Sam Sweeney – Escape That (Hudson Records, 2022)
Sam Sweeney, one of England’s most accomplished traditional musicians, makes a bold leap with Escape That, his first album of entirely self-composed material. Here, Sweeney combine traditional dance music with contemporary pop influences, pushing the boundaries of modern English folk while highlighting his growth as a composer.
Created during the isolation of the 2020–21 COVID-19 lockdowns, Escape That emerged from an unconventional writing process. Sweeney composed over 20 pieces without touching his signature instrument, the fiddle. Instead, he used synthesizers and guitars to sketch out ideas, recording chord sequences and improvisations. Memorable hooks were preserved, while the rest was discarded, creating danceable tracks by piecing these hooks together. The melodies were then translated back to the violin, resulting in a highly persuasive interplay of traditional and modern elements.
The album’s eclectic sound draws from a range of influences, honoring Sweeney’s musical roots while forging something entirely new. Far from a mere fusion of genres, Escape That feels like a heartfelt tribute to both tradition and innovation.
Sweeney’s collaborators include Ben Nicholls (bass), Jack Rutter (acoustic guitar), Louis Campbell (electric guitar), and Dave Mackay (keyboards/synthesizers). Produced by Andy Bell (known for his work with Bellowhead and Spell Songs), the album was recorded across South Wales, Stroud, and Sheffield.
Sweeney’s track record is impressive: a four-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards nominee and 2015 winner for Musician of the Year. He has played a pivotal role in the revival of English folk music. As a member of the influential band Bellowhead, a founding member of the trio Leveret, and the first Artistic Director of the National Youth Folk Ensemble, his contributions span performance, education, and composition.
Sweeney shared: “Escape That is the most ‘me’ music I can imagine making. It ties together my love for traditional dance tunes with my obsession with pop music hooks and textures.
“Every piece of music we have ever heard leaves a footprint in our minds. With this record I am actively retreading some of these footprints, visiting old musical companions and combining them with my love for traditional dance music. This is emotional music for me, and an honest acknowledgment of all the music I have loved since I was a kid. It’s not trying to be anything. It’s as close as I’ve ever got to sharing the sound of the inside of my head.”
Buy Escape That.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.