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REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk
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MAARTIN
ALLCOCK - Serving Suggestion Squiggle Records
SQUIGGLECD1 |
An impressive variety
of material is a hallmark of this album. All but two of the 13 tracks
are by Maartin Allcock himself or are traditionally based tunes that he
has arranged. Brooks Williams' We Will Dance Someday introduces Allcock's
accomplished voice. It is the sort of American number British singer John
Wright would cover - appropriately as Allcock and the accordionist here
- Chris Parkinson - have played in Wright's band. A 1960s song from King
Crimson is at the more ethereal end of the folk spectrum.
The traditionally-based numbers include the opener in which Allcock utilises
a Romanian folk tune and makes his mark with some fine guitar playing
which is inspiring throughout the album. Less successful here is the keyboard
that generally makes less impact than everything else on other numbers
also. The two Irish tracks are 'Breathnach Reels' led by Parkinson's jaunty
accordion and 'Kerry Polkas' featuring Allcock's banjo. A set of hornpipes
is given a very contemporary interpretation.
Allcock's own compositions are a success. They include 'Hafelekar' evoking
an Austrian mountain view with an opening reminiscent of Capercaillie
and 'New Breton' that has a rocky feel. The highlight though is 'Everything
Changes' with guest vocalist Gilly Darbey. She creates an expansive sound
complemented by the band with exhilarating drumming by John Coghlan. Other
musicians featured on this album are Chris Leslie (violin), Paul Burgess
(drums) and Mick Bennion (bass). There will be much here to appeal to
a wide variety of musical tastes.
Andy Jurgis
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