Eddi Reader - Vagabond

A national treasure in her native Scotland, the former Fairground Attraction singer brings a freshness and exuberance to her material, whether interpreting old ballads or brand new tunes. Backed by a stellar cast of long-time collaborators, including former Bible mainman Boo Hewerdine, Vagabond is up there with her very best.

The pace is one of relaxed, joyous abandonment – the jazzy ‘I’ll Never Be The Same’ floats along like a summer breeze, while ‘Back The Dogs’, inspired by her Tralee-born grandmother, adds accordion (it’s more Gypsy-flavoured than Irish). The lilting title-track, with lyrics adapted from a poem by John Masefield, is just one highlight, while ‘Here Comes The Bells’ couldn’t sound more Gallic if served with croissants and latte.

A long time fan and friend of Declan O’Rourke, she covers his atmospheric ‘Married To The Sea’ and wraps things up with the moonlit, country-flavoured ‘It’s A Beautiful Night’. Superb.