ALAN CATTON - Albion
Private Label
Based in East Yorkshire, guitarist Alan Catton has produced a very listenable album of original acoustic guitar based instrumentals inspired by travels around Albion and in particular Yorkshire and the North. The tracks have a distinctive Celtic feel and are beautifully played by this skilful guitarist. Featuring flute on several numbers, the flow and ebb of the CD reminds me of Breton guitarist Soig Siberil, but with more emphasis on fingerpicking than flatpicking. The arrangements are just about right, with plenty of spaces to let the sounds wash over you, giving it a modern and ambient feel. Catton says he is more influenced by the old school players such as Jansch, Giltrap and Renbourne, but the instrumental compositions all have a true warmth and melody which evoke the ancient landscapes. The Grey Havens reflects on Tolkein’s love of the English countryside and the flute weaves in and out with the guitar twisting a magical web of colour. The CD is a low profile production and release, and the Beggars Bridge guitarist could up the ante with some marketing to match the quality of the fine playing and compositions.
www.beggars-bridge.co.uk/albion-by-al-catton
John Carnie
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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. |