Review Music for Book 11

Music for Book 11 RSCDS

This CD is recorded by John Renton and his Scottish dance Band featuring a line-up of John (lead accordion), Marie Fielding (fiddle), Ricky Franci (2nd accordion), Agnes Liddell (piano) and Gus Millar (drums). The recording is a fine example of straight-forward traditional playing with a solid beat. From the first track of Knitthe Pocky to the last track, MissMurrayofOchtertyre, we are taken on a musical journey from the 18th and 19th centuries to the present. The tunes are a good mix of traditional and modern and include several of John ’ s own compositions alongside those of Mackintosh, Gow and Skinner. All tracks have carefully selected and well matched sets of tunes which suit the style of the dances. Johnny McGill (40 bar jig) and The Moudiewort have particularly fine sets which are lively and playful. Both, however, could be played with a little more lift. John ’ s selection of 8 terrific tunes for The Long Chase (64 bar reel) is excellent, providing greater interest and encouragement to the dancers! Miss Murray of Ochtertyre (16 bar reel) is a super final track. John plays 4 x 32 bar tunes; the jauntiness of the hornpipes suit the dance well. Perhaps these fine arrangements will inspire teachers to revisit these long-forgotten reels, or at least use the music in class. Much loved dances Knit the Pocky and Sleepy Maggie have energetic sets of tunes with good variety and great transitions. The strathspeys feature strong, traditional tunes which will be recognised by many. The music for Monymusk, InchofPerthand Glasgow Flourishhas purpose and drive. I feel however, that the strathspeys are played on the brisk side, most noticeably Monymusk (7:50). At this tempo, the very character and strength of the strathspey step is lost. The jigs and reels are played slightly slower than we are used to on the west coast of the United States. Tempi are a matter of taste dependent on several factors, one being local preferences. Indeed, this recording reminded me of dancing in my youth in Scotland. All the musicians on this CD are skilled and have a wealth of experience. Personally, I would like to have heard more prominent fiddle and piano. One slight criticism I have is the lack of “light and shade ” in the phrasing of the music. A variety of “texture ” within the tunes refreshes the dancer and inspires a flowing execution of figures to match the musical phrase. That said, this recording is a welcome addition to a dance teacher ’ s CD collection. As well as providing the music for many favourite dances, it will be most useful for teachers working with beginners, both adults and children, who may otherwise have difficulty hearing the beat. John Renton and his Band remind us all how traditional music is played in Scotland. Well done! Linda Henderson, San Francisco Branch