Album Notes

This English band never disappoints. They always produce albums that are whole-hearted and all encompassing. Now dear North Americans, excuse me if I use a British sporting metaphor! If this band were a cricketer, they could dash off the fastest hundred of the season, bowl a spirited fast medium (and also fall back upon off-breaks when another spinner was called for), field anywhere (including donning the wicket-keeper's pads), and even have the humility to bring out the drinks as twelfth man. Correction: there is one role they couldn't adopt. They couldn't stonewall à la Trevor Bailey to save a game: that is not their style.Their style is to entertain. And here as usual we have something for everyone interested in Traditional Folk Music. Tim Laycock sings as effortlessly as ever; and this time I was particularly taken by Sharon Lindo's genuine Shirley Collins-ish pure/innocent voice of Olde England.(Not the faux-naïve voice demonstrated by some women on the UK Folk Scene).And Brian Gulland's array of wind instruments also impressed.Two of my all time favourite songs are here. "I Live Not Where I Love" and "The Hard Times of Old England". But my favourite cut was their version of that grand old song I had not heard in an age: "The Friar in The Well". Naughty, but very nice. Decent liner notes too. Black print on a white background: you cannot beat it. And good informative artwork to boot.
Dai Woosnam, The Living Tradition, the leading UK Folk Magazine.


Those who have seen the New Scorpion Band live will know just how versatile and entertaining this group are in concert… they play a range of more than two dozen wind, stringed and free reed instruments. It’s a further attestation of the quality of musicianship and personality of the New Scorpion Band that their latest CD is the next best thing to a live performance.
What's Afoot No 75 [Devons Folk Magazine] Colin Andrews.


That they have developed such a close musical relationship is testimony to their superb musicianship and to the strength of their commitment to this wonderful musical adventure. I find the two big; songs on this record the most appealing. Both get the full benefit of the band’s extraordinary range of instruments. In both cases the songs emerge refreshed; The arrangement for Lord Bateman is a real work of art. The epic ballad is retold in graphic fashion, with the musical accompaniments playing a full part in relating the narrative; Wonderful stuff.
Folk South West. Eddie Upton.


This fine band's 'fanciful and haphazard rummaging in Britain's musical attic' has resulted in a cracking assortment, treated to arrangements full and fair.
Tim Laycock leads most of the vocals to be sure, but he has four guys each laden down with a huge collection of instruments. All tunes and songs are traditional except for Kipling's 'Smuggler's Song', and it is impossible to fault these performances so perfect are these jewels in their settings. The 16-page booklet is truly delightful.
A landmark in British song.
Folknews Kernow. Chris Ridley.