Megson – In A Box (EDJ Records)

From the sombre ‘Clifton Hill Mine’ (which documents the colliery tragedy that killed 178 in 1885) to the the humorous 19th century Teeside song ‘Bet Beesley and Her Wooden Man’, and from the Joni Mitchellesque ‘Dirty Clothes’ to the gentle ballad ‘Still I Love Him’, the husband and wife duo of Stu and Debbie Hanna have produced another excellent album, their sixth together, mixing traditional songs with original compositions, and all done with a big and proudly beating human heart.

With echoes of the strident rhythmic style of Seth Lakeman (who guests here) and the wonderful witty and gritty storytelling of Huddersfield’s O’Hooley & Tidow, Megson’s sensitive songwriting and intuitive harmonies are heightened by the excellent playing of guest musicians (who include Jess Morgan and members of The Willows) along with their own accordion, whistle mandolins, piano, percussion and guitars.

Already three times nominated for Best Duo at BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, maybe this could be the one for this most unassuming of nu-folk acts.

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