*. Anonyma .*

Album: Burnt Feathers (1986)
Genre: Prog Folk (Contemporary/Acoustic Folk)  /  UK

Together Anne Lister and Mary Mc Laughlin were once "Anonyma" and worked as a duo for five years, during which they toured extensively in the UK, the US and Ireland. They recorded “Burnt Feathers” for the Fellside label, produced by Martin Simpson, which has since become something of a collector's item. Their performances were marked by careful selection of material - a combination of Anne's songs, Mary's songs, traditional songs from Britain and Ireland and some songs by other contemporary writers. An early byline was “refreshingly distinctive”, because the powerful combination of two strong voices in harmony and the thoughtful arrangements brought a breath of fresh air to the folk music circuit. Anonyma ceased to exist in 1989, when Anne and Mary both had separate interests to pursue. It was an amicable split, and the friendship has survived all the various changes since then. In October 1998 Mary joined Anne to do some songs at a house concert in Santa Cruz and the idea of the reunion tour was born. Both Mary and Anne have developed their voices and performance technique in the intervening years, as well as adding to their levels of confidence and experience, which means that a fine act has become even better. They have a wide range of skills to offer festivals, either individually or together rurning workshops on voice, harmony, traditional song, storytelling, songwriting and Gaelic pronunciation. In addition, of course, to their concert skills. (www.annelister.com/anonyma.htm)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.The Quiet People
02.Moth
03.Fill, Fill á Rún Ó / Cathy Loves a Priest
04.Song to the Siren
05.Stone Circles
06.Seagull
07.How to Stand Still
08.Fionnuala's Song
09.Icarus
10.Cassandra

Line-up / Musicians
Anne Lister / vocals, guitar
Mary Mc Laughlin / vocals, systhesiser
With:
Martin Simpson / guitar, ashbory bass
Laurie Harper / fiddle, mandolin

RATING:  8.25 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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