REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

 

 


 

 

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Ordinary Angel
Macmeanmna SKYECD38

We all have different reactions to the traumas that affect us. When Sheila McCabe was diagnosed with liver cancer, she and her husband Stephen decided to help raise funds for the Liver Unit in Edinburgh ’s Royal Infirmary. This CD is the result of that dedication, and the result of the generosity of all who freely contributed to it.

Much of the material here is unavailable elsewhere, and right from the start Michael Marra’s unique voice enthrals you with ‘ Voyage’. A sparkling collection of artists follows, including Blair Douglas, Rod Paterson (does anyone interpret Burns’ songs better?), Peatbog Faeries, The Cauld Blast Orchestra, Jennifer Forrest Band, Donnie Munro, Mackenzie, Arthur Cormack, Dr Angus Macdonald, Ingrid Henderson, Iain MacFarlane and Anne Martin. The variety of genres and styles is immense, and this results in a mixture that holds the interest from start to finish. There is a consistently high quality of recording as well as musicianship throughout, and the more poignant and reflective songs are well-balanced with rattlingly robust tune sets.

One of the ways of considering a multi-performer album is that it is also a taster for the wider range from the individuals concerned, and I’m sure this release will have newcomers avidly following up sources. Those of us who already know the performers will be delighted with these anyway.

Buy this as a tribute, as a way of supporting good works, or as a source of fine music and song. Whatever your motivation, you will be well rewarded.

Gordon Potter

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This album was reviewed in Issue 65 of The Living Tradition magazine.