English Sketches

Hilary James' new CD of English music.
A celebration of English rural life, landscape, weather and seasons in traditional song and new settings of poems by Thomas Hardy, A E Housman and William Shakespeare.

 
"Hilary James's celebration of all things rustic has blossomed into a serene disc... the arrangements are a delight throughout."
The Sunday Times * * * * (4 star review)

"... brilliant small-ensemble backings... Hilary’s never sounded better... is destined to satisfy repeatedly."
fRoots

"... showcases her beautifully pure voice in this genuinely charming evocation of pastoral England... I find this album pretty irresistible."
The Scotsman * * * * (4 star review)

"I think she’s got one of the best voices in the world and I love her treatments of traditional songs."
Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 - Folk On 2

Guest musicians include Simon Mayor (violin, mandolin, guitar), Paul Sartin (oboe), Paul Hutchinson (accordian), Nick Cooper (cello), Ed Quick (vocals), Richard Collins (bass guitar), David Pether (pipe organ), Phil Fentimen (double bass) and Simon Price (drums).