Review: Karine Polwart on BBC/US Radio: Balladry

Subject: Review: Karine Polwart on BBC/US Radio: Balladry
From: Cuilionn
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 08:31 PM

Karine Polwart was featured on today's edition of the BBC/PRI radio program, "The World." The interview, which includes some powerful ballad singing, can be found through this link.

The focus of the clip is Karine's immersion in, and interpretation of, the Scottish ballad tradition. She demonstrates how the tradition lends itself to current news, social issues, and other ongoing human concerns.

Anyone interested in ballads old or new--and the art/craft of making and singing them--may find some meaty morsels here! (If you're unfamiliar with her work, she has an extensive discography. Tow of my favourites are "Three Ravens" and "Last Leaves," the recordings she made when singing with the band Malinky.)

The program's website (www.theworld.org) also has links to a video of one of Karine's songs and a few other tidbits. Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Review: Karine Polwart on BBC/US Radio: Balladry
From: van lingle
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 10:20 PM

Thanks for the link. She really is something special.

Subject: RE: Review: Karine Polwart on BBC/US Radio: Ballad
From: RTim
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 11:14 PM

Listen to it when it was on The World. Very good, and a great example on how relevant Traditional music still is today. A wonderful melding of old and new, were the story is very important.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Review: Karine Polwart on BBC/US Radio: Balladry
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:48 AM

She's amazing. One of the best songwriters on the folk scene, but still absolutely rooted in the tradition. Love her.