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Pale, Stout & Amber, Pale, Stout & Amber (independent, 2004) |
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Pale, Stout & Amber, Pale, Stout & Amber (independent, 2004) |
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There are only 10 tracks on Pale, Stout & Amber, but combining the length of tracks and quality of performance, you still get excellent value. Art Mize and Robert Tincher, also going by the name Pale, Stout & Amber, open with "Paddy Fahey's Reels" to demonstrate the quality of their playing. Then, to show that their vocal abilities are just as impressive, have a listen to "Slieve Gallion Braes," a song that too many people have heard a few times too often to appreciate properly. Here the sensitive rendition brings us the true depth and sensitivity of the song. A set of polkas includes "I'll Tell Me Ma," along with some original compositions. We then get all seven minutes, 17 seconds of "Planxty Fanny Power," and it is not a millisecond too long. The Christy Moore version of "The Cliffs of Dooneen" is forever imprinted on our minds. Well, move over Christy because this is a slightly different version learned from an English singer -- and it is excellent. The lads do a similar restoration job on "Fir a Bhata." Whether playing lively instrumentals or belting out "General Guinness," this band has a fervour, matched by ample ability, to raise old songs and tunes to their former glory. by Nicky Rossiter |
