Jacken Elswyth / Alula Down - Betwixt & Between 5

The fifth tape from Betwixt & Between Tapes follows format with another split. Amazingly both sides are live and sound absolutely gorgeous. These artist reach into the mysteries of improvisations and drone like tranquility. The fifth edition includes a special treat from Jacken Elswyth and Alula Down. Each sharing there own renditions of Sweet Lemeny, both holding on to the folk roots but growing in directions never traveled. 

Jacken Elswyth continues to display an extraordinary prowess in banjo playing and unruffled creativity. East meeting west one hundred years ago. Classical like ragas as framework for improvisation then toggling to Appalachian melodies. An all instrumental version of Sweet Lemeny reaching across time, both bowed banjo drone and English folk style playing. The three tracks on Jacken's side pull on the love of music. Thought provoking beauty in sound and done live. A unique style harnessing great understanding of music that has come before, helping with the directions Jacken traverses.

Alula Down is Kate Gathercole and Mark Waters. English folk songs with modern concepts of music and field recordings. Four tracks recorded live all as one piece, but divided for digital listening purpose. Kate's voice softly tells the stories, beyond whispering but less than fully singing, like gentle lullabies sung with a truly loving heart. The backing guitar sometimes baritone for her voice, then a bright companion leading the way. When needed, droning serenity fills the sublime patience, birds singing when they feel like it. Alula Down is special. This recording of a live performance should be all the reason to see them live. Fortunately their next performance is in three weeks at Betsy Trotwood in London.

As stated this is number five for Betwixt & Between Tapes. One through three are sold out in cassette form and this one will be sure to follow. Definitely listen, see these artist live and purchase a tape from their bandcamp pages if you have a cassette passion.










Links
Betwixt & Between Tapes - bandcamp - facebook
Alula Down - bandcamp - facebook