Reviews

1. Reviewed by Tony Cummings (of Cross Rhythms)

I've never reviewed a Christmas card before but that's what The Beacon Music Project (office in Dollar, Central Scotland), have come up with - a CD packaged in a nicely designed card. The musical performances here are by "some of Shetland's top musicians and singers" and not coming from that fair isle I will take them at their word, particularly as the folk group Shoormal, who kick off the CD with a lilting version of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", display a deft acoustic feel and feature a lovely lead vocal from Freda Leask to make it far superior to all those manglings of the carol Nashville subjects us to every year. Elsewhere we have other folk derived delights with both Jenny Keldy's version of "Away In A Manger" and Jillian Isbister's liltingly pure reading of "The First Noel" bringing a freshness to these beautiful carols that I never thought I'd encounter again after years of hearing them reduced to sleigh bell-drenched muzak. Possibly my favourite of all is The Tulloch's authentic folk "Go Tell It On The Mountains" (where that haunting voice of Freda Leask crops up again). My nomination for the best Christmas album of the year and when you consider that churches who buy this unique card/album will be selling them at the bargain price of 50p each, we have a creatively inspired project that Cross Rhythms has no hesitation in recommending. So go visit www.beaconmusic.co.uk.

2. Beacon Christmas Album reviewed by Tom Lennie

It's pretty well known that Shetland overflows with musical talent. It passes down the generations, spreads infectiously among peers, and appears to float in the very atmosphere itself. Still, to find so many high calibre Shetland musicians on a single recording is quite exceptional. For over twenty gifted musos from these northern shores are here brought together - almost every one being acclaimed in his or her own right, and several having recordings in their own name, many having also performed at major events around Britain and beyond.

The musical concept of this project is simple - to create a batch of best-loved Christmas carols in a stripped-down, acoustic manner. Such has, of course, been attempted before. Bebo Norman, Ed Cash and Allen Levi teamed up a decade ago to create a most outstandingly original take on well-seasoned Yuletide songs. The present disc, similarly, is unpretentious, minimalist and sonically striking.

They say a threefold chord ain't easily broken. On this venture the professional combination of finely-honed vocals (with delectable harmonies), exquisite instrumentation (on accordion, banjo and especially acoustic guitar), and careful engineering/production (from J. J. Jamieson and others) provide the focus and charm that make this album a standout.

Popular local band Shoormal render three Christmas beauties, each led by a different vocalist (Freda Leask - the driving force behind the musical element of the album - Donna Smith and Joyce McDill, whose distinctively arresting tones easily make 'In The Bleak Midwinter' the finest version I've ever heard. Jenny Keldie turns children's hymn 'Away In A Manger' into a ballad of potent beauty, while another youngsters' favourite is ably handled by the graceful tones of acclaimed country artist Sheila Henderson. After a promising intro, the finger-picking appeal of thumb piano, mandolin and banjo make 'Go Tell It On The Mountain' a surprising take on this gospel number, while the all-time favourite carol of many, 'Silent Night', here comes over in simple, unadorned fashion, care of a trio from the gifted Sutherland family.

And herein lies the overall attraction of this output - an uncluttered, rootsy feel pervades the entire set, allowing a clarity of musical expression that gives an intimate and unadulterated feel (you get a sense these folk are sitting playing from the corner of your room). also painting a more basic, earthy picture of the Incarnational event which is the essence of Christmas. Hence also, the meaning of the lyrics is more liable to hit home. This is a delightful recording - advent sounds that are far too profound and beautiful to keep till December. These sounds - and more importantly, the Message they herald - can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.