Skyhook
Album: At the Stringsmith's Forge
Label: Skyhook Music
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.skyhookmusic.com/

It was with great surprise and delight that I spotted this CD on my doormat along with the significantly less delightful junk mail and bills. Reports of a new Skyhook CD had reached me from Sheffield and these missives had already resulted in a state of almost Pavlovian anticipation. On looking back through my files I was astounded to find that all of six years had elapsed since I reviewed their previous offering and yet I still remember the excitement that I felt on first hearing the trio's début. Such enthusiasm was, however, not entirely unexpected as I had seen the band live several times and knew very well the high standard of their musicianship.

Time has moved on but, given the evidence of this latest CD, my love of the band's music remains as intense as it ever was. The thrilling dual fiddles of Martin Harwood and Cath James and Eoin Teather's rich guitar tone and, quite simply beautiful voice are the primary elements to the sound with a sprinkling of other instruments, most prominently bodhran, adding to the texture where appropriate.

The eight tune sets and one solo guitar tune - each a virtuosic showcase - that make up the bulk of the tracks never outstay their welcome as can sometimes happen with instrumentals in less skilful hands. The sets juxtapose traditional and contemporary material with many of their components being written by Cath James. All are either Celtic in origin or inspiration - including a smattering of Cape Breton pieces. Despite the predominance of tunes, as with the first CD the songs were real high points - once again Eoin has taken familiar songs ('Bonny Light Horseman' and 'Roseville Fair') and made the listener appreciate them anew. The one unfamiliar song to me, 'The Turtle and The Asp' by Martin Simpson (not the one from Scunthorpe!), is based on an old fable and is also a beauty.

Finally, as if the music wasn't enough the production values throughout are of the highest order - sound quality is pristine and the lovely fold out jacket that contains the CD features evocative photos of Wortley Top Forge and concise but interesting notes.

I can safely say that anyone who has the first Skyhook CD can purchase this one without any fear of being disappointed. Those who don't have the first should buy both!

Joe Grint