Exploring a Trove of Folk and Blues: Reviews of 'Les Cousins', Steeleye Span and Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz

The 1960s brought not only a revolution in rock music but also a significant resurgence of interest in folk and blues across the UK and the US. Amid this cultural ferment, the underground club Les Cousins, situated beneath a Soho Greek restaurant, emerged in 1964 as a core hub for folk and blues. The club was known for its boundary-pushing performances during all-night jams and drew in both eminent British artists and influential American musicians.

Les Cousins: The Soundtrack of Soho’s Legendary Folk & Blues Club is a three-disc anthology consisting of 72 tracks and nearly four hours of music. Though primarily composed of studio recordings from artists who graced the venue, the collection spans a range of artists from the iconic to the obscure. Missing live recordings notwithstanding, the anthology brims with evocative folk and blues selections, offering a rich delve into 1960s and early 1970s music scenes. It includes familiar names like Nick Drake and Paul Simon, as well as hidden treasures from artists like Julie Felix and the Watersons.

Also capturing the spirit of the era, Live at the Bottom Line, 1974 by the British folk-rock band Steeleye Span—an offshoot from Fairport Convention—rekindles the allure of the past with a live set rich in fiddle work and traditional tunes morphed into rock. Their album transports listeners back to a time of musical exploration and reimagining of traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs.

In the more contemporary scope, Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz present Simple Motion, a dedication to their late colleague Peter Cooper. The duo, complemented by a range of instrumental accompaniments, weaves through a tapestry of emotional and contemplative narratives in their folk melodies. From reflecting historical changes to ruminating on the uncontrollable nature of life, the album stands as a heartfelt continuation of folk tradition into today's context.

music, folk, blues, anthology, live, album