CD "Moonlight Again"
This is a review of the CD "Moonlight Again" Performed by Scottish Borders Folk Group "Scocha" (Recorded and produced by a Member of Clan Scott Scotland, Iain H Scott at Croft Angry, Hawick)
Copyright 2016 Scocha Recordings Ltd
Review written by Roy Scott, Secretary, Clan Scott Scotland
On a recent trip to Canada I played the new CD Moonlight Again by Scocha to a group of Scots with strong links to the Scottish Borders. The effect was startling as the foot tapping began by the end of the first ten bars of this exciting recording. The opening piece Ho for the Blades of Harden was akin to the best overture in any classical work.
The mixture of ballads old and new is so well balanced that this rendition of Innovative, Border, Traditional and Modern music will reverberate soundly among all lovers of Scottish music.
Following the Blades of Harden is the first of two Jacobite songs which maintain the exciting rhythm of so many of the pieces found in this production with its subtle combination of a variety of expert instrumentation including the Guitar, the Piano, the Whistle and the Great Highland Bagpipe not forgetting the variety of varied drum interludes.
Listeners will be fascinated by the traditional music as exemplified by the well known Burns song A man’s a man for a' that in contrast to the Presley style dance music of the bee bop era of the 70’s.
To those of Border and particularly Scott derivation the sentiment of A Bellendaine with the theme of “Moonlight Again” should be realised along with the ultimate pride in the lyrics reminding us that the name of our country bears the name Scot. The graphic on the dust cover of the disc introduces this concept with the silhouette figures of the instrumentalists against a full moon background, a tribute to the Reiving capacities of ancient Scotts.
Social cum historical comment is made with the song Pressganged and the piece New York discloses an international contrast to the more traditional home grown music. There is pathos in the thoughts underlying Smoke from the Barrel, a necessary sentiment very appropriate to our times.
Modern presentations on the mass media often lose the original deep feeling of national calendar celebrations but there must be delight in This is Oor Time with its subtitle Hogmanay. To those of an older generation, steeped in Scottish tradition this sentimental ballad helps remind us of Sir Harry Lauder’s annual contribution to our lives with his Keep right on to the end of the road transmitted to one and all on Auld Years Day.
The final song on the disc is a very fine rendition of what has now clearly become the International Anthem - Auld Lang Syne, sung in a celebratory mood and fortunately without the corruption of the Robert Burns word “syne” as opposed to the irritating “zyne”. The Scocha fulfillment of the anthem leaves the listener with a feeling of contentment appropriate to this fine recording.
You can hear all the tracks and read the words and buy the CD or individual tracks on this great collection by clicking on Bandcamp/Scocha (Copyright Scocha Recordings Ltd). The full CD is also obtainable from Amazon.co.uk (in the UK) or direct from http://www.scocha.co.uk Cost £ 14.50
Roy Scott, Secretary, Clan Scott Scotland.
A Bellandaine !