Interactive poll No. -46 2/3 - the folk music poll

 1.  George:   Wu Fei & Abigail Washburn “The Roving Cowboy/Avarguli”  Begins with some beautiful guzheng strumming, plucking, and string bending.   Abigail joins in with her haunting voice and an even more haunting Wu Fei harmonizes with her.  Reminiscent of Fairport Convention’s, “Come All Ye” (may be the same tune, but different lyrics).  I’m guessing this is a blending of this bluegrass/country/folk tune with another folk tune from Wu Fei’s tradition.  They trade back and forth and end up with an almost chanted duet.  If more bluegrass were like this, it would be way higher on my typical listening list.  Just stunning, there is truly no better word.  I loved and highlighted so many of yours this time (my way of keeping track of what I want to consider should it come up to vote), but this one does take the cake. 

2.  The Anders:   Väsen “IPA -Gubben”  Most excellent Swedish folk trio here….I’m quite familiar with the nyckelharpa (have actually played with one before) wonderful instrument!  I do not know of this piece or these people, however.  The music is lively and the blend of the lower viola with nyckelharpa and guitar , goes so beautifully together.  During the piece, they also slow it down a bit and get contemplative, everyone has a moment to shine here.  Just love it.  This one won over Mike’s just a tad, because of a nostalgic feeling I got from it, reminding me of days when in a Santa Cruz café, all of the local ethnic folk players would gather and play together, trading songs off. 

As stated, Mike’s entry of Fovea Hex  “You Were There, was the contender for second place here.  I did find it very moving, but in a different way and went for joyful this time.  Deep cellos start this one out, with a haunting vocal, very much liking this, I agree with you, it certainly has folk elements.  Hypnotic, with a sense of medieval chant.

3.  dr wu23’s Espers “Rosemary Lane”  I’m familiar with the tune from Bert Jansch’s version.  A really beautiful, wistful version of this folk song, one of the “cautionary tales,” type.   Lovely arrangement with strings and a delicate female vocal, as well as guitars.  This is done in such a classic style of presentation, I just have to go with this for #3 choice. 

Contenders for third choice were Shadowyard’s, Obscurus Orbis “Kost Ar C’hoat;” Logan’s, Mark Fry “The Witch;”  and Lewian’s, Solarference “Cold Blows the Wind."

The remainder of entries all had wonderful music to bring, this is one of my favourite genres of music, so it’s hard to not like everything I heard.  The only reasons for not being among the Top 3 or contenders was George’s amazing last-minute entry, coupled with either knowing a selection already (Raff!), or selecting one that wasn’t my very favourite of your choices to put up for a vote.  Cheers to The Anders for opting for this subject and all of his thoughtful commentary (indeed everyone who has time to comment is appreciated), to Lorenzo for championing this type of poll and to everyone who participated and made it so very hard for me to make decisions.  Deep breath, then I’m on to creating the next poll for you.