"The duo of Angus Lyon and Ruaridh Campbell might be young, but don't equate age with a lack of ability. Lyon is a wizard on various accordions (just listen to his playing on "Barachois," where he flows wonderfully both in front and behind the melody), while Campbell is a gorgeously expressive fiddler. The bulk of the material springs from their own pens, heavily steeped in the Scots tradition, but still very individual, especially on the slower airs like "Joining of the Spirits," where Campbell's tone shines with Lyon supporting on piano. And they're not afraid to take some chances -- "Mirrlees Lane" seems to waft in on waves of sound like a seashore. Subtly done, but imaginative and quite hypnotic. They're fabulous on the few traditional cuts -- Campbell mimics a hen's strut masterfully on "The Hen's March O'er the Midden," and their own set of jigs is delightful, taken at an ideal tempo. Still, it's impossible not to feel that their hearts lie most firmly in the slow airs, and closing with the gorgeous "Seaforth" is a good move, highlighting their strengths of melody and control. But then again, they're solid in everything. And they certainly deserve to become better-known."....All Music Guide
Personnel includes: Angus Lyon (accordian, piano); Ruaridh Campbell (violin, viola); Steve Lawrence (guitar, bouzouki, percussion); Alan Train (guitar); Faser Spiers (harmonica); Duncan Lyall (double bass); Mark Ockendo (drums).
Media Reviews
A brilliant album of traditional Scottish music with that special twist which makes it exciting and memorable
"This is a highly inspiring CD of Scottish instrumental folk music at its very best. Angus and Ruaridh are two excellent young musicians, with a lot of feeling and passion for their music. Angus plays on this album piano and accordions, while Ruaridh plays violin and viola. The two give each other plenty of room to showcase their skills, yet their playing together is rather perfect. Both also compose music in the traditional style; in fact their own compositions are the highlights of this album. To help them a bit out, some guests appear on the album, most notably Fraser Spiers with his distinctive harmonica playing.
A brilliant album of traditional Scottish music with that special twist which makes it exciting and memorable."
a gem, highly recommended
"On first playing "Simple Tricks" the thing that struck me immediately was how professional the music sounds. Of course with the pedigree of the performers (both multi award winners) you would expect a flawless performance, which you get, but there is more to it than that. It is the attention to detail, both in the playing and the arrangements that gives this music such polish.
Angus plays accordions and piano and Ruaridh plays violin and viola. They are joined by first rate guest musicians, Steve Lawrence - bouzouki, guitar and percussion; Duncan Lyall - double bass; Alan Train - guitar; Fraser Spiers - harmonica and Mark Ockendon - snare and hi-hat. Their repertoire is a mixture of items of known composition, many by Angus and Ruaridh [individually] and traditional tunes all played with great skill and drive and a freshness that gives the listener new enjoyment even from old favourites like The Hen's March to the Midden, which is a joy but much too short.
When I tell you that as well as writing many of tunes, Angus and Ruaridh also produced "Simple Tricks" and together with D.P. Johnson mixed the CD (Ruaridh also designed the sleeve) it gives you a pretty fair idea of the talent this pair possess - don't forget, they also play instruments. "Simple Tricks" is a cracking CD and I can find no quibble at all, a gem, Highly recommended."
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