Cossack’s Bride”), Jonny Dyer (guitar on “May Colven”) and Marina Osman (piano on “Those Were the Days”). This last closes the album, with different verses in different languages, accompanied by Marina’s wonderful piano (check out the amazing album ‘Firebirds’ recorded by Marina and Daria a few years ago) and lovely folk fiddle which takes us to France and drinking wine outside the café.
All three women have incredible voices combined with the confidence which comes only with years of performing, and here they combine those vocals to create something very special indeed. They happily take turns at the front or backing up whoever is taking the lead, with harmonies which are very special indeed, and arrangements which provide the perfect support and ensuring there is plenty of space for their voices to come out unheeded. I must confess I have not previously heard anything by Odette or Karen, but I know this will not be the last I have heard of them as I need to find some of their releases. I must not be the only one who has not previously come across all the singers as it is possible to buy a collection from Bandcamp which features not only this CD but also one from each of the singers’ catalogue which is an excellent way of finding out more.
For the most part this is a very English folk album, but there are times when both Karen and Daria bring their own cultural influences to bear, ensuring this is an album which is full of surprises and is absolutely stunningly beautiful throughout. Apparently, this album has been described as “Tremendous” (Mike Harding), “Exquisite” (Folking.com) and “Entrancing” (FATEA) and I would like to add to that “Essential”. If you enjoy folk, then you must have this.
Rating: 10/10
