Child ballads

"[Mitchell's] love of big ballads is clearly genuine and the resultant character of this recording subtly affecting - for in versatile guitarist/singer Jefferson Hamer she's found not only a kindred spirit but the perfect foil for a reassuringly unselfconscious foray into some of the most epic tales contained in the 19th Century ballad collection assembled by Francis James Child. Willie Of Winsbury, Willie's Lady, Sir Patrick Spens, Clyde Waters, Geordie, Tam Lin - folk songs don't come any more iconic. Yet Mitchell is perfectly at ease in their company and the combination of her uniquely intimate style of storytelling and the Graham Parsons-esque voice, fluid guitar and close harmonies provided by Hamer establish such a quiet assurance you barely pause to consider the momentous interpretations of this material that have preceded them over the years ... Perfect".