Here as an album combining a beautiful clear voice, and some really sharp and interesting guitar work... and in some places, it works very well.

The opening Granite Mill is catchy and effective and Robert’s and Lakeman’s version of Farewell Lovely Nancy (or to be accurate, Equation’s version, this being one of two songs borrowed from an Equation EP) gives the song great energy and variety.

A lot of these songs are quite slow and potentially sentimental numbers. Where this works well, it is through the novel introduction of other instruments like the clarinet, or particularly attractive harmonies (the latter for instance on the a capella Drowned Lovers). Some songs, like Joe Peel, become reminiscent of the Kate Rusby/Kathryn Roberts duets. But in several cases I found the delivery just too slow and ponderous for enjoyment. In addition, the drawn-out sentimentality of Georgia Lee grated on me badly (to be fair, this may well also be true of the Tom Waits original)... So, well worth a listen, but perhaps then better to listen to mixed in with livelier fare!

Some albums are timeless. Recorded in the now infamous Piano Kitchen, this is the perfect introduction to the musical talents of duo Sean Lakeman and Kathryn Roberts. The aptly named album, 1, is an entertaining mix of traditional folk songs and modern covers.

Sean sets the pace from the start with his inimitable rhythmic strumming the perfect accompaniment to the tale of the ’Granite Mill.’ Driving the track forward his guitar provides both the harmonic and the rhythmic lines, constantly supporting Kathryn’s voice when the intensity of the lyrics demand it.

If anyone had had any doubts in Equation as to the strength of Kathryn’s voice, then ’The Drowned Lovers’ should easily set the record straight. Sung completely a cappella, Kathryn tells the heart-wrenching story of a girl mourning the loss of her lover who has drowned at sea. The added vocal harmonies boost her voice for the chorus, mimicking the cry of the songs protagonist and increasing the overall emotion of the track.

But it’s not just Kathryn’s voice which is showcased throughout this album, her many musical talents also feature frequently. The complex harmonies in ’The Lambs on the Green Hills’ make use of not only of her skills on the piano, but also on the clarinet. The resulting track is one of the highlights of the album which equally stands as testament to Sean’s incredible talents as a producer. The varying timbres compliment each other beautifully, and create the perfect picture of pastoral Britain.

Recorded in 2001, ’1’ is a sadly overlooked folk album. Drawing on a wealth of musical talent and an innate knowledge of the folk genre, the duo have been able to experiment with sound and texture without losing sight of the stories that they are telling.