The Longest River

Olivia Chaney released EPs in 2010 and 2013, contributed towards the Peter Bellamy tribute album Oak Ash and Thorn, and has toured solo, as well as with Alasdair Roberts and others. She was nominated for both the Horizon Award and Best Original Song in the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, for what is now the title-track of her long-awaited debut album. Chaney studied at the Royal School of Music and Aldeburgh and worked as an actor and musician in a production of Troilus & Cressida at the Globe theatre; it's perhaps not surprising that The Longest River encompasses Purcell and traditional songs such as album opener, ‘The False Bride’ alongside her own striking originals. It was recorded by Chaney with Leo Abrahams and Jerry Boys, and features cellist Oliver Coates, composer and vocalist Jordan Hunt, and drummer Leo Taylor.

Her voice is striking, with a remarkable clarity and purity, as well as lyrical and emotional strength. She has a sense of command and breadth reminiscent of Sandy Denny – she commands a similar emotional and artistic authority. The settings are clear, limpid, lyrical, assured. This album has been a long time coming, but now it's here, and it's here to stay.