It is always an event when John McCusker releases a new CD. His last two albums 'John McCusker' and Yella Hoose' have been classics with lots of beautiful tunes (both traditional and self-penned). 'Goodnight Ginger' is no less a classic CD with lots of guest musicians including Andy Cutting (diatonic accordion), Andy Seward (double bass), Phil Cunningham (accordion), Michael McGoldrick (flute, whistles, pipes and bodhran), Kate Rusby (vocals), Kris Drever (double bass), Iain McDonald (pipes and flute), John Doyle (guitar), Neil Yates (trumpet and flugelhorn), Simon Thoumire (concertina), Ian MacFarlane (fiddle) and Brian Finnegan (whistle). They combine to make a slightly new sound for John - more progressive than the other two CDs but none-the-less exciting. The CD starts of with a great march written by John called 'A Mile Down the Road' which I reckon will be played in sessions for a few years to come. Kate sings 'The Bold Privateer' which was arranged for her by Phil Cunningham and beautifully accompanied by John. My favourite track is McGoldricks which is a duet between John and Michael McGoldrick (flute) and features both musicians playing as if they were in the pub. It is really an electric track. This CD is a worthy progression for John and will be receiving lots of air-play for a long time to come.
Media Reviews
Ace fiddler McCusker weighs in with one of the classiest albums of the year.
McCusker occupies the same sort of high ground occupied by Eliza Carthy and Nancy Kerr - three highly individualistic but extremely talented fiddlers operating very much within an English tradition of fiddling. McCusker's leanings are more towards the "Celtic" than either Kerr or Carthy, however despite those leanings, there is a sense in which this album could only have come from the particular scene which has developed in (and here's a big generalisation) "the North". Having said that, we couldn't conclude this review without singling out McCusker and Cunningham's slow air "Oor Pal Davy". Written in honour of the late Davy Steele, this is one of the most poignant and haunting melodies which we've heard in a long time. A fitting tribute to a great musician and - as evidenced by this immensely moving tune - a great friend. Paythereckoning.com
This CD is consistently as good as it gets.
Those familiar with his recent offerings with The Battlefield Band will spot the odd tune which has graced the Batties' repertoire. However, dusted off and re-presented in a new context, the tunes take on a new life. McCusker is joined throughout by Ewen Vernal on double bass, James Mackintosh on percussion and Ian Carr on guitar. A host of guest musicians lend their support - Andy Cutting (diatonic accordion), Andy Seward (double bass), Phil Cunningham (accordion), Michael McGoldrick (flute, whistles, pipes and bodhran), Kate Rusby (vocals), Kris Drever (double bass), Iain McDonald (pipes and flute), John Doyle (guitar), Neil Yates (trumpet and flugelhorn), Simon Thoumire (concertina), Ian MacFarlane (fiddle) and Brian Finnegan (whistle). There is no point in listing two or three tracks for special mention. This CD is consistently as good as it gets.
Ian Carr’s guitar playing is impeccable and Michael McGoldrick’s flute and whistle wonderful, but the best moments are the duets between McCusker and Simon Thoumire that couldn’t have been more tightly matched, and their collective chemistry dazzles.
John McCusker can count himself blessed in a number of ways. Not only is he an immensely talented multi-instrumentalist and tunesmith, he can count some of the most talented people around as his mates and put them to serious use on his recordings. Hence we are rewarded with some of the most accomplished performances Euros can buy. Tunes are played with the restraint that screams out “look at me – I’m the best but don’t need to brag it.” Spouse Kate Rusby contributes a haunting rendition of an old song set to a new tune of Phil Cunningham – The Bold Privateer – that leaves the listener begging for more (and ultimately feeling a tad cheated by the lone contribution). All other tracks are wholly instrumental, but vary between breakneck reels and subtle strathspeys to an air that is more than slightly reminiscent of the theme from Dr. Finlay’s Casebook (but none the worse for that). Ian Carr’s guitar playing is impeccable throughout (no surprises there) and Michael McGoldrick’s flute and whistle wonderful, but the best moments are the duets between McCusker and Simon Thoumire that couldn’t have been more tightly matched, and their collective chemistry dazzles. More than any other aspect, it’s refreshing to hear that considerable care and thought have contributed to, by people that truly love their music. McCusker really is a safe pair of hands…………Grem Devlin
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