A couple of months ago, New Jersey native Cath Tyler and her husband Phil released their amazing debut album '
Dumb Supper' on the tiny
No-Fi Recordings label. It’s a wonderful collection of haunting, mediaeval-like ballads and traditional banjo tunes. Despite its immediate origins in North Eastern England –
the album was recorded in Cath & Phil’s current hometown Newcastle upon Tyne - the music is deeply rooted in the traditions of rural America. Most songs are sung with spare accompaniment from finger picked acoustic guitar or banjo, with a few harmonized acappella songs along the way. Listen to “
Fisherman’s Girl” by clicking
here.
Cath actually used to play in the criminally underrated folk-rock band
CORDELIA'S DAD; a truly unique trio that brilliantly mingled acoustic American folk traditionals with grungy indie rock. I interviewed the band in 1997 for my fanzine and I hope to republish that interview on my site soon. In the meantime, there’s a pretty good biography at
All Music and
Cd Baby sells most of the band’s amazing output.
After the demise of Cordelia’s Dad, I was very glad to hear that all members are still making music. Tim Eriksen, the shaven-headed lead singer whose musical roots are in the western Massachusetts hardcore punk scene of the ‘80s, formally studied South Indian Carnatic music while in college and holds a degree in ethnomusicology. He currently plays traditional tunes, accompanying himself on guitar, fiddle and banjo. He also played guitar in the Bulgarian rock band ZABE I BAB with his wife Minja Lausevic. You can listen to Zabe I Bab’s “
Sjaj Mjesece” from their 1997 album '
Drumovi' by clicking
here.
According to
Cordelia’s Dad’s recently revitalized website, the band is still active so let’s hope they will record and tour again in the future. In the meantime, buy '
Dumb Supper' because it’s a gem!
