Description

Ballads Long & Short is the newest recording from John Roberts and Debra Cowan who have been described as “two of the finest voices in folk music”.  Born out of a performing collaboration of several years, this recording reflects the love and respect that both of these musicians have for songs that have stood the test of time. Ballads Long & Short contains 14 songs; eleven are traditional, a composed song each from John Conolly and Chris Sugden, both prominent English songwriters and one from Australian John Warner. The recording is rich with John and Debra’s vocal leads and harmonies either sung un-accompanied or enhanced by John’s Anglo concertina or banjo playing. A special guest appearance by guitarist Bill Cooley (Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire) on a traditional track, “Fair Annie”, gives this Child ballad a lovely setting that completes the story. Ballads Long & Short contains just a hint of the numerous songs and the variety of material that both of these artists can call forth.

Sadly, John Roberts left us on January 30, 2025. This CD is a lovely remembrance of his collaborations with Debra Cowan