The Dovetail Trio
Album: Wing Of Evening
Label: Rootbeat
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.dovetailtrio.com

This is by far one of the best partnerships I have come across this year. I was not entirely sure what to expect, Matt Quinn has been on my radar for some time but Jamie Roberts and Rosie Hood were both unknown to me as I put the CD in the drive.

I found myself taken aback when the mysterious and atmospheric first track 'Greenland' started to play, I actually muttered "Oh okay!" to myself. I like to jump into albums blind when I'm giving it the first listen, reading up and doing my homework after that first listen. It helps to build up a first impression based purely on reaction alone.

The first thing that must be said about the album is that the vocals, from everyone, are just fantastic. The dynamics and balance between the male and female vocals are perfect and every single word jumps out and gives your ears a nice cuddle.

I really like the simplicity of the album, three people, two instruments and eleven fantastic gems. In regards to the music it is amazing how expert playing on a guitar and concertina can give you goose bumps.

With these limited resources the trio have managed to produce a very distinctive and recognisable style with the occasional wildcard thrown in for good measure.

'Banks of Moss' for example is a fantastic acapella track that branches slightly away with the other tracks but really allows the three to really explore their voices and harmonise to such a degree that it creates something incredibly beautiful. As well as acapella there is also a wonderful instrumental track 'The Last Leg/ Le Violin Confessor' which is where Jamie and Matt show us more of their wonderful instrument skills.

The biggest surprise to me was the band's rendition of 'The Two Magicians' which was pretty different to every version I had heard before. This final track really helped to wrap the album up in a fast paced little bow.

This album did not disappoint, I cannot wait to hear more.

Paul Rawcliffe