REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

 

 


 

 

 
CRAIG MORGAN ROBSON - Stranded

CRAIG MORGAN ROBSON  - Stranded
Reiver Records RVRCD08

I can count on one hand the number of all female close harmony groups that I have enjoyed listening to over the years.  These include The Witches of Elswick, Hen Party, & Bread and Roses so it comes as a bit of a surprise that I have enjoyed this CD by Craig Morgan Robson.  A surprise until you realise Sara Morgan was a member of both of the latter two.  I seem to remember a great set from Bread & Roses at the Keith Marsden celebration.

Stranded is the follow up to their highly acclaimed debut album-that dreaded second.  But CMR have come up with a highly creditable release.  Sarah is joined by Moira Craig with her stunning voice, especially evident on Willie’s Fatal Visit, and Carolyn Robson from Northumberland, who brings a feeling of calm to the whole CD.

There are a number of seasonal songs including a West Gallery carol and the stunning Easter Tree.  My own favourite as I write is a slightly different arrangement of Twa Magicians - bringing a freshness to the song.  The CD ends, unless it is on repeat in the player as it is on mine, with a setting of Tennyson’s Crossing the Bar from the singing of Jeff Warner to a tune by Rani Arbo.  A great finish.

I’ve not seen Craig Morgan Robson but there are plenty of opportunities during this summer at the festivals, and I hope to catch up with them at one of them. Their live performance should give them a platform for promoting this CD.

Dave Beeby

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This album was reviewed in Issue 74 of The Living Tradition magazine.