Roods and Reeds - The Loom Goes Click (2018) [Hi-Res]

The fact that Roods & Reeds have given themselves and their first album a name from the weaving mill seems logical. The two hamburgers interweave their vocal and instrumental melodies, but also different styles. Folk, pop and swing make a connection that sounds light and easy, but still has depth. Even the consistently handmade fits the name.

Dagmar Lauschke (voc, git) and Leonard Poppe (git, bac voc) are attributed to the singer / songwriter, which includes the cross-genre of good people already. Since 2016, they perform together and harmonize well. Arrangements and design are absolutely consistent. The two involve a number of musical guests who not only broaden the sound, but also highlight their own profile - strings, saxophone and drums. What still characterizes the impression, is the clear voice of Dagmar Lauschke against the backdrop of the two finely tuned guitars.

Nine of the eleven titles are self-written. While the opener Too Many Things seems to direct the music towards jazz-pop with flute and double bass, the allegorical Mountain Man makes the folk roots more apparent. The Calling even goes slightly towards Ska. The Irish Home By Bearna gets a very independent editing. In the sparingly accompanied Traditional The Weaver & the Factory Maid, the singer can show her qualities best.

Roods & Reeds remind me of the early seventies when, with Pentangle, Bert Jansch or John Martyn, the folk avant-garde in England had a clear relation to jazz. The combination of melancholy and groove is pleasant to hear. Fine music for a "Summer in the City".