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TOM KITCHING AND GREN BARTLEY - Boundary

TOM KITCHING AND GREN BARTLEY - Boundary
FELLSIDE FECD222

It must be a couple of years ago that a few of us assembled at the start of the now sadly defunct Loughborough Festival to witness a young duo do the graveyard spot. It soon became clear that we were watching something a bit special as Tom and Gren delivered as if the place was packed. And it should have been. Meeting at the local university, theirs is a mix of Tom’s fiddle and mandolin, and Gren’s guitar and banjo with good clear vocals provided by Gren.

“Boundary”, their 2nd CD, merges influences of American Old Time music with blues, traditional English song with original material, all chosen to show how much stronger and confident they are. It would be wrong to chose my favourite tracks but check out the very traditional “Old Sir Simon the King” and “Norman’s Christmas” played on delicate banjo- if that is not a contradiction of terms! However there’s lot to savour as you work through the CD - Gren’s “Different Rooms” is stunning.

In this day of downloading it is good to get a booklet with explanations on the material, and words to the songs, as well as interesting artwork. Paul Adams has done a great job with recording and production-Gren and Tom are credited as well- making sure everything, including vocals, are clear.

A good honest offering, “Boundary” will do well and shows, yet again, what talent there is around.

Dave Beeby

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This album was reviewed in Issue 84 of The Living Tradition magazine.