The American string quartet Kronos Quartet gives new dimensions to a collection of traditional folk songs. They do not do this alone, but with four artists with whom they share the record label : Sam Amidon, Olivia Chaney, Natalie Merchant and Rhiannon Giddens. The Kronos Quartet has been at the cutting edge of international cultural lines for about 40 years. They have worked with almost all the
… great contemporary composers (including , and ) and pop artists from to and . It is remarkable how the quartet on Folk Songs stays away from classical music interpretations but opts for menacing drones and complaining and scratching violin and fiddle parts. With a minimal interpretation, they reinforce the often charged themes such as love, death and war. The vocalists also unanimously go deep. A poignant album that evokes a renewed interest in old folk songs. (MR)more
