Andy May Trio
Album: About Time
Label: Ashwood
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.andymaytrio.com

My very first introduction to Northumbrian pipes came in the form of Andy May's album The Yellow Haired Laddie, bought for my mum one Christmas. It seems to have found a permanent home in my CD collection (sorry mum!) and this latest offering from the Andy May Trio is another excellent addition. Featuring the musical wizardry of piper and pianist Andy, alongside fellow multi-instrumentalist Ian Stephenson (KAN) and the exuberant fiddle of Sophy Ball, this album is a delight to listen to. A refreshing mix of original and traditional instrumental tracks, the sound produced by this meeting of musical minds is deceptively full. Both Andy and Ian feature on several tracks in several guises to augment the trio sound and the richness of textures and arrangements this produces is thoroughly satisfying.

The syncopated introduction to Bonapart's Expedition gives a very modern feel to a rarely-played traditional tune. The tune is infectious and would be excellent for dancing. The sliding change into Lang Stay'd Away is seamless and notches the intensity up a gear. The harmonies between the pipes and fiddle are really effective here, passing the tune between the two instruments without missing a beat. Sophy's tune, Learn to Hambo, is a change of pace and inspired by the Swedish dance of the same name. The gentle lilting tune gives way to a lively jig written by Andy for Ian's son Eric. This again features some lovely harmonic interplay between the pipes and fiddle. A change of pace mid-set is also used most effectively in the Octopus Butcher, a pairing of tunes by Ian and Andy.

Other sets utilise changing tonality, such as the lovely change from the minor Sailor's Wife to the major Quick and Merry, a great pairing of traditional tunes. Ian's guitar accompaniment at the opening of this set is really effective, a slightly rolling quality reminding me of rolling waves. Norwegian Gent offers another more reflective tune with a sweet and tender melody that grows and soars, supported by the rich texture that this trio create together.

Two stand out tracks are the piano led Leaving Copenhagen, an emotive offering that is both uplifting and heartfelt. My firm favourite has to be Ians' Reel, another strong offering from Andy, paired the Transatlantic Reel by Ian. These rousing reels are lively and electrifying, definitely likely to cause an outbreak of foot tapping on every hearing.

This is a truly fantastic album from three highly accomplished musicians. The quality of both tune writing and musicianship is second to none and this makes About Time a must buy album.

Nicky Grant