The opening intro of Maddy’s latest CD brings to mind Clannad’s ‘Robin The Hooded Man’ with the Uilleann pipes set-up by Troy Donockley.
Now sitting so comfortably with her accompanying musicians including Nick Holland’s solid and imaginative keyboards, Terl Bryant on drums and percussion and the aforementioned Mr Donockley utilising his multi-instrumental skills on electric and acoustic guitars, whistles and cittern.
A lot of the ambient sounds on the ‘Arthur’ suite are created by the various keyboard washes but the cittern with its jangly (almost bell like quality) fits particularly well. On ‘Tribal Warriors’, the drone of the electric guitar’s crashing chord works dramatically with the driving percussion and features Maddy at her spitting best.
The traditionalists among you will be pleased to hear that she also includes classic renderings of ‘Rynardine’ and ‘Lark in the Morning’ for good measure. For those that thought Maddy had lost the plot leaving Steeleye, do yourselves a favour and buy this album – you won’t be disappointed!
Original Posting date – 4-June-2001
Reviewers Name – Pete Fyfe
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