Released in July 2009, the CD is now beginning to be reviewed in national and regional folk press and Fiona Talkington is planning to play tracks on a forthcoming edition of ‘Late Junction’ on BBC Radio 3.   A track from the CD will appear on fRoots covermount CD.

 Snippets from the reviews so far are printed below.  For full versions, go to www.wildgooserecords.co.uk

For details including the track list and mail order click here

Listen to tracks from the album

Lovely Joan

  Bengal Rounds/Old Sir Simon the King

Ken Hinchliffe: What’s Afoot 07 Dec 2009

“I thoroughly enjoyed this CD from the first note to the last. … the imaginative rewriting and revisiting of a traditional song into a modem setting gives authenticity to a traditional theme. And interestingly, has made me reconsider the words of the traditional versions of the songs. I highly recommend this CD to all traditionalists and others.”

Brian Cope: Folk London 07 Dec 2009

“Roger Watson … shows in performance, as well as on this disc, that he is still in fine voice and has lost none of his drive and enthusiasm.”

Jacqueline Patten: EDS 24 Nov 2009

”Roger’s voice has a deep, resonant clarity, and throughout he plays the melodeon and concertina with a similar clarity. He is joined by Jackie Oates on vocals and viola, and Tim Walker on vocals, flugelhorn, cornet and side drum. The arrangements are innovative with a deceptive simplicity, totally captivating.”

Mike Greenwood: Taplas 23 Nov 2009

 “It’s a while since we've heard from Watson. This is a reminder of where he's been and a pointer to where he sees himself going, as well as re-establishing his geographical roots.”

Barry Goodman: Shire Folk 18 Nov 2009

”Past and Present is an album that has quality, integrity and immense style, and it was about time we had the chance to hear Roger Watson on CD again!”

Dai Jeffries: R2 16 Nov 2009

“Past And Present is far from being an exercise in nostalgia. Roger's work as a teacher has been based on bringing traditional songs to a new generation, often by rewriting them in modern language or giving them a contemporary setting. Thus, the thwarted lothario of 'Lovely Joan' drives an XR3 and the broken-hearted hero of the exquisitely sensitive 'Peg Of Derby' used to work in the Rolls-Royce factory.”

Derek Gifford: Folk Northwest 23 Oct 2009

“Roger Watson … sails through this CD with the aplomb and panache you might expect from a seasoned performer. Highly recommended!”

for the song lyrics click here

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