If Not Now

e2K is the 21st century incarnation of the English folk/crossover group Edward II. Determinedly eclectic, they’ve got smoky R&B-style vocals from singer Kellie While, original songs with titles like ‘The Shepherd And The Crows’, trad Irish tunes played on sax and trumpet as well as whistles and melodeon, African rhythms courtesy of multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah from Ghana, a crack guitar/bass/drums team underpinning the sound – and it all leaves this reviewer utterly cold. To my ears, the only spark of genuine feeling on the album comes when guest musicians Michael McGoldrick (uilleann pipes) and John McCusker (fiddle) chime in on While’s strangely upbeat interpretation of what’s here called ‘He Moved Through The Fair’. Full marks for novelty and polish, though.