CLAIRE WHITE WITH ROBBIE LEASK - Lassies Trust In Providence
Quarff Lodge Music QUARFF101
What a fun CD cover; reminds me of John Hassall's 1926 poster, 'Skegness Is So Bracing'. The music from Claire (fiddle) and Robbie (guitar) however, is not so much bracing as insightful, sensitively written, played and recorded, most of it self-penned.
Claire says she learned much of her warm and bright playing from Tom Anderson, whilst Robbie, with roots in the northernmost isles, also learned the fiddle and his accompanying style shows he understands this instrument. Claire says that the songs are written in the main to emphasise the 'she' in Shetland. She pays particular tribute to a gifted artisan, Peanuts, who emanates positivity and creativity whilst living with cancer. Da Hennie, another song, celebrates the togetherness of a Shetland women's group, whereas Da Fateful Tale O' Marion Pardone recounts the execution of a local woman, branded a witch, in 1644. If you know about the Shetland Bus (almost a saga in itself) then Hands Across The Hills will ring a thoughtful note about local heroes supporting free Norway in WW2. I particularly warmed to the traditional Minnie O Shirva's Cradle Song and Da Delting Spinning Sang.
I must not forget Robbie's contributions. His Quarff Lodge Newlyweds tune is a lively token of support for Claire and husband, Michael's wedding, and his Eclipse Waltz a tribute to his dad: lovely tunes.
Altogether a very pleasing CD; a project if you like and worth repeated listenings. A fulsome glossary will help those who haven't visited Shetland, to ken the dialect.
www.clairewhite.info
C.John Edwards
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