Great Scots singing and fine musicianship are on display on this debut album from Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis collectively known as The Cast. The pair have a special interest in interpreting the work of Robert Burns and his 'Green Grow the Rashes' and 'Ye Banks and Braes' are nicely presented here. But there is no doubt that this version of the original musical setting of his stirring anthem 'Auld Lang Syne' will linger longest in the mind. Beautiful. Their version of the song plays a starring role in the 2008 movie of Sex in the City. Check out their other CDs - The Colours of Lichen, Greengold.
Mairi Campbell –voice, viola, fiddle Dave Francis-guitar, voice. Brian Shiels- double bass
Great album, great singing and fiddle playing. Won rave reviews in the national papers when launched. The version of Auld Lang Syne is particularly good, and unusual in that it is the original tune rather than the popular tune.
..brimful of delightful musical ideas
Title:
..brimful of delightful musical ideas
Source:
The Scotsman
Review:
The Cast offer a fresh and impressive sound devoid of easy options and electronic gimmickry and brimful of delightful musical ideas. What makes it work really well is the pairing of Mairi Campbell’s warm, wonderfully assured singing with Dave Francis’s eloquent, probing acoustic guitar. Their stunningly inventive use of vocal and instrumental harmonies avoid all the well-trammelled chordal paths and add a new dimension to the most familiar of material. ‘The Winnowing’ is one of the best recording debuts I have heard from a Scots grouping.
A debut album that fulfils all the promise they’ve shown up to now…thoughtful and varied arrangements with a natural feel to them that says a lot about the work put into the settings…an impressive start to their recording career.
Title:
A debut album that fulfils all the promise they’ve shown up to now…thoughtful and varied arrangements with a natural feel to them that says a lot about the work put into the settings…an impressive start to their recording career.
Source:
Living Tradition
Review:
A debut album that fulfils all the promise they’ve shown up to now…thoughtful and varied arrangements with a natural feel to them that says a lot about the work put into the settings…an impressive start to their recording career.
..one of the best of the year.
Title:
..one of the best of the year.
Source:
Dirty Linen USA
Review:
If a clear indication of talent is the ability to turn the maudlin and mundane into the exceptional, then this Scottish duo is endowed with more than their share of musical aptitude… Campbell’s singing is always emotive, Francis provides precise and thoughtful guitar accompaniment which both respects and reflects the spirit of the lyrics…one of the best of the year.
