I've had more time to listen to this and get to recognise some of the songs and I have to say I LOVE The Father's Song, even though it is so bittersweet. It is just beautiful. Likewise, one of my favs is Manchester Rambler, BUT I really enjoy all of them very much. Maybe Nothing Spoken is incredibly evocative.

One of the things I really appreciate is the arrangements. Raised, as I was, with classical music to folk, with my brother the classical composer teaching me to hear each part and really listen to the way music is put together, I really am impressed with how lyrical the arrangements are. I can *hear* the Slow Train, yet it is not some garish and blatant fiddle-saw like the old Orange Blossom Special; rather a subtle, soft impression which brings a wisp of a smile to my lips, remembering all of the trains I've been on and how much I loved them, slow and faster.

The M1 Waltz, I can hear the traffic, feel the curves of the road. Likewise with the other songs. The singing is first-rate and the lyrics help, of course, but it is also the very skillful playing, etc. which really makes this a superb collection.

Thanks, again! This one's going to played again, and again, and again, and...

kat