Track Listing

1. Kopenitsa
2. Eight Step Waltz/Lisa/Stukka Gruppa
3. Hallowed Ground
4. Newbury Jig/Moll In The Wood/Sword Dance (Ghost Tune)/Old Wi
5. Sideways Glance
6. Roger De Coverley/Trip O'er Tweed
7. Finnish Scottish
8. Last Chance Bouree
9. Glass Island
10. Sinfonia

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #79992 in Music
• Released on: 1999-10-01
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Customer Reviews

The trad big band sound
The 5th Blowzabella release from 1986 sees a change of pace and a change of line up. The hurdy gurdy replacement is the elfin-lookalike Nigel Eaton and Ian Luff now takes over the bass line with the introduction of electric bass. There's still Dave Roberts on melodeon, Dave Shepherd on violin and Jon Swayne and Paul James providing the wind section (saxes, whistles, bagpipes).
Most bands you love change their musical direction part way through their life and as an avid fans you feel - well I wish they hadn't. NOT THIS BAND. The inspiration from the new members creates a fresh driving beat behind the music. High points are the opening Kopenitsa- a Balkan dance in - ouch 11/8 (I can assure you it makes sense if you dance it). The obligatory Paul James song is a speeded up cover version of the American punk trio, Violent Femmes' number "Hallowed Ground"- a sassy number about experiencing a Nuclear Holocaust (trust me it's great) and my number one favourite all time tune "Last Chance Bourrée" . The bourrée is a line dance in 2/4 from Central France (ok or a two couple dance if it's in 3/8). The tune was originally written by Michel Pichon and the story goes that the band played back their version to him and he didn't recognise it! The strident opening sax fanfare sets the scene as you tense up to dance- then the hurdy gurdy and bass set the start of this hypnotic dance- come on- left- right- left, right-left-right (sorry I'm a bourrée freak).

Canal side
I first heard this album enjoying a beer alongside the Kennet and Avon canal in Bath. Thoroughly recommended and defies categorisation. For all lovers of good music with passion and feeling.