released January 29, 2010

The Magickal Folk Of The Faraway Tree began in Dublin in 2002 when David Colohan (Agitated Radio Pilot, United Bible Studies) got his hands on an edition of Peter Kennedy's classic collection "Folksongs of Britain and Ireland". Along with Shane Cullinane (The Cosmic Nanou, United Bible Studies) he began to pick songs to work on. Disregarding the notation they simply wrote their own music for the traditional lyrics. Other songs such as Spencer The Rover were learned from recordings or heard in sessions and are more faithfully recorded. The newer recordings on disc two are augmented by original instrumentals in the old style. The two discs cover all the classic folk themes: homesick emigrants, murder, drinking, war and love. These are songs of the people whether they are sung in English, French or Gaelic.

The actor Caroline Coffey (also heard on The Jonah by UBS) provides the sole female voice, sometimes a gentle ghostly whisper, other times a more like a banshee. She is also a more full-bodied presence on rousing songs such as Here's A Health To All True Lovers. Sure enough other members of United Bible Studies contributed; Gavin Prior and Scott McLaughlin on various strings. It wasn't until Seán Óg brought his flute-playing to the mix that The Folk had found their sound.

While United Bible Studies and Agitated Radio Pilot are at the modern/exploratory end of the folk continuum, The Magickal Folk Of The Faraway Tree take a traditional approach, sticking to acoustic instruments. Nevertheless, purists may be perplexed when confronted with completely new melodies to familiar song titles. Those who have never heard the 'originals' would have no reason to suspect the melodies were written in the early 21st century. Therein lies the strength of this double album; Imagination and energy are brought to old songs but with a love of of the tradition evident at all times.

From reviews of the orignal cdr releases:

"Re-investing forgotten folk songs with new blood, this is life affirming music, and there’s a pure essence to the songs here that cuts through any notions of a pseudo nu-folk revival or dilettantism."
Keith Wallace, Rusted Rail

"The Magickal Folk of the Faraway Tree have delivered a perfect little nugget of folk/pop bliss with "The Cat's Melodeon." If this was twice as long, I'd be tempted to give it a 10."
Brad Rose, Foxy Digitalis.

"Those searching for lost music that carries on their enjoyment of The Wicker Man soundtrack would do well to look here, the same feeling of strangeness and innocence rises amongst the songs."
Time Has Told Me Blog