Scotscores / Muriel Johnstone - Reviews : Cairngorms

ALBUM: Cairngorms

ARTISTS: Keith Smith - fiddle, Muriel Johnstone - piano

ARTICLE IN: TACTalk - Volume 24, No. 2 (Sept/Oct 1999)

" "Cairngorms" is an absolutely exquisite presentation of dance music by Keith Smith (fiddle) and Muriel Johnstone (piano). The recording itself is crisp and clean with no muddy "band sound" or sloppy recording work, despite occasional sounds from the live ballroom. The musicianship of this duo is remarkable. Keith's fiddle playing is pinpoint accurate and crystal clear. It reminds me of the gorgeous embroidery one sees in Eastern Europe. Thousands of tiny stitches are individually perfect but the whole is a masterpiece. With a light and graceful touch, Keith plays with unerring accuracy and a vividly clear tone. Muriel's accompaniment is wonderfully supportive and her piano fills in on a line with beautiful melodic embellishment. A number of the tunes are hers - some of the best. Together, they've made a CD of unmatched beauty and clarity. This is music that will be as wonderful for the listener as the dancer. It's not a big sound, but it's so musically commanding that I expect it will grab the attention of even those who just depend on the music to keep them on the beat.

The playing of Robert H. Mackay fairly took my breath away - gorgeous! That piece alone could hook a stranger on strathspeys. Their jigs not only lift, they lilt. It's Just For Fun moves effortlessly and I expect it to draw the best dancing out of the dancers. Maid of the Mill keeps the lift but adds just enough drive to make this 40 bar workout into a pleasing choreographic experience.

Summer Wooing was spirited and lively with a clarity of tune that I've never heard before on that piece. It made me want to get up from the computer and dance a poussette. Only Braes of Breadalbane disappointed me - not because it wasn't played beautifully, but it didn't have the kind of drive I've come to expect from the classic Stan Hamilton recording.

This is a one-of-a-kind recording. I expect to make great use of it in the coming dance season and for many years to come."

Geoffrey Selling