This CD has a varied programme of traditional and self-penned tunes played with style, finesse and consideration for their composers. It is pleasing to discover that song has not been neglected. There is Matt McGinn’s rousing “Rolling Hills O’ the Borders” sang by Findlay Napier, and a beautiful rendition of the gaelic song “Am Buachaille Ban” sang by Gillian. My own particular favourite - “Gin I were a Baron’s Heir” beautifully sung by pianist Hamish Napier.
It is good to see the advance of the Border and Uilleann pipes in the Scottish bands. While the Highland pipes are often too loud and shrill for indoor use, those popular alternatives have a muted sound which is delightful. Piper Simon McKerrell has effectively weaved his playing with the other musicians to great effect. This is very evident for example in the band’s own composition “Eric’s March” where pipes and piano beautifully coalesce. In the old Scottish air “Fingal’s Weeping” the piping is superb, creating the required sad and haunting effect. Gillian’s fiddle playing prowess is evident throughout. The album opens with her solo fiddle. Crisp and clean, it demonstrates her firm control of her instrument. Unusually for a fiddler she also sings, taking lead vocals on a number of tracks including the difficult task of Gaelic Songs. However, all band members must be congratulated as the album is very much a combined effort which creates such a pleasing sound. There seems little doubt that this band will become a major force in an already talented Scottish folk scene. Highly Recommended
Gillian, Findlay and Hamish can also be heard on the Margaret Bennett CD In the Sunny Long Ago.
As inaugural holder of the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year title...
As inaugural holder of the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year title, fiddler and singer Gillian Frame makes her recording debut amid high expectations. Featuring the Arran-born 20-year-old with brothers Findlay and Hamish Napier and Simon McKerrell, it prooves to be a strikingly assured and astute piece of work. It covers Scots and Gaelic song, plus Scottish, Irish, Shetland, Cape Breton and original tunes. The uncluttered instrumentation makes for a brightly focused sound, and Frame's breathy yet sinewy singing sounds simultaneously fresh and seasoned. Sue Wilson
Gillian Frame fronts this brilliant young quartet with a rich, well-paced acoustic style...
Gillian Frame fronts this brilliant young quartet with a rich, well-paced acoustic style. Her laid-back and spot-on fiddle playing is complimented by Simon McKerrell’s beautiful uilleann and border pipes, both successfully interwoven with guitar and piano from brothers Hamish and Findlay Napier. They play a wide variety of tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton with obvious love, enthusiasm and sensitivity. Definitely a group to watch out for. John Lawday - Taplas
|