Sam Carter - The Oakham Poacher

BBC award winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Sam Carter is one of the most recognisable voices of the folk music scene of these isles. His new five-track EP The Oakham Poacher represents an exciting shift in his discography, as it is his first release made up of only traditional material.

The track list displays some well-known songs related to timeless themes such as justice, peace, and the relationship between humans and nature, and underline a special connection to Carter’s home town, particularly on the title track,. From the modern classic Now is the Cool of the Day to a musical setting of Charles MacKey’s 1845 poem Tubal Kane, the EP flows gently through delicate and definitely English open harmonies and a gentle touch of Americana here and there.

In spite of the choice of sombre, stripped back arrangements, this voice and guitar work is beautifully nuanced and truly enjoyable. His shimmering trademark fingerpicking playing does not overshadow his distinctive voice, here resplendent in its rich expressive tones. Particularly on The Light Guitar, the note of hope that rounds up the release in style.
Understated, at times sparse, but still quietly adventurous, The Oakham Poacher provides a new perspective on Carter’s musical endeavour; we can only hope to have more soon.