Discovery: Ellie Jamison - This Time Around

Some years ago I reviewed Ellie Jamison's EP See the World, favourably - I have to add. A refreshing folk sound I’ve come to adore over the years, and within the past three years my own listening habits haven’t changed as drastically as some of my peers. I still listen to the ideal softness of the 60s / 70s English folk scene, and all the post-Cat Stevens minus percussion artists that have followed in blighty. Jamison, though not a household name now or back in 2013, has progressed as a musician just as I had expected. With folk music there's a limit to what you can achieve musically, it really depends on your preferred sound. I always see it as the mystic Dylan scenario of going electric - though it's not for everyone, and not for every style. One of my long-time modern favourite folk artists Fleet Foxes released one of, if not the best solo acoustic songs of this decade with "Helplessness Blues" and even that featured a full band three minute second half.

Jamison doesn’t suffer for her acoustic material- "This Time Around" is like a cool breeze. If you've been to the Cambridge Folk Festival, then you'll know it's just a constant repetition of songs like Jamison's. Typically light, but interesting vocals backing a single acoustic guitar with finger picking as opposed to open chords. Lyrics and mood are what matter here, and with "This Time Around", the listener is put in to a beautiful summer mood. You don't need flashy instruments and effects to create this, it's a meagre of raw talent from Jamison, and it’s lovely to hear her music once more.

Ed Gibson