In the hands of the fantastic Jock Tamson's Bairns, fiddles, concertina, whistles, harmonica, guitars, cittern, bodhran and even the humble jaw harp are played with character, freshness and a natural sense of resolution which brings its own excitement. Their instrumental playing - from Ian Hardie, Derek Hoy and Norman Chalmers - remains the benchmark for younger aspiring players, and in singers Rod Paterson and John Croall they have great interpreters of both Burns and traditional Scottish songs.
"Rare", very much in the same mould as "May Ye Never Lack a Scone" agasin showcases the "Bairns" interesting and exciting blend of instrumentals and traditional songs, including "Blythe, Blythe and merry was she" and "The Bonnie Earl o' Moray".
"The reputation of Jock Tamson's Bairns is so well-established that comment is almost superfluous." ( Paul Scott..The Scotsman)
Media Reviews
..as good as you’ll hear anywhere.
WHILE its title could be a wry acknowledgement of their less-than-prolific output over the years – a grand total of four albums since 1980 – the latest from Jock Tamson’s Bairns in fact follows relatively hard on the heels of its predecessor, 2001’s May Ye Never Lack A Scone. Beloved for their scrupulous avoidance of grandstanding and gimmickry, the Bairns have been known since their inception as a benchmark of taste, sensitivity and quietly authoritative musicianship. Not that this implies any shortfall of fun, mischief or vitality, as is made clearer than ever on Rare – and right from the word go, with a funkily upbeat version of the drinking ballad Blythe Blythe And Merry Was She, sung with typical resonant fluency by Rod Paterson. In the first of the album’s many adroit contrasts, this gives way to a delicate slow air, Scotch Cap, while the second sees this tune seguing into a trio of lively dance numbers, brimful of sparkle and finesse.
These opening two tracks essentially set the tone for the rest of the album, showcasing an alignment of instrumental timbres – including the fiddle, concertina, guitar, whistles, jaw harp, baritone fiddle and bodhran – that’s as judicious and sure-handed as the band’s choice of material, together with Scots singing, from Paterson and John Croall, as good as you’ll hear anywhere. ***** http://www.sundayherald.com
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