This evocative album is testament to the rich seam of talent that flourishes in Britain's thriving folk scene. Nelsons Wake is the combination of Southampton singer-songwriter, Barry Wake, with Southport-based duo, Chris and Siobhan Nelson, bringing together the veritable song-writing talent of Wakes with Chris Nelson's accomplished and accommodating musicianship and Siobhan Nelson's utterly charming vocals.

Many of Wake's songs hail the glories of forgotten everyday heroes, compassionately recounting their stories and ensuring that their memory lives on. "The Itchen Ferry Lad" harks back to 1884 and the gruesome tragedy of a seventeen-year-old boy who was the victim of cannibalism, following a shipwreck incident. "Woolston's Pride" honours the designer of the Spitfire, R. J. Mitchell, who worked at the Supermarine works in Woolston, Southampton.

The woes of the working class are capably recounted on several occasions. "Heartbeat Of the Town" looks at the importance of shipbuilding to the Woolston district of Southampton, and the decimation of the community that accompanied the declining trade, whilst "Living In A Shadow" looks at the life of a family brought up in the shadow of a Lancashire cotton mill. The industrial theme is continued on "Mazey Days," lamenting the shortened lives of copper miners.

Vocal highpoints are inevitably when Siobhan Nelson takes the lead, her voice at times exhibiting echoes of Maddy Prior, though when lead vocals are taken by the gents, this affords the opportunity for Siobhan to provide some memorable harmonies. The instrumental accompaniment of Chris Nelson is always sympathetic to the material and a joy to listen to.

The album ends fittingly with "Close The Door," an a cappella number featuring the captivating three-part vocal harmonies of Wake and the Nelsons: "Close the door, turn out the light / We haven't changed the world tonight / But we have shared a song / And the music lingers on."

Ebb And Flow is sure to yield a few songs that will make their way through the folk process and ultimately enter the tradition. Not only is this album an enjoyable and interesting listen, it also offers reaffirmation of the glowing sense of pride that permeates the British folk scene.