Bella Hardy ‘Songs Lost and Stolen.’ (Navigator Records)

On her previous records, Bella Hardy has made a name for herself both as an interpreter of folk songs, and a songwriter herself. This latest album is her first to feature all her own material.

Hardy has a strong voice and the album features a number of excellent songs. My favourite herein is ‘The Herring Girl’ about an English girl who comes north to work in the fish factories of Scotland.I also really enjoyed ‘Bridge of Dean’ and ‘Written In Green.’ Of particular interest to folk afficionados will be the impressive pedigree of the album. It was produced by Mattie Foulds, a member of the Burns Unit, the Scots/Canadian folk collective that also includes King Creosote and Karine Polwart. Guitar comes from Anna Massie who has previously played with both Eddi Reader (who has done a lot to bring the work of Robert Burns to a wider audience over the last ten years) and Kate Rusby. Hardy is now also sharing a label with current folk stars; the likes of Bellowhead and Kris Drever.

Bella Hardy is an undoubtedly talented singer-songwriter. On this evidence, I believe that she could become viewed as an equal to the likes of Eliza Carthy, Kate Rusby and Karine Polwart. Whether the record will appeal and make its’ presence felt outside the folk community remains to be seen…

***1/2

Songs Lost and Stolen is out now on Navigator Records

Bella Hardy – Songs Lost & Stolen by Proper Music Distribution