Customer Reviews

Goodnight Ginger

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"You can't judge a book..." And, sure enough, although Scottish fiddler John McCusker appears on the cover of this album sporting what seems to be a tufted mohawk haircut, this is not the goofy Celtic-pop fusion-fest such a picture might imply. Rather, it's a sweet set of original, inventive instrumental fiddle tunes (and one gorgeous vocal number featuring his ever-lovely partner, Kate Rusby)... A simple, understated album, and one that successfully sheds the sometimes-dour sensibilities of his old group, the Battlefield Band. Recommended!

Any fan of John's will be thrilled with this new CD. There are many new tracks, plus a lovely version of Leaving Friday Harbor, and a stunning song sung by Kate Rusby. As with his previous solo CDs, the mood is upbeat and sometimes mischievous. The musicianship is outstanding. If you like celtic music, try this out, you won't regret it.

This is my second album by McCusker (the other is Yella Hoose) and his work stays at the top of my Celtic collection. It's emotionally compelling all the way through and the musicianship is outstanding. I listen to it repeatedly and my interest never fades. You can't go wrong with either one of these albums.

I fell in love with John McCusker's playing when I first heard him with The Battlefield Band. I'm sorry he no longer plays with them, but he clearly has the musical stature to succeed as a solo artist.

This new CD doesn't have anything strikingly new on it, just more of the same wonderful Scottish traditional and neo-traditional music. It features John's wife, Kate Rusby, on a beautiful song written for her by Phil Cunningham. Most of the tunes are either composed by John or are his arrangements of traditional tunes.

What's really exciting about it is to see an artist who was a technical wunderkind maturing into a brilliant all-around musician. I don't know anyone in this genre who compares with John when it comes to beautiful, lyrical, romantic tunes that don't slide into sentimentality.

I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 only because it's not quite as fabulous as his earlier recording, Yella Hoose, which will be hard to match.

I had never heard of John McCusker, but came across this CD by chance, and had a listen (being a fan of this type of music). I was most impressed, and bought the CD.

John's playing is superb throughout, and he is magnificently supported by some excellent backing musicians. This is one of those rare albums where the sound of the different instruments blends togther seamlessly to produce a perfectly balanced result. Its the first time I've heard a fiddle and accordian playing together and sounding like a single instrument. Listen closely to "Oor Pal Davy" and you will see what I mean. Superb.