Another Gem

by Aly Bain

Overview

Fiddler Aly Bain and producer/multi-instrumentalist Phil Cunningham (who spends most of his time on accordion) have gradually become elder statesmen of Celtic music, both of them frequent guests on younger musicians' albums and highly respected both as soloists and as former members of seminal groups (Bain is a member of the Boys of the Lough, while Cunningham was, with his brother John, one of the early members of Silly Wizard). On this duo album they play beautifully, as always, but fans of traditional Celtic music may find themselves a bit bemused by the predominance of slow (sometimes downright syrupy) tunes and the slick (sometimes downright antiseptic) production quality. Approach this album on its own terms, though, and its charms are significant: the three slow tracks that open the program are all genuinely lovely, with the nod going to a sweet and simple arrangement of "Golden Memories" (and a thumbs down to the slide guitar on "The Lake Charles Waltz"). The Cunningham composition "Tonder...The Eternal Friendship" is also exceptionally beautiful, as is Bain's "Sophie's Lullaby." And for those who want to dance, there are one or two energetic reel sets and one jig set. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Product Details

Release Date:	05/08/2001
Label:	Compass
UPC:	0766397431222
Rank:	152823

Tracks

1. My Lily/The Sweetness of Mary/Hughie Jim Paul's Reel
2. The Lake Charles Waltz
3. Golden Memories
4. The Reel de la Lib¿¿ration/The Reel du Voyageur/Reel Traditionnelle de ...
5. Cliff and Viv's Homecoming Waltz/A Waltz for Aly
6. Charlie Hunter's Jig/The Mouse in the Cupboard/Rosewood
7. T¿¿nder... /The Eternal Friendship
8. Cathkin Braes/The F¿¿is Rois Reel/Bob McQuillen's Reel/Sophie's Dancing
9. Sophie's Lullaby

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Aly Bain   Primary Artist,Fiddle
Phil Cunningham   Primary Artist,Mandolin,Accordion,Keyboards,Whistle (Human),Cittern,Piano
Malcolm Stitt   Guitar,Bouzouki
Colin MacFarlane   Dobro
Stuart Nisbet   Dobro

Technical Credits

Phil Cunningham   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Brian McNeill   Engineer
Bobby MacLeod   Composer
Robin Gillanders   Photography
James Hutcheson   Sleeve Design
Jon Turner   Engineer,Mixing
Traditional   Composer
Aly Bain   Composer,Arranger