Living Tradition CD review of Chris Leslie

CHRIS LESLIE - Dancing Days
Talking Elephant Records TECD058

Currently the music of the Morris would appear to be enjoying one of its periodic moments of being fashionable, or is it cool? Whichever it is, long may it continue. Dancing Days is a timely release of many of the most famous Morris tunes, Flowers of Edinburgh, Princess Royal, Speed the Plough, Haste to the Wedding etc. played by one of the best and best known fiddle players of today, Chris Leslie.

Chris's playing will need no introduction to the readers of the Living Tradition. In the context of this album he sounds solid, full and above all authentic. The supporting musicians Gerry Conway, Ashley Hutchings, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, Matt Green and Mikey Radford do not overly disturb the authentic feel of the album. Not a bad support is it? The couple of vocal items are charming and do not detract from the overall 'feel' either.

This is a very nice CD. Well produced, arranged and well played by all, but it is Chris's fiddle playing that shines and brings the ready mentioned authenticity to the whole. An album to be enjoyed by all.

Danny Saunders

Buy this CD online from The Listening Post
The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 61 of The Living Tradition magazine.