REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

Every now and then a CD drops through the door for review which proves to be a breath of fresh air-and this is just one such. For a start it wasn't obvious if it was '3sticks' by red moon or the other way round! Luckily a useful press release cleared this up, with more info on the band on their website.

I'd heard of Jenny Newman through her work in Rock, Salt and Nails. Her fiddle playing is a joy to listen to-totally uncluttered and honest, showing an excellent range and ability, whilst sympathetic to the material she is playing. She is quite a prolific writer, but there is a balanced mix of her material and more traditional tracks on 'Red Moon'.

Andy Glass is a stunning guitarist -listen to 'Jazz' co-written with drummer Pete Hemsley- who is able to provide sympathetic support on one track before taking over lead on the next. Incidentally one of his claims to fame is to have provided lead guitar to the likes of Bill Withers, The Temptations and Geno Washington.

The line up is completed by drummer/percussionist Pete Hemsley. Again he is much in demand and it is clear to see why. Mostly happy to be in the background, he is allowed to come to the front- I like his solo on 'African Reels' Three excellent musicians come together in 3 Sticks. 'Red Moon' is a smashing album full of good honest music. There's none of 'this look how clever we are' which, in my opinion, spoils some more modern CDs. This is totally honest in its message and deserves plenty of exposure. Thanks Pete, Jenny and Andy I have really enjoyed this- hopefully others will also.

Dave Beeby