A rising star of the English folk scene, and one third of Granny's Attic, Lewis Wood has just released his first solo record 'Footwork' in which he pays tribute to the art of English Step Dancing.
‘Footwork’ features ten original compositions by Wood, featuring his trademark violin playing backed up multi-instrumentalist Matt Quinn and the feet of dancers Melanie Barber, Toby Bennett, Lunette Eldon, Lisa Sture and Simon and Jo Harmer, all leading experts in the tradition of English Step Dance.
The diversity of Step Dance is well documented on the album. While the inclusion of banjo on ‘Mel’s Hornpipe’ hints at a wider Appalachian influence the music finds it’s roots in the Lancashire region of northern England. The dance which is traditionally performed on the balls of the feet is both percussive and complimentary to the music. ‘Trip To Middleton / Three Men On A Pink Stool’ is a hornpipe tune with roots in the English county of Devon. The fast dotted Hornpipe style tune encourages the the dancer to increase their repertoire of steps leading for some wonderfully energic dancing.
It’s clear from the first listen that Wood has carefully researched the English Dance Step history and has a passion for both the music and art of the dance. His compositions are first class and perfectly arranged. The work of the dancers is sheer bliss as their feet become instruments in their own right. The timing and musical marriage of music and dance is exciting and energetic as is ably demonstrated on the triple hornpipe ‘Soup Of The Night’
Inspired by the travelling communities of Southern and Eastern England ‘The Appreciated Violin’ and ‘Pakefield Polka’ show the variety of musical and dance styles between counties and the wider influence of world music being introduced into the regions.
More than a tribute, ‘Footwork’ is a living breathing entity that demonstrates a natural empathy between music and dance.