Review for Music for Book 20

Music for Book 20 RSCDS

This CD by Nicol McLaren and The Glencraig Scottish Dance Band provides not only the music for the dances in Book 20 but offers a selection of tracks that might be used anytime for the pleasures of listening and dancing. The band presents a very well honed cohesive and rich sound, as one might expect from a group in which several of the musicians have been playing together for quite some time. Nicol McClaren on 1st accordion with Neil Caul on 2nd, Gordon Howe on fiddle and David Bell on drums are the same musicians we ’ ve enjoyed on another Glencraig recording, Selected Craigievar Dances (1997). On this CD, they are joined by Isobelle Hodgson (piano) and John Sinton (double bass). Generally the tracks are straightforward, making the music very suitable for teaching and dancing. There are little flashes of harmony and interesting drumming sprinkled throughout, providing listening pleasure and interest. I would have enjoyed a little more evidence of the fiddle and keyboard (my bias) but as a disc for dancing, it provides good steady, easily discernable rhythms and energy for both the neophyte and the experienced dancer. The selection of tunes is generous and interesting. In almost every track, there is an offering of seven different tunes and they range from traditional to ancient and modern. On all tracks, the first tune published in the RSCDS Book 20 is used as the lead tune. A variety of styles is used in transitioning between tunes, lending interest and energy to the music. Book 20 was published by the RSCDS in 1959. It contains five strathspeys, two hornpipes, three reels and two jigs. All but one of the dances comes from the second half of the eighteenth century and even the exception, The Express, is from 1813. The strathspeys are all 8 x 32 and are played in a strong traditional style. Miss Ogilvie ’ s Fancy which is played slightly slower than the others is the one I liked best. (Note that the inside cover of the disc lists Miss Devon ’ s Reelas reel when it is in fact a strathspey.) The two hornpipes (both 8 x 32) are wonderful. The choice of tunes for The College Hornpipe gives it a lovely nautical flavour. The reels are Miss Burn ’ s Reel, The Drummer and Miss Jessie Dalrymple ’ s Reel. The band has chosen some good tunes, with interesting key changes and bass lines. The Drummer (8 x 48), has plenty of drive and is the one I liked best. The two jigs are very lively. Miss Bennett’ s Jig is a robust and very danceable 8 x 32 jig. The Express, an 8x40 jig, is good fun with the entire band shining at different times and sounding as if they are really enjoying their own music making. Overall, a very good disc and anyone who uses CDs for teaching, for dances or just listening, will find it a valuable addition to their collection. Fran Caruth, Vancouver Branch