Gavin Marwick
Album: The Long Road & The Far Horizons
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 13+14
Website: http://www.gavinmarwick.co.uk

I have to confess that I didn't manage to listen to the whole of the two cd set, "The Long Road" & "The Far Horizons" in one sitting, but found that in a single go I really enjoyed both albums. There is also a book, "Horizons" that contains all the tunes played across the release.

Launched at Celtic Connections and with a series of concerts, Gavin Marwick's Journey Man Spectacular, planned for April there is certainly a lot happening around the album, which is just as well as there's a lot happening on it and support from Creative Scotland is a great way to kick the whole into life, in fact it might be better to view the premier as a soft launch with book addition to follow.

Gavin Marwick is a composer and fiddle player that has been performing his art with a number of acts over the years, as well as delivering commissions for a number of projects. All of which has given him a sense of perspective in working not only his ideas, but also other people's outlines, so when he gets together a cast of musicians like he gets for these tunes and occasional songs. He really knows how to pull the threads together to weave two distinctive cuts.

With members of many well known Scottish acts, Unusual Suspects, Up In The Air and the stupendously named Ceilidh Minogue, all involved, I imagine the chances to catch live performances is going to be quite restricted so make the most of those April dates.

"The Long Road And The Far Horizons" is a rich and vibrant double album, with both dance and narrative tunes included. The musicianship is excellent and I'm sure that if you're more of a Celtic purist, both albums back to back won't represent a challenge, if like me you do feel it just a little too much rejoice that you have two great new albums for the price of one, there to be enjoyed as the mood takes you.

Neil King