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Reviews
Take your Partners for… Vol 1
Luke Brady
The title suggests that this is the first of a series of Scottish country dance music CDs to be recorded by Luke ’ s band. If so, then that is to be welcomed as this volume is a promising start. What immediately catches the eye is the selection of dances – a varied and interesting mix of popular dances together with one or two traditional favourites and two new dances, George Scroggie ’ s Strathspey (a tribute to his grandfather and including a number of Luke ’ s own compositions) and a jig, TheStreetsofMilan (instructions are enclosed). Not only will this compilation help fill the gaps in many a teacher ’ s collection, but with 16 dances and nearly 80 minutes of music, it’ s certainly value for money! As you might expect with well established musicians such as Mo Rutherford in the band, the playing is crisp and well executed and the tempo is rock steady throughout. I would have liked rather more verve and vitality, but I am sure this will develop as the band matures together. The strathspeys generally lacked lift and light and shade but this is perhaps partly due to the mixing of the music, as at times the violin is barely audible against the lead accordion and the drums a bit too prominent. The reels and jigs generally work well and I particularly liked the tunes and the playing for the dances Portnacraig and The Earl of Mansfield. The use of syncopation and “ stops ” are satisfying to the discerning musical ear and although the band manage these sections very competently without losing rhythm or tempo, they do have to be matched very carefully to the dance. This Luke achieves successfully in MissJohnstone of Ardrossan but I would have preferred a more traditional approach for that old favourite The Reelofthe 51stDivision.
In summary, this is a very creditable attempt for a first CD from a promising young musician. As Luke himself says in his introduction, watching Mo work reminds him that he still has much to learn. With that refreshingly honest attitude Luke and his band will, I' m sure, go from strength and I for one am already looking forward with eager anticipation to the release of volumes 2, 3 and more…! Margie Stevenson, FalkirkBranch
Music for 12 Perth Dances
Music for 12 Perth
Danceswas recorded by James Coutts and his Scottish Dance Band to complement ABook of Perth Dances published by Perth and Perthshire Branch. On this CD James Coutts, on lead accordion, is accompanied by Iain Cathcart playing second accordion, Graham Berry on piano, Brian Cruickshank on bass and Ian Adamson on drums. I found this to be an excellent recording –the richness of sound, great rhythm and lift and good tempo throughout, combine to invite one to open the book, learn the dances and dance them to the recorded music. Just three of the 12 dances are in the standard 8x32 bar format. The collection includes two medleys, two dances (a jig and a reel) in 40 bar sequences, and four strathspeys - two 3x32 bars, one 64 bar and one 4x32 bars. Also in the collection is a 5x32 reel by Roy Goldring. I imagine that playing for this variety of formats could be more stimulating for the musicians compared with playing mainly 8x32 bar dances, but would also be more challenging. Certainly to the listener, the variety of formats enhances the overall enjoyment of the music. All dances come with recommended lead tunes, and the musicians play them all. Another important musical skill, the selection of appropriate supporting tunes, has been achieved in every case. To my ear, the tunes in each set are in harmony with each other and fit the dance. The use of pastoral strathspeys alternating with lively reels for the medley The Sound of Iona, nicely assists the deviser ’ s intention that the dance should convey a sense of the contrasting moods of the Sound: calm waters in summer; stormy ones in winter.This medley is an interesting one, being a dance for three dancers facing another three dancers in a round-theroom formation. When playing the track for Oakbank’ s Tribute to Christian, I almost thought, hey, this is PelorusJack, as the same lead tune is used for both dances. Oakbank’ s Tribute to Christian and its tune, Christian Catto, are
for teacher Christian Catto who taught the Perth Branch class at Oakbank School for many years. The deviser of Pelorus Jack, Barry Skelton, suggested as suitable music for his dance the music that had been recorded by Craigellachie for the dance The Peterhead Express. This recording has ChristianCattoas its lead tune and explains the selection of that tune by the Society when it published Pelorus Jack. It would be of some interest to know how the tune came to be used as the lead tune for The PeterheadExpress.
The introduction to the book states that all twelve dances have a strong connection to Perth and/or Perthshire and expresses the hope that the venture (book and CD) will result in these dances becoming known and danced over a wider area. I can truly say that listening to this delightful music has had the desired effect on me. This CD will make a valuable addition to collectors of Scottish dance music and teachers of this dance form. Elaine Arthur, Canberra Branch
Silver Tassie and Other Favourite
Dances - Keith Smith and Muriel Johnstone
Todlen Hame and Other
Favourite Dances - Keith Smith and
Muriel Johnstone
These CDs which have been recorded by Muriel Johnstone on piano and Keith Smith on fiddle include many favourite dances such as Deil amang the Tailors, Reel of the Royal Scots, Silver Tassie, Sugar Candie, LightandAiryand TheMinisterontheLoch.
Muriel and Keith complement each other on both of these new CDs, traditional tunes are used for popular dances and excellent
