review
Artist: Davy Spillane
Tracks:
This album came out at the same time as the video of 'Riverdance' and
showcases one of the musicians featured in the show, performing on uillian
pipes and low whistle. Spillane plays an Overton whistle and operates a
sell-through system for them (I bought mine from him!), and makes his own
uilleann pipes which are also available to buy.
Promised Rain is probably the track which this album will be remembered
for. The rich use of multi-tracked whistles is imaginative and the highs
and lows of the piece are carefully orchestrated which combined with slick
unshowy technique makes this is my favourite track.
Western Whisper gives us both pipes and whistle in some faster playing
against a jazz-fusion background. While speed is never one of the low
whistle's strong points, Spillane manages the fast runs without any effort
and had me reaching for mine to see how he does it!
Callow Lake brings out the soul of the low whistle in a slow reflective
piece. Using the full tonal response of the instrument, a raw untreated
recording style and Spillane's sensitive approach we are given a textbook
demonstration of the beauty this instrument is capable of.
Always Travelling has a light jazz feel to it and Spillane's effortless
ornamentation through the main tune makes for very pleasant listening
indeed.
On some of the tracks featuring the whistle, there is a noticeable lack of
wind noise, giving the sound a 'purer' more ethereal quality. I would love to
know whether this is a trick of the microphone or something done to the instrument
itself. This quality of sound and Spillane's unfussy style of playing make this
an album every low whistle player needs in their collection. Listen and learn.
Artist: Iona
Tracks:
CD 2
After four studio projects, this is Iona's first venture into producing a
live album.
Recorded in the north of England, it brings together the best of their
material in what
can only be described as a sparkling and exciting set, showing the
impressive talent of
all the musicians involved. The multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley
playing low
whistle (Overton), uillean pipes, tin whistle, electric and acoustic
guitars, keyboards
and cittern will feature in this review for Whistling Low.
Firstly, two points; Heaven's Bright Sun is described as 'Live' (with
inverted commas).
This usually means that the live tapes are taken back to the studio and
overdubs added
later. With some performances this can kill the raw 'live' feel and add too
much of a
polish. Not in this case, however. I suspect a little extra synth wash here
and there, and
secondary instrumental harmonies on some of the fast runs, but otherwise it
is as it was
on the night. Second point; Iona are a Celtic Christian band, but if you
expect hot
gospel and an altar call you will be disappointed; This is not to say,
however that the
songs do not bear food for thought. Iona are uncompromising both in their
beliefs and
musical integrity.
The set begins with 'Turning Tide', a rich synth wash combined with pipes
(with a
superb touch of echo) which runs straight into 'Treasure', an up-tempo
piece which
features some exciting solo low whistle ad-libbing in a jazz style. We hear
a player who
is not afraid to take risks with his instrument, and is not reticent in
using the full
armoury of techniques at his disposal. There is much in this number for all
low
whistlers to learn from and enjoy.
The next track which features Donockley's low whistle playing is 'Today'
demonstrating his superb all-round technique using tonguing and smooth
slurring to
good effect, while 'Luke' is a quiet, meditative track and displays good
breath vibrato.
'Columcille' likewise a slow piece shows a borrowing of feel and
ornamentation from
the pipes.
'Bi-se i mo shuil - Part Two' is perhaps the most exciting track on the
album involving
a celtic-jazz irregular time theme and includes some very fast low whistle
work.
Prepare to catch your breath!
As you can probably tell, I rank this album very highly indeed. If you
enjoy modern
celtic music and the superb playing of low whistle and uillean pipes then
this album
must be in your collection. In my book there is no finer player in his
generation than
Troy Donockley, whose all-round musicianship gives him the depth of
approach to any
one instrument that many lack. As an exponent of the low whistle he is
pushing back
the boundaries with a firm and sensitive hand. I await further work from
him with
anticipation. Miss this album at your peril.
Return to the index.
A Place Among the Stones
Review by Kenneth De Witt
Title: A Place Among The Stones
Label: Columbia 476930 2
1. Darklight
2. Promised Rain
3. A Place Among the Stones
4. Western Whisper
5. Starry Night
6. Elgeebar
7. Callow Lake
8. Forever Frozen
9. Always Travelling
10. Near the Horizon
Heaven's Bright Sun
Review by Kenneth De Witt
Title: Heaven's Bright Sun
Label: 3 Cord Records Ltd 5 018524 142620
CD 1
1. Turning Tide
2. Treasure
3. Flight of the Wild Goose
4. Today
5. Irish Day
6. Luke
7. Inside My Heart
8. Trilogy
9. I Will Give My Love an Apple
1. The Island
2. Iona
3. Columcille
4. Heaven's Bright Sun
5. Chi-Rho
6. Bi-se i mo shuil - Part Two
7. Kells Theme
8. Reels
9. When I Survey
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