Hugh Morrison may be Far From Home, but he doesn't let that get him down. His latest album carries all the energy and bounce of previous compilations, with a bit more worldly polish, and Morrison's own accordion work finds companions on the journey.

The selections on Far From Home do go roaming a bit astray of Morrison's usual regional choices, and even rather far from each other. But it's clear Morrison feels welcome with any folk style and has no qualms about introducing them to each other. There's a playful turn on "Wild Mountain Thyme" that turns the old romance into something of a shanty, even flirting with a bit of polka.

"Canadian Barn Dance" takes a bonny, high-stepping attitude that echoes the less formal notes of a "Highland Schottische." Morrison's accordion work finds companions on the journey, like Barbara Downie's fiddle and Sarah Morrison's distinctly refined piano. Don Gabbert gives voice to the tune on "Wild Mountain Thyme" and "Foggy Dew," along with Neil DuFour, Gerard Bride and Lizzy Snelling.

Like Morrison's previous work, Far From Home is a joyous experience. Though it roams far and wide, fans of Celtic music and folk tunes alike will feel right at home with Hugh Morrison.

- Rambles
written by Sarah Meador
published 27 August 2005

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