Search - Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham :: Ruby

Is there a rhyme or reason to string together an Estonian waltz, a Cajun reel, and a classic French Canadian tune? There is for Scottish musicians Cunningham and Bain, who have once again joined forces for an exploration of melody and merriment on another musical gem (their previous outing was The Pearl). Shetland fiddler Bain is at his best with the slow tunes, where his expressive style shines as he strokes every note for its fullest effect--and he gets a number of songs to show off this side, especially in the Cunningham-penned "Violet Tullogh." Not that there's a dearth of danceable tunes. Their American medley "La Ronfleuse Gobel..." (The Snoring Mrs. Gobel...) offers them both a great opportunity to strut their stuff. Tastefully arranged for accordions, keyboards, and fiddles, with casual additions of bass, percussion, and whistles, this set (and the whole album) shows off the tunes themselves, allowing the masterful playing to enhance rather than dominate the melodies and rhythms. --Louis Gibson