NEM#123: Rick Kemp (Steeleye Span) Slows Down

Rick played bass on 15 albums with Steeleye Span between 1971 and 2016 and had released five solo albums since 1996 (plus another with his then-wife Maddy Prior). We discuss "Race Against Time" from Perfect Blue (2018) and two Steeleye tunes: "Cromwell's Skull" from Dodgy Bastards (2016) and "Samain" from They Called Her Babylon (2004). We conclude by listening to  Continue Reading …

NEM#72: Sarah McQuaid Kills Her Darlings

Sarah has recorded five solo albums since 1997, starting with traditional folk songs, sometimes guitar instrumentals, and now focusing on originals that mix British and American folk in a style influenced by Joni Mitchell, among others. She has lately pared back her songwriting to ensure that every note counts. We discuss the title track and "The Silence above Us" from If We  Continue Reading …

NEM #27: Peter Knight (Steeleye Span): Free Fiddlin’ in the Face of Death

Steeleye Span rocked up traditional British folk songs in the '70s, and Peter's fiery violin was a key part of the sound. Starting with Sails of Silver (1980), they added folky-sounding originals to the mix, and Peter's (often piano-based) compositions (like the hit "Let Her Go Down") were among the group's most heartfelt. His current unit is the trio Peter Knight's Gigspanner,  Continue Reading …