3 Dec 2009 by Chris     No Comments    Posted under: Entertainment

Albums of the Decade: No.18

My Secret Is My Silence by Roddy Woomble

“And in your illumination is your apology”

If you follow the British folk scene at all, even if it’s just through an annual visit to the Cambridge Folk Festival, the lineup on this album is all-star. My Secret Is My Silence, from 2006, was Idlewild vocalist Roddy Woomble’s first solo album, and it’s a lot more folky and somewhat less raucous than his efforts with the band. It features vocals from Kate Rusby and Karine Polwart on five songs each, and was recorded in Rusby’s studio with musicians often associated with her, including John McCusker producing.

At the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2006, I just happened to be passing the Mojo tent when Woomble appeared outside, sat down with a guitar and started to play a couple of songs from the album. Within moments he’d been joined by John McCusker, and we noticed Kate Rusby sitting listening appreciatively. By the time she inevitably joined in this busking session, the crowd had swelled somewhat, and it became one of those magical moments which can make festivals so great. The title track has the catchiest chorus, but it’s the glorious Waverley Steps which steals the show. It makes this Essex boy feel like some sort of expat Highlander.

And Roddy signed my copy of the CD too.

• Albums of the Decade: No.19
• Albums of the Decade: No.20

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