THERE have been two decades since June Tabor and Oysterband last joined forces, but it’s been worth the wait as they scooped four prizes at the BBC folk awards.

Appropriately this album kicks off with their stunning arrangement of Bonny Bunch Of Roses, which won best traditional track. Then there is veteran, Steve Tilston’s The Reckoning, which won best new song award, Martin Simpson’s stomping Lakes of Pontchartrain and Christy Moore’s heartbreaking On Morecambe Bay.

This is a cracking collection of the best in traditional music, although the awards ceremony must have come as something of a shock for the new generation, who have rather cleaned up lately. The Unthanks and Bellowhead walked away empty-handed and it was left to Tim Edey to take musician of the year on behalf of the younger element. All are featured here, and don’t miss Edey’s duet with harmonica genius Brendan Power.

British folk music has never been in ruder health, and as this album proves, old school is more than a match for new school.