Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar - The Queen's Lover

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 27 / 8 / 2012

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The duo of Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar was formed about a year ago and ‘The Queen’s Lover’ is their debut album. While Russell’s vocals are obviously those of a young man, it still comes as something of a shock to learn that this talented singer/songwriter and guitarist of some worth is only nineteen years of age. Having gained considerable experience playing the folk clubs around the Wirral and Chester has obviously paid handsomely, because if this duo’s performance over the fifteen songs on ‘The Queen’s Lover’ is any kind of indication of what they are capable of at such an early age then it’s almost frightening to think what they are going to achieve a few more years down the line. The second shock is that Ciaran Algar who plays fiddle, bodhran, guitar and bouzouki is only sixteen years old, yet plays with a skill that belies his age. The fiddle would appear to be Algar’s principal instrument on this album. On the instrumental piece, ‘The Clumsy Lover Set’, the first of four instrumental tracks, this young musician really steals the show. Instrumental folk music like this is usually best appreciated live where the listener can take part of the atmosphere as it is being performed but, it is to Algar’s credit that he can hold your attention through the sheer joy that his playing exudes. Make no mistake about it, the music that this duo perform is firmly in the folk idiom. There is none of that fashionable acid/psych folk on show here. It’s traditional folk music that, it could be said, we’ve all heard before. But apart from the fact that the duo’s tender years belie the maturity that Russell displays in his vocals that convey more emotion than many folk artists who have been around for decades, Russell is convincing and extremely confident vocally for someone still in his teens (final year or not!). The title song was written by a bored Russell as he was revising for his History A level and, without wanting to keep pushing home just how young this talented musician is, again it is incredible to think that one so young can not only sing with such conviction, but that he can create a story and set it to such an appealing melody that you’ll be drawn in on the very first listen. With Algar’s sympathetic fiddle supporting every word Russell sings, it is an early indication that this duo really are special. ‘The Hills Of The West’ was actually written by Ciaran Algar’s father, Chris, and again displays just what a confident vocalist Russell is. A nice touch is that Ciaran added an outro to this particular song making it a song from two generations of Algars. The way that Russell’s acoustic and Algar’s fiddle intertwine on the final part of this song is perfect. and Algar senior must be feeling very proud every time he hears this track. While some tracks such as Mick Ryan’s ‘Love is Life’ are more or less solo songs by Russell, it is when his vocals and guitar are joined by Algar’s fiddle that the magic really starts to happen. ‘The Dancing’ which features some of Russell’s most sincere vocals would not be half as affecting without the musical back-up from Algar. It is no wonder that the Irish band he is also part of, Tri, have built up a loyal following over the last couple of years. That said, Linda Adams contribution of concertina and harmonies also adds unexpected texture to the song. Both Russell and Algar are exceptional musicians and have, on their debut, shown maturity and an understanding of their chosen genre that is rare in people so young. That Russell is also blessed with one of the best voices this country currently has to offer is an added bonus. A whole album featuring instrumental pieces of the calibre shown on ‘The Queen’s Lover’ would be welcomed in folk circles; but coupled with that voice they just can’t fail. This is obviously just the beginning of a very long and successful career for both Russell and Algar, ‘The Queen’s Lover’ is a remarkable debut and there is a lot more to come yet from this talented duo.

Track Listing:-

1 Two Magicians
2 The Clumsy Lover Set
3 The Queen's Lover
4 The Hills Of The West
5 Love Is Life
6 The Dancing
7 Chasing Chinchillas
8 Ashokan Farewell To Trampas Woodbine
9 Hard Up
10 On Raglan Road
11 Greg's Set
12 Icarus
13 Davy
14 Green Fields Of Canada
15 The New Railroad

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/Greg.and.Ciaran/
http://www.russellalgar.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/GregRCiaranA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Label Links:-

http://www.fellside.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fellsiderecordings/

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