Starting out in USA-based Irish band Cherish The Ladies, Heidi Talbot has been releasing solo records since 2002 and collecting award nominations along the way in Folk, Irish and Indie Acoustic categories. Angels Without Wings is her fifth solo album, although she has brought along some friends for the ride – notably uber-guitarist Mark Knopfler and a variety of duet partners, including Scottish singer-songwriter King Creosote and country artist Tim O’Brien.

Irish-born Talbot has the kind of delicate, soaring voice which blends perfectly with traditional folk, as she demonstrates on ‘Dearest Johnny’ (with backing vocals provided by husband John McCusker) and the somewhat repetitive ‘When the Roses Come Again’ (accompanied by O’Brien). Among the plaintive Celtic ballads, there are moments of brightness; the title track is a cheery, accordion-ridden waltz. Another highlight is ‘Will I Ever Get To Sleep,’ a quirky little tune with zippy flute played by Michael McGoldrick. If the album ever veers into territory so sentimental that it borders on twee, it’s saved by the strong supporting musicians and tight production.

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