Emily Portman - Coracle

A vivid tour de force of finely-crafted songs, Coracle is Emily Portman�s first entirely self-penned release that subtly spins together folk motifs with deeply personal reflections on motherhood and bereavement. Coracle shrugs off pigeon-holing and dances deftly between angular weird-folk and intricately-woven contemporary pop. Signaling an adventurous new direction for this critically celebrated singer, Emily treads fresh ground following the success of her BBC Folk award-winning release Hatchling.With masterful production by the talented Andy Bell, Emily�s distinctive and unaffected voice rings out over atmospheric, intricately layered soundscapes. The Emily Portman Trio, including Lucy Farrell & Rachel Newton, provides a beguiling combination of harp, banjo, concertina, musical saw, strings and their three unique voices blend with sisterly precision. The trio are joined by a stellar cast of guest musicians including Bellowhead�s Sam Sweeney, pedal steel guitarist M G Boulter, classical percussionist Toby Kearney and the bass vocals of Neil McSweeney. Coracle�s title track features a string section made up of top UK folk players and was recorded live in a church with spine-tingling results.The result is a vital album that crackles with creative energy. A stand-out release, Coracle reinforces Emily Portman�s blossoming reputation as a dazzlingly original talent and is sure to enchant fans, old and new.