Consistently inventive, whether providing stately strings, purring pedal steel or psych-folk soundscapes" - The Observer UK. "A really stark and swirly instrumental blend of psychedelic influences held in check, as they might have been on a classic Elektra LP. The way they weave the acoustic guitar into the arrangements, really reminds me of mid-period Love." The Wire UK THE BIG EYES FAMILY PLAYERS & FRIENDS release "Folk Songs II", a continuation of 2009's "Folk Songs". The 12 track album, (also available as a special limited edition with 3 further tracks and postcards) features the following singers - Alasdair Roberts, Nancy Elizabeth, James Yorkston, Elle Osborne, Mary Hampton, Adrian Crowley, James William Hindle, Heather Ditch and Sharron Kraus; The musical arrangements were made by James Green (guitars /piano/ harp / zither / drums / percussion / organ / cello / glockenspiel / backing vocals), as well as Brian Ellis (bass guitar), David A Jaycock (synths / organ / drums), Paul Fletcher (percussion) and Lindsay Aitkenhead (viola). "Folk Songs II" by The Big Eyes Family Players & Friends finds the boat has been pushed out a little more. The songs and stories are more sprawling, and arrangements show further disregard for any folk tradition than the previous "Folk Songs" outing. James Green admits openly to not knowing much about folk music, or particularly having much time for folk authenticity. The aim was simply to illustrate the songs and the voices in the most appropriate way, and the only way that THE BIG EYES FAMILY PLAYERS & FRIENDS can. Formed as a more collaborative arrangement THE BIG EYES FAMILY PLAYERS & FRIENDS have worked with people like Jeremy Barnes (A Hawk And A Hacksaw), Terry Edwards (Gallon Drunk/Tindersticks), Rachel Grimes (Rachel's), James Yorkston, James William Hindle and many more. THE BIG EYES FAMILY PLAYERS are currently based in Sheffield, UK and they dwell somewhere within chamber music, folk music and perhaps pop music; guitars, strings, harmoniflute, organ, bass, drums, flute, sometimes vocals and other bits and bobs. Record Label: Static Caravan Style: Folk