FRED PIEK

Ballads Ty Fred TF002

Once front man of excellent Dutch folkrockers Fungus (reunion welcome anytime, chaps) whose musical adventures since have taken in all manner of styles, here Fred Piek delves once more into his initial enthusiasm, traditional song. Just him, a guitar and a stack of material which he fell in love with back in the day. The list documents songs from across the British Isles (what, no room for a Dutch trad or two?) familiar to anyone with a trove of ’70s folk vinyl. The playing’s tender and chiming as befits a balladic collection, especially on opener Young Edwin In The Lowlands and Jock O’ Hazeldean. Nor does Fred’s distinctly Dutch vocal detract in any way, quite the opposite as his concentration adds to the atmosphere created by each track. His heart’s in the right place all through. The packaging is exemplary, replete with notes, sources, namechecks and lyrics as well as Colin Irwin’s happy memories of stumbling across an earnest younger Piek at Loughborough festival. A genteel collection which is one to slip on to a decent deck with quality headphones. Very welcome.

www.fredpiek.nl

Simon Jones