This album is the first recorded
fruit of the collaboration between three of the most highly regarded North
Eastern musicians on the circuit, and, like the live shows given by this
acclaimed touring partnership, features an exhilarating sequence that
alternates lively dance tunes with moving,delicate airs and beautifully-managed
songs. It's so attractive a listen that you don't quite realise you're missing
the visual dimension, since you can virtually hear fiddler/vocalist Tom's wide
grin and chuckling repartee, not to mention the permanently beaming visages of
both piper Pauline and guitarist Terry, communicated in their total enjoyment
of the music they play so well. Virtuosity and musicality have never been more
effectively (and effortlessly) partnered than in this outfit, a shining example
of wha tcan be achieved by three musicians who have a striking empathy that's
at the same time canny and uncanny. Every track's stunning in its impact, and
it's unusual to find a studio CD that comes as close to capturing the vital
presence of a live act as this CD does; all that's missing is Tom's repartee
with the audience (and himself - isn't that right Tom?, yes mate.). |
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All three
players have an innate versatility that makes any combination of their
collaboration an exciting and enriching experience for them each time they
perform, and this excitement is conveyed to the listener in the immediacy of
their realisations of the chosen songs and tunes. Of the songs, the two penned
by the underrated Ewen Carruthers might well prove to be the cream of the crop,
whereas my favourites among the tunes are probably the opening set of reels and
the final set of marches, whereas the combination of Mark Knopfler's Sailing To
Philadelphia with the popular Fisher's Hornpipe is nothing short of inspired;
but honestly there's no weak link. If you appreciate joyous and scintillating
playing presented in a sympathetically accomplished blend of subtlety and
energy, then look no further.
Reviewed by David Kidman |