Stripped-back yet powerful, ‘A Host of Furious Fancies’ brings new life to traditional songs.

Steve Turner has enjoyed a long and successful performing career within the English folk scene, emerging in the 1980’s as one of the most innovative English concertina players. He has performed widely with some of the most prominent names in English folk and his latest album ‘A Host of Furious Fancies’ is the tenth album he has released, highlighting his continued success as an important figure in the English folk scene. 

Whilst often cited for his excellent English concertina playing, it is his distinctive voice which shines through most on his latest release. He sings each word with expression and conviction, breathing fresh life into each line. He is a master of carrying the beautiful narratives of traditional songs, drawing the listener in and painting a picture so vivid it feels like you are in the story.

 
The album is mostly stripped back in terms of arrangement and instrumentation, letting the warm drones of the concertina provide a platform for Steve’s unfiltered vocals to carry the story. His version of the classic traditional song ‘Adieu My Lovely Nancy’ has a rawness and depth to it which helps to take the story in a different direction and stamp Steve’s characteristic sound on a familiar song.

 
Whilst most of the album sticks to the concertina and vocals formula, midway through the album Turner shakes up the instrumentation with the introduction of acoustic guitar and piano for the song ‘The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle’. The instrumentation brings a more contemporary and crystalline feel to the arrangement, compared to the more timeless arrangements before. However, it still perfectly supports Turner’s voice, but helps give this track an emotional lift whilst adding some variety to the album.

 
Fans of Steve Turner will be pleased to know that he has stayed true to form; he has delivered an excellent album with his distinctive concertina and vocal style, bringing his unique interpretations of traditional song to the fore.

The album A Host of Furious Fancies is available in cd here

Or to download in Bandcamp

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