Dave Swarbrick

SWARBRICK, SWARBRICK 2,
SMIDDYBURN

Raison D'etre
Also available to download

Live and Kicking

English Fiddler:
Swarbrick Plays Swarbrick

Swarb: Forty Five Years of
Folk's Finest Fiddler [Box set]

The Ceilidh Album
Also available to download

See also:

Reviews

Raison d’etre
Shirty 1
Eight years in the making, this latest offering from Dave Swarbrick is a first-rate, wonderful assortment of tunes, superbly played in his characteristically, seemingly effortless, style. Revisiting his groundbreaking Rags, Reels & Airs album of over forty years ago, Swarb reprises the opening Spanish Ladies medley, this time in the company of the six piece Canadian Jason Wilson Band whose funky ska arrangement really sizzles. With the exception of two other tracks, Swarb is ably supported by some tasty and imaginative guitar playing from Kevin Dempsy. Kevin’s absence on A Jigg Called Long Time/Running Footman Jig/The Brown Joak is more than compensated for by Martin Carthy, John Kirkpatrick and Jude Rees, while on Granny’s Delight/The man Tiger, two Playford tunes, Simon Mayor’s speedy virtuoso mandolin playing makes for an exceptionally fine duet. Most tunes result from Swarb’s ongoing research into obscure early English dance music and includes two haunting 18th centaury Irish airs, The Fair Haired Child and the concluding track We Brought the Summer With Us both featuring the unmistakable piano playing of Beryl Marriott. The CD also features two original compositions by Dave, the pensive Andy’s Waltz and the captivating Sweet Alban. Impeccable sound quality and superb musicianship throughout makes this thoroughly engaging and enjoyable CD.
Brian Cope
Review from Folk London - August 2010