John McCusker - Hello, Goodbye

  by Keith How

published: 30 / 5 / 2016

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Synchronicity. My wife passes me an Ann Cleeves novel in the 'Shetland' series. One of the characters is a young charismatic fiddle player who has become really well known. I am drawn to the book and especially the location. The next day I receive 'Hello, Goodbye', an album of fiddle music for review. From the opening notes I am transported into that magical other world that tastes of a single Malt and smells like the ocean. I have been familiar with McCusker’s work since 'Yella Hoose' and 'Goodnight Ginger', and his contributions to such wonderful albums such as Chris Drever and Roddy Woomble's 'Before the Ruin'. This album celebrates 25 years as a professional musician for McCusker, and what a delight is is. 'Calendar Boys' (which has the only vocals on the record) has an ambient beginning with its hushed voices. A sound bass line lays the groove for the delightful melody. It is a gently paced tune that touches the soul. 'It’s a Girl' follows, which is a sweet composition that hints of times past. Sonically I am reminded of the Navigator Records' terrific early recordings of John Boden and Heidi Talbot. 'The Bothy Jigs', for instance, sound flawless, while the guitar introduction to 'The Milk Carton Kids', which is possibly the highlight of the record for me, is truly lovely. In keeping with John McCusker’s abilty to cross musical boundaries, 'Hello,Goodbye', while firmly planted in folk roots, has enough exciting and fresh ideas to appeal to traditionalist and “new folkies” alike. 'FooFoo' has a bass groove ,some accordian and a fiddle/flute play off that sparkles and bubbles like a Highland burn. Another highlight is the Uillean Pipes on 'Song for Nana'. It is a truly beautiful tune that is restful and captures a sense of wide open spaces, while 'Molly’s Waltz' is lively and foot tapping as you might expect. 'Hello,Goodbye' features the fiddle on all the tracks. To many this could well be a little daunting, but here in the hands of this master craftsman and his companions there is nothing tedious or boring about it. It is an album of twelve tracks that are inventive, atmospheric and moving in equal measure and a joy to listen to. A marriage of tradition and modernityy, 'Hello,Goodbye' is a fine example of folk roots musicians keeping our heritage alive and a real breath of fresh air. Ann Cleeves kills her fiddle player off! Lets hope we get another 25 years worth of joy from this talented gentleman.

Track Listing:-

1 Calendar Boys
2 It's a Girl
3 The Wedding
4 Bothy Jigs
5 The Milk Carton Kids
6 Foofoo
7 A Trip to Roma
8 Hello, Goodbye
9 Molly's Waltz/Heidi's Waltz
10 Billy's
11 Tune for Nana
12 Under One Sky

Band Links:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCusker
http://www.johnmccusker.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/johnmccuskerofficial
https://twitter.com/johnmccusker

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