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SHETLAND MANDOLIN BAND - Always On A Monday

SHETLAND MANDOLIN BAND - Always On A Monday
Private Label SHMABA0117

First formed in 2015 as a venue for mandolin players in the isles to play together, just two years later the band was in the studio to record their first CD. It worked! Few bands can boast such a wide mix of players, from early teens to their 70s, from seasoned players to kitchen jammers to near-novices. In total there are 28 mandolins (which means 224 strings, all in need of tuning) along with a few support instruments. Despite this diversity, they achieve a surprisingly uniform sound, especially on the tremolo sections (which have to be in time in order to be effective).

The repertoire is characteristic for mandolin orchestras (which had their heyday in the early 20th century). There are sprightly polkas, jaunty hornpipes and broad waltzes. Some of the standards for a mandolin ensemble appear, like O Sole Mio / Never On A Sunday and the required classical piece (Bach Minuet In G). There are originals from folks like Bill Monroe (Kentucky Waltz), Phil Cunningham (Sarah’s Song) and the band’s organiser, Jenny Henry (the rollicking set of Boilersuit Blues / Soup Pot Blues).

The CD has a slightly antique sound to it, and as I listened I kept visualising myself on a calliope. This is music to get you bobbing your head, tapping your toes and breaking out in a smile. It may not challenge you, but it is meant to simply delight you. And if you’ve never had the prospect of being delighted by a mandolin band, here’s your chance.

www.shetlandmandolinband.com

Ivan Emke


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This album was reviewed in Issue 125 of The Living Tradition magazine.