Reflections Bella Gaffney

• 1 Black Water 03:59
• 2 Blood in the Earth 03:10
• 3 Going Through the Motions 03:31
• 4 Holy Island 03:17
• 5 Seven Black Roses 03:38
• 6 Wide Awake 04:18
• 7 Blue 02:57
• 8 Fair and Tender Ladies 03:38
• 9 No Ash Will Burn 04:20
• 10 Gallows Pole (Live version) 04:36
• Total Runtime 37:24

Info for Reflections

‘Reflections’ is the first solo release from Bella Gaffney, singer and multi-instrumentalist from Bradford, West Yorkshire, and a member of the well-regarded folk trio ‘Magpies’. Playing guitar, banjo, double bass, and keyboards, her captivating vocals provide a consistent thread through the ten-song collection, five original compositions, four arrangements of traditional songs together with her cover of ‘No Ash Will Burn’, penned by Muscle Shoals songwriter, producer, and artist Walt Aldridge, father of Hannah Aldridge. It is on this track, with Gaffney’s guitar, banjo, and double bass joined by Holly Brandon on the fiddle that her Americana leanings are strongest, but throughout the banjo features prominently, adding colour to both the original and traditional songs.

The album has already garnered considerable attention with its singles being featured on the renowned BBC Radio 2 folk show. The album has been hailed as, ‘a wonderfully produced album, a folk paradise captured by a force of will that is nothing short of motivating and full of enthusiasm’, according to Liverpool Sound & Vision and 'one of the best folk albums' by Folk Radio UK.

"Bella Gaffney is famed for the freshness she brings to hoary old traditional numbers, and that’s readily apparent in the final track, a live recording of Gallows Pole with her on fingerpicked guitar and stomp box, a mesmerising performance with a bluesy undercurrent and breathy vocal as she favours the original “Your brother brought me silver/Your sister warmed my soul/But now I laugh and pull so hard/And see you swinging on the gallows pole” ending of the Lead Belly, Led Zep and indeed Tex Ritter tellings rather than more upbeat one of Odetta and Willie Watson. It may have had a rather longer gestation period than she’d hoped, but this would be one of the best folk albums in whatever year it was released." (Mike Davies, folkradio.co.uk)

Bella Gaffney

Bella Gaffney
is a British singer-songwriter, guitar and banjo player who has established herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene. Born and raised in Bradford in West Yorkshire, Bella's love for music began at a young age, when she would visit her local folk club, The Topic. ​

In 2016, Bella won the prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections, a music festival held annually in Glasgow, Scotland. The award recognizes emerging talent in the Scottish folk music scene and has helped launch the careers of many successful musicians over the years. Bella's win was a testament to her songwriting skills and her ability to put a fresh spin on traditional folk pieces.

Bella will release her new album 'Reflections' on 28th of July. The album was inspired by the connections she made during the lockdown period and features collaborations with some of the most talented musicians in the folk music scene, including Sam Kelly and Leesa Ghentz of Hussy Hicks. 'Reflections' has been described by folk radio UK as: 'One of the best folk albums in whatever year it was released'.

Bella's music is characterised by her distinctive voice, intricate guitar playing, and her knack for storytelling. She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including her own life experiences, the natural world, and the rich history of folk music.

In addition to her solo work, Bella is also a member of the popular folk band, The Magpies. The band has been described as "effervescent" by The Sunday Times and has won over audiences across the UK with their lively performances and infectious energy. Bella's contributions to the band have been instrumental in their success, and she continues to be a sought-after musician in the folk music scene.

'Great singer, great guitarist, really interesting songwriter' - Mike Harding

‘One of those effervescent albums you’d be happy to recommend to people who might not consider themselves folk fans’ - The Sunday Times

‘Folk with finesse’ - The Daily Mail

‘Check that album out! Really good mix of songs and instrumentals - they’re great players!’ - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

This album contains no booklet.