Yorkston/Thorne/Khan: Everything Sacred review – northern lyricism meets eastern classicism

(Domino)

World fusions don’t come more unlikely than this meeting of Scots folkie James Yorkston and Indian sarangi maestro Suhail Yusuf Khan; mournful northern lyricism meets eastern classicism. Unlikely, but with Lamb’s Jon Thorne bringing jazzy bass, the trio have cooked up an odd but engaging album. The mood is mostly contemplative, with Khan embellishing songs like the wistful title track with sinuous cello-like parts, while he gets his own devotional outings (Knochentanz, Sufi Song), where Yorkston “just did my best to keep up”. Ivor Cutler’s Little Black Buzzer is the standout, its drollery – “I’m sitting on top of the world and my bum is cold” – captured with help from Irish singer Lisa O’Neill. A heart-warmer.

Listen to standout track Little Black Buzzer.

Contributor

Neil Spencer

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Yorkston/Thorne/Khan: Neuk Wight Delhi All-Stars review – improbable trio work wonders again
(Domino)

Neil Spencer

09, Apr, 2017 @7:00 AM

James Yorkston: I Was a Cat from a Book – review
The Scottish singer-songwriter mines deep emotions in this affecting collection, writes Neil Spencer

Neil Spencer

04, Aug, 2012 @11:05 PM

The Cellardyke Recording and Wassailing Society review – James Yorkston in reflective mood
The Scottish singer-songwriter hits the spot with a little help from with Alexis Taylor and KT Tunstall, writes Phil Mongredien

Phil Mongredien

16, Aug, 2014 @11:07 PM

Article image
Yorkston/Thorne/Khan: Everything Sacred review – bravely original Indian-folk-jazz fusion
Suhail Yusuf Khan, James Yorkston and Jon Thorne on Indian sarang, guitar and double bass are worth checking out

Robin Denselow

14, Jan, 2016 @6:45 PM

Article image
Yorkston/Thorne/Khan review – freewheeling cross-cultural fun at Celtic Connections
Jokes and intriguing sonic mashups arise from the teaming of Scots folk musician James Yorkston, Lamb bassist Jon Thorne and Indian sarangist Suhail Yusuf Khan

Malcolm Jack

20, Jan, 2016 @5:38 PM

Article image
Fence Records: a fond farewell

Last week's Green Man festival featured the final gig by Fife's Fence Records collective. It marked the end of an era, writes Laura Barnett

Laura Barnett

24, Aug, 2013 @11:06 PM

Article image
James Yorkston: 'I need a badge that says: It's all right, I do have a job'
The Scottish folk singer talks to Tom Lamont about the perils of having a low public profile and the emotional pain behind his latest album

Tom Lamont

11, Aug, 2012 @11:04 PM

James Yorkston: Folk Songs | CD review

This is an inspired homage to timeless British song, writes Neil Spencer

Neil Spencer

01, Aug, 2009 @11:01 PM

James Yorkston | Folk review

Hanbury Ballroom, Brighton
The Fence Collective alumnus's self-deprecation masks steely musical ambition, says Alexis Petridis

Alexis Petridis

10, Nov, 2009 @11:00 PM

Article image
James Yorkston review – riotous celebration of the modern troubadour
Yorkston reunites with tour buddies Johnny Lynch and Dan Wilson for a night of perfect harmonies and easy banter – with a guest appearance from Jarvis Cocker

Betty Clarke

21, Dec, 2016 @12:39 PM