I found this review on Folkwords. Thought it might help. It's a really good album.


'Seeds of Fools' - remarkable self-penned songs with inventive variations on traditional tunes (August 18, 2009)

When you hear some albums you know from the first that it will be a thorough pleasure. As the vocals kick in with the opening track on 'Seeds of Fools' (the second album by Wendy Arrowsmith) you know this is one such album.

And what a change an album makes. The musical ground Wendy has covered between this work of art and her first album is nothing short of vast - and her debut 'Now Then?' was no mean album. If you heard that and liked it then prepare to fall in love with this. Wendy's voice sounds even better this time around. It still carries the same depth and control but now there's a feeling of more richness and latent power. Throughout the album this new-found potent vocal authority reflects through each song.

Arrowsmith'Seeds of Fools' blends remarkable self-penned songs with inventive variations on traditional tunes – a balance that works to perfection. The first track confirms that. I've heard many versions of 'The Blacksmith' but none better than this. The voice, fiddle and cello are just right. And while on the subject of flawless songs, 'Holy Ground' is breathtaking, Wendy's voice adds a mixture of longing and beauty to Steve Bailey's moving song. 'Cruel Mother' is another example of her developing vocals - the song loves her slightly lower register as it adds so much expression.

Wendy's storytelling songs hold you rapt. 'The Ribbon' I could listen to all day. (I nearly did as I hit 'replay' to have it carry me round the hateful M25). There's a chorus to catch your ears and lyrics that place faith in the past and fear for the future. And the accent added by the banjo gives just the right edge. 'Archie and Daisy' builds its story around her grandparents, and I've rarely heard a more moving tribute. Unless you've had your heart surgically removed and replaced with a lump of granite it's a tear-jerker.

Think you've heard every variation on the 'gypsy laddie' theme? Then listen to Wendy's delivery of 'The Gypsy Laddie'. It's garden-fresh, and never were whistle, congas and bodhran better matched. Again, her original touch on the traditional adds new life to 'Twa Recruitin' Sargeants'. When it hits the mark it's hard to beat guitar and voice to carry pure beauty, with 'Seeds of Fools' - a simply beautiful song, simple as that. By contrast 'Gaza to Argyll' is as tough as they come and makes you thankful for your own situation.

This collection of storytelling songs takes you from the depths to the heights as Wendy's voice brings each one to life. Some sad, some joyous, some hopeful - together they make this album perfect.