BRIAN HUGHES - This Day 20 Years: Sure There Won’t Be A Word About It
Private Label
Having read the article about Brian in Issue 122 of the magazine, I was really looking forward to the CD. I was not disappointed. This is an unusual concept; Brian has selected 20 tracks from his previous 5 CDs - a sort of ‘greatest hits’. He runs the full gamut of tunes, from slow airs to reels, and there are some of his own excellent compositions including a sea shanty from his Shackelton’s Endurance project.
Brian’s style of playing is very much to my taste. Like Mary Bergin, his timing is impeccable, the grace notes restrained and not overly fussy, his breathing is spot on, and the swing is there. An added bonus is a couple of sets on the pipes for good measure. Over the course of his playing career he has been supported by some of the best musicians in the country and, throughout this CD, the production quality is top drawer.
The Piper’s Waltz and The Table Top Tumble (written for his son) are absolutely class, and his selection and playing of hornpipes is superb. I also loved his rendering of Tuohy’s and Darach De Brun’s The Man Of Aran played as slow reels and given tasty treatment.
This album is a masterclass in whistle playing and should be in the collection of any aspiring whistle player. It’s also amazing value for money – where else would you get 20 tracks with over 40 tunes on one CD!
www.brianhughes1.bandcamp.com
Brendan Carson
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Many CDs we review are available from The Listening Post. Check to see if this CD is available. The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 124 of The Living Tradition magazine. |