Classical Editor: Rob Barnett


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Reviews from other months
SPIRIT OF THE BORDER: Northumbrian Traditional Music.   Various instrumentalists. Nimbus NI5615 61m DDD.
 



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Our first World Music review takes us to the Northumbrian highlands, places of majestic beauty and harmony, an area also rich with musical tradition in its own distinct way. This resplendently recorded disc features 21 short items, jigs, airs and reels with a few marches thrown in for good reason! It is obviously not my intention to discuss each item with detail, so I will limit myself to discussing a few which caught my immediate fancy.

The rousing 'Spirit of the Border' conjures memories of epic battles of yore whilst the nostalgic wafting of 'The Blackbird', 'Memories of Wallington' and 'Mrs Jamieson's Favourite' take us back to those old village fireside tales. The Northumbrian Scottish Smallpipes of Chris Ornston make for some delightful listening with their distinct and piquant sounds whilst the nostalgic sounds of the Northumbrian Smallpipes (an instrument akin to Scottish bagpipes) feature continuously in these traditional pieces.

All performers on this disc are obvious experts in their field and play with a commitment that is second-to-none. However, the disc is also worth buying for its extensive 14-page booklet, which apart from providing some informative and succinct notes about the music also includes some delightful photographs of the performers with Adrian Schofield making a particular impression! A good souvenir of all things Northumbrian, this disc continues to preserve a style and tradition that is essentially English from its very roots.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


 

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