SESSION A9

Four fiddlers, Charlie McKerron (Capercaillie), Kevin Henderson (The Boys of the Lough, Fiddler's Bid), Adam Sutherland (Peatbog Faeries, Treacherous Orchestra) and Gordon Gunn (Celtic Connections House Band), are joined by David Robertson on percussion, Marc Clement on guitar and vocals and Brian McAlpine on piano. So it's hardly surprising that they are sometimes referred to as a ‘Scottish supergroup’. There are just eight tracks on the album, but fourteen tunes or songs, most of which, apart from two songs, were written by the band members themselves.

The Magic Roundabout opens with an energetic strathspey, written by A. Sutherland, which gives way to two absolutely delightful reels composed by C. McKerron and G. Gunn, John Duff Set, led by the harmony of the fiddles that unfold a classic Scottish sound while piano and guitar introduce a strict tempo. They are followed by two waltzes by B. McAlpine and C. McKerron, providing a gentle contrast after this very rhythmic opening. Two lively, swirling reels follow, reminiscent of American swing. The tracks that follow are just as dynamic, with two songs featuring covers by American musician Tom Waits (The Heart of Saturday Night) and Canadian guitarist and composer Robbie Robertson (Twilight). These give us a chance to appreciate M. Clement's warm voice. The piano and fiddle are the perfect accompaniment to this second song. Finally, the seven members of the band close their album with three other joyful, lively tunes on which the bowing of the four fiddlers in unison is a marvel. A very good album from a talented band.

RAJ006 - www.sessiona9.bandcamp.com