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Kevin Crawford "In Good Company" Green Linnet GLCD1211

For Kevin Crawford's second 'solo' album he wanted to pay homage to his earliest memory of hearing Irish traditional music, the distinctive sound of a flute and fiddle duet. Kevin is indeed 'In Good Company' on this one - he brings the flute himself, of course, and the fiddles are played by nine of the finest around, including Frankie Gavin, Tommy Peoples and Martin Hayes.

Highlighting those illustrious names almost does this record a disservice however, for all of the musicians featured make an equal contribution and bring their own distinctive touch, with the common thread of Kevin Crawford's own skilful and assured playing. On track after track the flute and fiddle weave in and out of each other, sometimes almost indistinguishable, until a moment later a brief harmony or a turn pops out of the tune.

For a release which bears Kevin Crawford's name, it is noticeable how often he adapts his playing style to suit that of the musicians around him. This is particularly evident in two adjacent tracks, both played on the brighter-toned Eb flute, contrasting the staccato and breathy flute sound of a set of reels played with Frankie Gavin, followed by the solid, powerful tone on the slow air Coilsfield House accompanied by piano and chamber orchestra. This is a persuasive and unassuming demonstration of the fine art of playing straightforward traditional Irish music: the sound of top class musicians, playing a few more tunes together for the sheer pleasure of it.

Steve Mansfield

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This album was reviewed in Issue 44 of The Living Tradition magazine.