Jackson Walker
Album: Inner Pickle
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.jacksonwalker.co.uk

Nottingham-based duo Simon Jackson and Jim Walker play an eclectic selection of material embracing influences from all over the folk world, especially including the music of Bulgaria, Ireland, Spain, France, England and America. Not necessarily in that order, but their debut CD certainly creates a strong impression with its generous allocation of vigorous tune-sets, notably 13.5% Extra Free and Bulgarian 5 (both resplendent with tricky time-signatures) and the chirpy café-musette that kicks off the Cœur Vagabond set midway through the disc, where the duo’s sparky sense of rhythm is second to none both there and in the ensuing Hot Club-style number. And the album closer is a breathtaking example of a follow-me reel that doesn’t quite deserve its title of Smooth And Dim (although I could be missing a point of supreme irony here!).

Just as the doctor ordered, the dominant blend here is fiddle and guitar, and this doesn’t prove as tiring on the ear as might be imagined, simply because the musicianship is of such a high standard. That basic instrumentation is sensibly varied from time to time, too, with Simon’s introduction of banjo (and occasionally bodhrán or even didgeridoo) into the mix at appropriate moments, especially during the disc’s three interspersed vocal tracks. These are well chosen, and include a fine rendition of the obscure Barry Dransfield song The Werewolf and an imaginative take on Nottamun Town.

The two musicians’ extensive experience of playing different styles over a period of close on 30 years apiece comes in very handy with their intelligent, innovative approach to arrangement, and their seemingly inbred vibrancy when playing together is extremely persuasive. And exactly as their press release claims, Simon and Jim do indeed stand favourable comparison with Broughton & Dempsey. Perhaps the mostly self-penned Cleveland Set and the opening Oakwood Stomp take a little while to really get going, but even here the energy level is high and their delivery both genuinely entertaining and compelling.

David Kidman