Wendy Weatherby brings an impressive array of skills and experience to this CD. A graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, she is an accomplished cellist, a versatile singer and a popular teacher. Unwilling to restrict herself to any one genre, she has ranged happily through everything from classical music and jazz to Scottish reels and film scores. When the mood strikes her, she is capable of turning out original music of her own, most notably compositions for three films. She has also traveled widely in Europe, the former Soviet Union and the United States, absorbing and sharing music as she went.

Here in Two Loves Weatherby's eclectic tastes are reflected in a collection of songs that range from jigs and reels to ballads and lullabies, with a few improvisations thrown in. Throughout, her attention to detail and exquisite command of both vocals and instrumentals bring each element of the music to life. Words, for example, are properly articulated. A cappella notes are delivered on key, without slippage, and harmonies have been polished until they resonate with smooth precision. It takes a consummate professional to achieve that kind of control without losing spontaneity and flow, but Weatherby delivers every time.

The pieces on Two Loves range from a lullaby with a melancholy undertone ("Bonny at Morn") to an intricate pipe tune played on Scottish small pipes accompanied by cello and piano ("Bobbin John"). There are also the requisite songs of lost loves and lives ("Cruel Mother," "Wandering Willie" and "Poppies for the Somme") and pieces that are built around obscure tidbits of history ("Duplin House" and "Canongate Breeks").

Featured throughout, and setting the tone for most of the pieces, is the voice of Weatherby's cello. This came as a welcome and eye opening surprise to me since the instrument's rich and mellow tones are beautifully suited to the jigs, reels, airs and ballads of Scottish music. When joined by the lively piano work of James Ross and an assortment of other string, wind and percussion instruments, the results are both descriptive and moving. This is music that can be appreciated by amateur and professional alike -- offering professional execution balanced by go-for-broke fun.

- Rambles
written by by Jena Ball
published 30 August 2003