No Use Cryin'
Wildgoose: WGS371CD
This is the band’s second album with Dave Arthur, Pete Cooper and Dan Stewart, playing an eclectic mix of English and American songs and tunes. Playing mostly in the style of the classic old time American string band line up, the whole CD has a warm feel-good glow running through it. There is some excellent fiddle and banjo playing and Pete’s ability to slip easily between fiddle styles is a joy to hear. On the transatlantic overlap Old John Peel/Rock That Cradle Joe he transforms the sound from that of a traditional English Country dance band to an Appalachian string band in a blink. We are also treated to a banjo led Princess Royal with a gentle viola and fiddle accompaniment and the wonderful Ways of the World featuring Dave on ‘fiddlesticks’ beating open fiddle strings with knitting needles. The songs are shared pretty evenly between Dave and Pete and are a mixture of traditional and contemporary but, as to be expected, they are all first-rate and have been given the bands unmistakable stamp as in Roll Alabama Roll which benefits from an upbeat treatment and additional chorus. Seven songs in all including the classic Willie Moore and a version of the Carter Family’s You’ve been a Friend all supported by detailed notes in a nicely packaged booklet. A relaxing and enjoyable listen from start to finish. Brian Cope Review from Folk London - April 2010
