REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

WENDY STEWART AND GARY WEST - Hinterlands
Moulincairn MCRCD001

When Wendy and Gary’s names are mentioned together, most people will probably think of the band Ceolbeg, and will associate them with clarsach and bagpipes respectively.  That’s the trouble with word-association, however; it can lead to pigeon-holing.  The hidden talents that they both bring to this exciting new CD – in addition to the expected ones – are vocal.

Add in the voices to the instruments and the ingredients for this mixture are heady indeed – to the extent that I wondered just why they had not recorded vocally before.  Gary’s voice is lightly lyrical, and Wendy’s has a nicely- restrained quality, resulting in an overall sound which is empathetic to the instrumentation.  The musicianship is of the highest standard too, as would be expected from this experienced pair.

Tunes from the late Gordon Duncan rub shoulders with those from the 16th century Straloch manuscript as well as a mighty piobaireachd The Company’s Lament.  The poignancy of Ae Fond Kiss and The Slave’s Lament (here paired with a Cuban Habanera) sit beside the rumbustiousness of Todlen Hame and the darkness of The Twa Sisters.  In short, his is an absolutely splendid mixture of songs and tunes.

Pipes and clarsach can be difficult bedfellows to record, so top marks to
engineer Nick Turner, as well as to guest musicians Christine Hanson, cello and Jim Walker, percussion.

Highly recommended.

Gordon Potter