John McCusker's Under One Sky project was always going to be ambitious. Looking to pool the rampant creative juices and contrastive songwriting styles of a glut of folk music's most recognised faces (and a handful of their most celebrated friends), McCusker's dream of finding a stable and inspiring middle ground for all to express themselves freely must have seemed, on occasions, a distant dream. Thankfully McCusker's vision refused to acknowledge any such problems and his hard-work and unbridled commitment has paid off handsomely; for 'Under One Sky' is an untouchably special record.

The success of 'Under One Sky' comes to all extent and purposes from one simple, but essential, fact; McCusker's unnerving knack for knowing precisely how each of the individual musicians will fit into each song and enhance, rather than muddle, them. Like a master puppeteer he pulls the strings with a consummate understanding of pace, balance and musical mood. It's a phenomenal understanding of the intricacies of British folk.

'Under One Sky' subsequently feels more like a journey around every corner of British folk than anything else. Sashaying between traditionalism and modernity he manages to turn a potentially niche collection of music into an album that's essential listening to a wide range of the music-buying public. With guest spots from Blur's Graham Coxon and Idlewild's Roddy Woomble (each of whose contributions slots into the fabric of the album effortlessly) enticing in the mainstream music fans, turns from John Tams warming the hearts of the folk traditionalists and regular flourishes from such bright young folk lights as Jim Causley, there's quite simply something for everyone.

An album that pays homage to British folk's illustrious heritage, the genre's undeniably bright and innovative future and bridges the two so fluently is an exceptional achievement. With 'Under One Sky' McCusker has achieved it in spades.

'Under One Sky' is available now through Navigator Records.

Words: Scott Banff
Official Site: www.navigatorrecords.co.uk