Following on the widespread acclaim for last year’s Young Man In America, Anais Mitchell’s new album, Child Ballads, which she recorded with friend and collaborator Jefferson Hamer, is a collection of traditional songs from our very own British Isles. Named after their 19th century collector, Francis James Child, and already picking up some very decent reviews, it is out in March.

Have a listen to the first of the seven tracks, Willie of Winsbury – a ballad of a king seeking revenge, but showing mercy at the final moment.