Not only is this the first time I have come across the band And Did Those Feet (although this is their sixth album), but it is also the first time I have come across RNR Records who are an offshoot of the wonderful RnR Magazine (30 years ago I used to write for it when it was called Rock ‘n’ Reel). Given how highly I think of the magazine and the work it does in the folk and roots community I am not all surprised to find how much I have enjoyed this album which is pastoral, folky, choral and hymnlike, all in equal measure. The band were formed in 1997 as a vehicle for the songs of Richard Ellin, and I am not actually sure how much of a group there is, as it feels much more like a collection of singers working with highly effective and wonderful arrangements, some of which are with delicate acoustic instrumentation and sometimes with a beautifully sympathetic orchestra.
Ellin has a wonderfully deft touch and while it tends to the somewhat more melancholic than happiness, there is no doubt this is a wonderfully mature and precious release which brings together singers include Ina Williams (5 songs), Joan Franclova (2 songs), Cecilia Jones (1) and Salwa Lauren (3). This is music which feels like it belongs in an old chapel as opposed to a concert hall, and I am not surprised this is primarily a studio outfit as this is music which is designed to be listened to on headphones when the listener really wants to immerse themselves in something which is fragile, delicate, and undoubtedly beautiful. While there is no doubt those into folk and acoustic music will find a lot here to enjoy, it covers a broad range of styles, all woven from gossamer.
Rating: 8/10