CD for Book 13

CD for Book 13

Neil Barron & his Scottish Dance Band

It is a pleasure to welcome the new recording of the Book 13 dances by Neil Barron and his Scottish Dance Band.

Book 13 is a long book, with twelve dances, four of which (two strathspeys and two jigs) are 8x48. No wonder that the original 1989 recording by Bobby Crowe filled one and a half LPs. We now have two CDs in a single case, with all dances complete.

The six-piece band produces a full, deep and well balanced sound throughout. Neil Barron is accompanied on second accordion by Alastair Wood but these two masters seem almost self-effacing in their desire for tight ensemble. Marie Fielding, on fiddle, is well to the fore throughout and plenty is heard from the piano, played by Pam Wilkie. Bass and drums, too, can be clearly identified but are never obtrusive. The whole effect is of excellent balance and great team-work.

There is a good mixture of traditional and modern tunes in the reels and jigs, six of the newer tunes being Neil Barron’s own compositions. For all the strathspey sets he sticks to the originals and other old or traditional tunes. All these are strathspeys with a real urge on the downbeat to encourage a strong travelling step.

Neil’s choice of tempi will probably please most dancers. The reels and jigs range between 4mins 38secs and 4mins 41secs for 8x32, which is comfortable for dancers aiming at good footwork but not a drag for those less preoccupied with their feet. For my personal taste his strathspey tempi are a little on the brisk side, but classes tell me that brisk is better because it is far less tiring, so I should think that the speeds on these tracks will be welcomed by most. A striking feature of all Neil’s tempi, both fast and slow, is that they are rock-steady from beginning to end on each track.

Not all dances in Book 13 are popularly performed but the tracks for The Duran Ranger, Barley Bree, Ladies’ Fancy and The Reel of the 51st will have strong appeal, the last named including two of Neil’s own tunes which go with a splendid swing.

If I have one mild criticism of this collection it is that it perhaps lacks light and shade, but this is a quibble. These discs are loaded with eminently danceable music, full of lift and drive, with a full, balanced sound and beautifully played. Most dancers and teachers will, I am sure, love it.

Dennis Tucker