'Waifs and Wenches' is a follow-up CD (in the traditional Folk genre) to 'Rogues and Vagabonds' released three years ago, which was recorded 'Live at the Cuckoo Inn' Redlynch, on the edge of The New Forest. 'Rogues and Vagabonds' featured twelve male and three female traditional unaccompanied singers. To redress the balance and as the title suggests, I have selected nine female singers, featuring both self accompanied and a cappella tracks. Accompanying instruments featured are: Guitar, Accordian, Whistle, Kantele and the unique drone of the Shruti Box. All these singers are hand-picked and each brings her own superb individual style to the recording. We have a fine mix of mature 'Wenches' giving accomplished performances, combining brilliantly with one particular 'Waif' who is recorded here for the first time anywhere. It was indeed a joy to see her face when she realised, with pleasant surprise, how good she sounded! I am extremely proud to announce that we have captured the voice and songs of an All Britain Champion. The question is, can you spot her in this highly exclusive collection of singers? It is of special note, that in addition to the traditional songs selected with a Celtic flavour (collected from England, Ireland and Scotland) a number of these tracks are truly original and have been composed by the artist performing them. We recorded the tracks in Salisbury (with the exception of Anna's tracks, thanks go to Daz) in a 'chilled-out' studio on the banks of a river. Geoff Swan's recording expertise together with his genuine enthusiasm for the project and calm assurance, combined with nine top quality voices, has ensured a highly successful result which I wholeheartedly recommend to you. I leave it to others to decide who are the 'Waifs' and who are the 'Wenches'? Enjoy..... Pete Coley (Motor behind the project) THE LIVING TRADITION MAGAZINE..REVIEW,ISSUE 77 JAN/FEB 2008 This is a fascinating two-disc recording of nine, relatively unknown female singers, performing largely traditional songs, with a few originals included for good measure. If there is any instrumental accompaniment, it is minimal, with the spotlight being most certainly on the strikingly unadorned vocals. There are a good number of oft-covered traditional songs here, and they're not subjected to particularly innovative arrangements, but they are presented in a resplendently stark and naked beauty. Wendy Morrow contributes a delicate interpretation of Black Is The Colour, with subtle harp accompaniment as well as a haunting rendering of John Anderson. Marianne McAleer is an All Britain Champion in Irish traditional singing, and proves why with her lilting performances of Edward On Lough Erne's Shore and Thousands Are Sailing. She Moved Through The Fair is performed evocatively by Nicky Hann, who also sings her own delightful song, Purbeck Hills, sounding similar to a youthful Joan Baez, whilst Anna Barker's light vibrato gives a shivering desolation to Open The Door Softly. Sounding particularly distinctive, Patsy (that's all she's credited as!) sings in beautifully intimate, hushed tones and contributes a couple of her own bewitching compostions alongside the traditional Teddy O'Neil. Others to contribute are Kate Fletcher, Kaz Hand, Helen Woodall and Ruth Sindrey, whose noteworthy contributions include Willow Tree, I Wish I Wish, Mary Hamilton and Bonny Blue Eyed Lassie, respectively-amongst others! The recording can sound relatively primitive, but this only lends further charm and purity. The overall result is a respectable alternative to the many over-produced offerings that flood our airwaves and record stores. This is an exquisite collection; a worthy project of utmost grace and integrity. Mike Wilson