Jim Ghedi – A hymn for ancient land (Basin Rock Records)

Robust and inspiring folk instrumentals (mainly) from the rural Yorkshire/Derbyshire border of the north of England.

6 or 12 string guitar takes the lead for the most part and with some authority.

The album reminds me a little of William Tyler. There’s a similar endearing feel of immersion in the simple joy of playing.

Like the gorgeous opener ‘Home for Moss Valley’ with the genius addition of a string section behind the guitar picking for added lilt and bounce.

The sublime harp accompaniment in ‘Cwm elan’.

The momentum of perfectly judged percussion and (what sounds like) bodhrán in ‘Bramley Moor’.

The beautiful wash of guitar drones at the beginning of ‘Fortingall Yew’. A bleed of melody. And that song’s climax when the strings rise up to take a lead from the guitar and add the seriousness or gravitas of classical music.

The wonderful communal vocal moment of ‘Phoenix Works’. A documenting. A flying of a flag. Double bass and a great drum stomp.

A sense of movement and travel – all 7 pieces named after places.

There’s a certain bearing to the tunes. Head held high maybe.

Stoicism. As a rural setting might suggest.

A slow burning record full of soul with superb textures and arrangements.