Vicki Swan (Scottish smallpipes and flute) and Jonny Dyer (6- and 12-string guitars) are a dynamic duo playing an exciting range of contemporary, Celtic-sounding tunes that are mainly self-penned. Both the distinctive-sounding Scottish smallpipes and the flute seem to combine effortlessly with the guitar in what is a highly effective partnership throughout the album. At times, it is difficult to believe there are only two instruments being played, such is the rich quality of sound achieved. Both musicians play the scintillating tunes with spirit and verve.

The album grabbed my attention immediately with the opening number, "Frustration." This set of three accessible and uplifting tunes is sublimely played and the pace really picks up as it develops. You can sense from this opener that the album will be exciting listening experience. Dyer's "Geordie Lad" is a highlight with stripped back guitar accompaniment and mellow flute. It is dedicated to guitarist Ian Carr, well-known musician of the Kate Rusby Band (and many other ventures). The accompanying tune, "The Good Old Way," is played at a characteristically cracking pace. Another notable number is "Pressed for Time," including the distinctive tune of this name by Gordon Duncan from his album Circular Breath. I have heard this previously on Flook's Rubai and Session A9's What Road? If anything, Swan's brilliant Scottish smallpipes give the tune even more urgency than these other two versions.

The sleeve notes are very informative about each number and display a real sense of humour, as do some of the tunes themselves. Swan's "To Catch a Cat" is simply great fun and it is such a pleasure to hear the flute being played as lyrically as this. "Farewell to the Astra" is a lament for a car being "retired," a tune which is then relieved by the second in the set, the jaunty "Pushbike." "Metamorphosis" includes four versions of the same tune including a foot-stomping reel. In "Pinetree/Stable Door," the inspiring tunes and haunting flute are reminiscent of the great Irish flautist Michael McGoldrick. The final three-tune number, "Aussie Piper," illustrates Swan and Dyer at their best with a jaunty solo guitar leading into a lively pipe melody with both instruments reaching full throttle at the end.

Having heard this fine album I am already planning to see one of Swan & Dyer's gigs, where they appear either as a duo or as part of the trio Serious Kitchen.

- Rambles
written by Andy Jurgis
published 7 February 2004

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