EWAN MACPHERSON – Fetch (Shooglenifty SHOOGLE16017)

fetchWhen I was asked to review the latest CD to be released by Ewan MacPherson, I was surprised to find that it was entirely instrumental works composed by himself, with the exception of three tunes. The CD, titled Fetch, comprises of thirteen tracks which last a total of 59 minutes. Eight of the tracks are five minutes or more long. These are not typical dance tunes or repetitive melodies. Each track is a composition with several parts to it.

To complement his obvious musical abilities on guitar and mandolin, to name a few, Ewan has brought in another eleven top line musicians who feature in different formats throughout the CD. It is not just a rammy with everybody playing along at once. The musicians have been carefully chosen to complement specific tracks. There is only one track which features Ewan alone and that is track 4, ‘Cherry Tree Reel/Dogs Got An Itchy Nose’. I asked him where that came from and he explained “Well, my dog’s got an itchy nose…simple!

You can’t argue with that.

When reviewing or listening to a song there are words to explain the song. An instrumental piece does not have that and it is often advantageous to speak to the composer to establish the reason that they have put each piece together. If I have to find a criticism, it has to be that the sleeve notes are insufficient. Having listened several times to Fetch, I felt I needed to understand each piece better so I contacted Ewan direct and asked him for his thought process behind each number. This he gave me and I listened again but with more understanding of what he was ‘saying’ in his music.

I despair at many recent instrumental releases that I have heard because so many artistes feel it essential to ‘impress’ by playing at breakneck speed or introducing loud drumming or loud bagpipes etc. Not this CD. It is all played at a very sensitive timing and volume level with great feeling. The chosen musicians are all extremely capable and sensitive to Ewan’s compositions. Ewan MacPherson took total charge of the recording and produced it himself in Scotland and Norway

I don’t know what Ewan MacPherson’s fans will think of this CD. Would they have preferred a song or two? Are they happy to listen to an hour of instrumental music? There is no doubt that it is a very good CD and instrumentally, it is excellent. I might suggest that rather than title it Ewan MacPherson…Fetch, I would have highlighted the writing skills of the man. ‘The Music of Ewan MacPherson with friends’ or something along those lines. He is a very talented composer and this CD is proof of that.

Whatever, I have enjoyed listening to this CD and it covers Ewan’s intention as he describes it on the back of the cover as “A collection of new instrumental folk music” which allows him to “re-connect with some friends from along the way…”.

Fraser Bruce

Artist’s website: https://ewanmacpherson.bandcamp.com/l

Ewan MacPherson & Friends – Fetch:


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