Saffron Walden-based James White & The Wildfire have featured on this blog before, but not since 2021 and their EP release Making Tracks. I’m pleased to have them back on these pages with their rendition of the traditional 19th century Appalachian folk song Little Maggie.

By Graeme Smith

James White & The Wildfire’s version of the track is vibrant and lively. The traditional style is not lost, but there’s definitely a sense of modern Americana rock about their performance, and even the story in the lyrics seems to take on a contemporary feel.

The Wildfire part of the act are Brooke Bond on bass, Lee Dorrington on cajon and Ed Goldsmith on banjo. James leads things on vocals, harmonica and guitar. The band have been working hard recording and playing live since we last shared their music, and have big plans for the future. Watch this space.

You can listen to Little Maggie below.