Originally Published on January 2nd, 2026

~ About the Artist ~

“Ok, I’ll bite.” The first words said to me by Ann Ramsey. I totally get it, and boy do I love a skeptic. I love how so many people underestimate just how much of a geek I am for great music.

This was in response to a social media post letting people know who I am and what I do. I get it. We don’t live in a world where free is free anymore. Everybody I review starts out as a skeptic. It’s the way of the world. I guess it’s not entirely free. I technically trick all of these unsuspecting musicians to actually reveal themselves and they just let me listen to their music. It’s like taking candy from a baby!

So, who is Ann Ramsey? She is a folk artist from Delaware who released her debut album in October of 2025.

“She has a background in history and loves to set her many story-songs in unusual eras and locales.” Artist Bio (annramseymusic.com)

Reading about her, it looks like she releases folk that is influenced by roots, americana, and Anglo-Celtic genres. In 2025, she joined the Philadelphia Folksong Society Musical Artist Cooperative, aka PFS MAC, she is also a registered Delaware artist, a grant recipient from the Delaware Division of the Arts, and on the occasion leads workshops and song circles.

Last year, she performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, as well as other local events. She performs in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, so if one is interested in seeing Ramsey perform live, please visit her website right here for upcoming events, show dates, etc.

~ About Gallowglass ~

Gallowglass is the debut album of Delaware-based singer/songwriter, Ann Ramsey. The 10 song LP has a run time that is around 40 minutes and it released October 1st, 2025. It features Ramsey on vocals and guitar, it was produced by Kyle Swartzwelder, and was mixed and mastered by Black Forest Sound. Gallowglass is traditional folk, and could fall into a few other folk categories as well.

After my first listen of Gallowglass, I find the overall sound peaceful and atmospheric. I can hear a lot of work in the lyrical value of the music but my first impression always gravitates towards the melody and this record is no different. I’m really drawn to the vocal work of Ramsey. The first song, Gallowglass, reverberates with Celtic energy. Ramsey’s vocals are precise; she hits every note. Even when she slides up and down to a note she doesn’t waste any time reaching her target pitch. This actually reminds me a lot of Towse. It is a vocal style that works incredibly well for folk music, popularized by talented acts like Dolly Parton, who brought her quick-cutting vocals to roots/bluegrass in the 60’s and 70’s with hits like Jolene.

Instrumentally, this album is special. In addition to the acoustic guitar and vocals, each song incorporates a variety of accompanying folk instruments. There’s a fiddle, a slide guitar, flute, mandolin, some gentle percussion, piano, an accordion, sounds like a double-bass, and there’s a muted trumpet in Three Times a Night. I am not sure, but in Three Times a Night, there may even be a nylon-stringed guitar. I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the case. This song has a hint of Spanish influence.

One of my favorite songs on the album is Nash the Hunting Dog. I love how Ramsey’s vocals are backed by a soloing flautist trilling behind her meolody. As the song progresses, the acoustic guitar moves into a sort of dissonant bridge, letting 9th chords resonate behind the melody. This song is heavily inspired by Celtic folk music. It is a lovely, moving tune.

I also really love Neaderthal’s Lament. It is empowered by its bleak progression and sweetly sad melody with an organic composition that just resonates throughout the room. They lyrics flow right off of Ramsey’s tongue so fluidly.

“They storm in hoards like packs of wolves. Build shelters in the woods. Build shelters in the woods.” (Ramsey)

I love how the timbre and meter of the vocals perform with their own balance; blending harmoniously with the rest of the song. Yes, it’s a trademark for this to be the case in traditional folk and Irish- folk music. I’m not simply pointing out that it’s evident. I’m remarking at how well it’s done and how particularly pleasant it is with Ramsey’s vocal tone and delivery.

~ FINAL THOUGHTS ~

After listening to Gallowglass for a couple of days, I have to say I really love this album. It doesn’t really fit into the pop culture of indie/alternative folk that so many are trying to exploit in mainstream music today. This album is more traditional, more cultured, and quite frankly, more talented. There aren’t any special effects in the production of this album. There is no amphibious digital layering behind the organics of the music. It is only organic composition. There’s hardly any reverb, even.

I’m not saying that this can’t work in today’s music either. In fact, I love this approach. I think listeners need traditional music to lean into. We need to be reminded of what it’s like to hear musicians play their instruments. We need a lead singer who has a distinct sound, as opposed to one that has been modified and digitized to replicate a repeated formula of popular music to exhaustion. Gallowglass is traditional, but it also manages to be completely original in its sound, making it a perfect fit for a contemporary audience.

Please make sure to visit Ann Ramsey’s website here to read more about the album, the artist, and see related news, including upcoming shows, new releases, etc.

Go press play!