Rosewood

For lovers of the finger-picking guitar greats of the 1960s, Rosewood is a treat. Ben Robertson acknowledges their influence but this accomplished musician from North Wales is his own man. Rosewood (he plays a Fylde Oberon, with Indian rosewood back and sides) is an attractive selection of tunes and a few – would there were more – songs. Some are traditional, some recently composed, such as ‘The Southern Belle’ and ‘Chippy Minton’s’ waltzes by Chris Lee (who recorded the album). There are stately Swedish tunes, ‘Kirkwaltzen’ and ‘Fjellvåk’, ‘Hobed o Hilion’, from Wales and a fine strathspey, ‘The Sweetness of Mary’.

The album opens with the lovely morris dance piece ‘The Princess Royal’. Robertson plays with curiosity, exploring the expressive potential of the tune, varying the dynamics, shifting octaves, finding interesting bass harmonies – there’s even a percussive moment. Next comes Sandy Denny’s haunting song, ‘Fotheringay’ and the realisation that Robertson’s gifts are not all instrumental. He makes a good account of ‘Farewell to the Gold’, which Nic Jones recorded on his great album Penguin Eggs. Robertson is joined here by singer Ellie Gowers, and on ‘Fjellvåk’ by violinist Phoebe Rees, adding welcome colour to his palette.