Customer Reviews

Return to Kintail

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fiddler Alasdair Fraser and guitarist Tony McManus are giants in their field. Both Scotsmen command immediate respect for their musical talents, and both have toured and recorded widely to share their gifts with the world. Return to Kintail demonstrates just how good two immensely adept musicians can be when joined for a common purpose.

The album is entirely composed of duets for fiddle or viola and guitar. Both instrumentalists share the spotlight equally, occasionally stepping to the fore or fading into the background as their arrangements demand. They play with the easy familiarity of musicians who have performed together for many years, and they share selections from the Scottish and closely related Cape Breton traditions with exceptional lightness and grace. They're not going for speed or power here -- instead, they both sit back and let the music prove itself without any unnecessary affectations or pomposity.
You'll be hard-pressed to find better versions of the tunes or an album more evocative of Scotland's rolling hills and glens.

After hearing Alasdair and Tony perform live together I was in fear that the CD would not be able to capture the energy and oneness that was so evident in their concert. I was so wrong. I could never grow tired of this fantastic collection...nor of any of Alasdair Fraser's. I consider each of them the cream of the crop in their musical talent.

Each successive album has advanced my appreciation of Alasdair Fraser's musicianship. Here he's joined by talented guitarist Tony McManus in arrangements and variations that embrace the full possibilities of the original melodies, all the while evoking the authentic Scottish idiom. Their performance of Sleepy Maggie will make you think you are hearing the tune for the first time. In my humble opinion, Fraser's best recording to date.

I have been studying and performing traditional Irish/Scottish music for over twenty-five years. I recently purchased this CD and I can't stop playing it. It is magnificent - the way a traditional fiddle is supposed to sound! I'm collecting everything Fraser has recorded.

We recently pulled into a perfect Scottish fantasy cottage in the heart of the Kintail at 10:00 at night. Out landlady (bless her) was out on the roads at that ungodly hour looking for us, assuming we were lost - we were. After she sorted us out, she put on this CD, saying "It is my current favorite!" and left us. Candlelight, wine, and the most perfect music for the Kintail I can imagine. We played it at least twice a day for our stay, watching the sheep in the heath on the hill behind the house, and the clouds scudding over the ridge. It is a soundtrack for the Kintail. Other reviewers have testified to the musical excellence, I'm testifying to the spiritual perfection of place.

From toe-tapping reels to hauntingly beautiful melodies, every track on this CD is a joy to the ear. These talented musicians make a great duo. Highly recommended.

I listen to this CD over and over and do not ever tire of it. If you close your eyes, you can escape into the mood of the music. Thes men are true artists who blend and together create a wonderous sound. Thank you so much Alisdair Fraser and friend and through this music I will return to Kintail.

If you've liked any of Fraser's other recordings, I'll bet you will like this one too. If don't have any of his others, then I would suggest going first for the classic 1986 "Skyedance".