| John Boyle |
★★★★★ |
| John Boyle |
★★★★★ |
The ‘Lea Rig’ is a prime example of the qualities on this CD. The theme is tenderly expressed while surrounded by crystal clear embellishments. The slower tracks are interpreted with much feeling and the lively tunes are played with impish clarity. An essential addition to anyone who loves the Scots musical tradition.
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Beneath the Ben
| Fiona Grant | ★★★★★ |
Muriel’s light and expressive touch on the piano is as varied as the Scottish weather can be when out walking Beneath the Ben. Her melodies flow like stream water, sometimes rushing over the stones and boulders in a hurry, sometimes meandering gracefully through deep pools. The tunes are evocative of both the dramatic highland landscapes of her homeland and the ever-changing colours of the fertile fields and woodlands, while others reflect on a very personal moment. This music collection will remind listeners of past times spent with valued friends in the lovely Scottish countryside, and some of us will be very homesick indeed. |
Beneath the Ben
| Maureen Holmes |
★★★★★ |
What a really wonderful CD, such easy listening which makes you feel so relaxed – the stresses of the day simply fall away. Muriel’s compositions are always so tuneful and melodic and you get wonderful pictures in your head of babbling burns, swift flowing rivers, raindrops and wind in the trees. |
Beneath the Ben
| Lydia Hedge | ★★★★★ |
How can I possibly express how I feel listening to this new CD. Immediate reactions – The Hike – fascinating rhythm. I bubbled over the Burn.And heard Ravens in Silent Sentinels (didn’t I?), but wasn’t quite sure when the Summit was reached. The Descent felt like a pell mell race to the bottom and then a blessed release.. I love every note!! I can’t have it playing in the background. I feel the need to engage with the patterns and weaves. Under The Ben has transported me. No wonder Ghillie wants to sing along!! |
Beneath the Ben
| Neil Scott | ★★★★★ |
I must say what an absolutely delightful CD this is. Certainly one for the car. As always Muriel is a pleasure to listen to. Looking forward to her next one. |
Facets
| Ann Murray | ★★★★★ |
Dear Muriel, |
Just As It Was
When listening recently to these ‘archive’ recordings of Alasdair and Muriel playing for Scottish Country Dance Balls over a period of almost 15 years (1989 – 2003) what strikes immediately is the joy and exuberance in the playing. Alasdair is the unrivalled master of bringing tunes alive and of communicating their rhythm, excitement and glorious melody to a vast crowd of dancers. In harness with Muriel, contributing her own incredible drive, inventiveness and love of the dance, this fabulous duo invites, incites and woos you into the exhilarating experience of marrying dance and music.
Just As It Was
| Anon | ★★★★★ |
I have recently acquired all three of these CDs and I am enjoying the superb musicianship of two of Scotland’s finest. The recordings were made between 1989 and 2003 in various locations in Scotland and the USA. The tunes are mostly traditional with a few from both Muriel and Alasdair and there are some modern tunes like a rip-roaring J.B. Milne and the original for the Luckenbooth Brooch. Add in a few listening tracks with a lovely rendition of Jay Ungar’s ‘Ashokan Farewell’ giving a total of 38 fabulous tracks of music. If you are already a fan of Alasdair and Muriel, you will I’m sure want to have these CDs. If you are not yet a fan, buy them and you soon will be! |
Masters of the Tradition Vol 2
| Calum Mackinnon | ★★★★★ |
Well, you’ve really done it this time! What a spellbinding performance. The set selection, the arrangements, the exquisite, gravity defying phrasing. I was truly entranced. It’s hard to pick a winner but in general, the strathspeys and the slow airs got my undivided attention. I’ll mention Mrs Jamieson’s, J.O. Forbes and The Piper’s Weird as moving me the most. |
Mrs. Jamieson’s Favourite is an absolute delight. The tunes on this CD are played with great sensitivity and the jigs and reels invite your feet to tap along. The music is consistently high right to the end where the final track ‘O’er the Moor amang the Heather’ is a standout followed by a wonderful strathspey and reel.