This is Ian's latest CD on the Shielburn Associates label, with his "usual suspects" Ann Rutherford (piano), Tom Lapsley (fiddle), Graham Jamieson (drums), Mark Cummine (accordion) and Colin Stephen (double bass and cello).
One gets a pre-conceived idea of a band and what their CD might be like before you hear it. In the past, I had always thought that Ian Thomson's band was good, very traditional, sort of run of the mill, (that is maybe too strong a phrase) and sounded like a lot of others doing the Country Dance circuit. (Sorry Ian, how wrong could I have been).
When I put this CD on for the first time, I was knocked for six. The first track is a set of pipe reels and what crackers they are too, not at all what I was expecting to hear from Ian. This CD is absolutely brilliant throughout, fifteen tracks in all. Sets range through reels, jigs marches, Boston two-step, Eva three-step, Canadian barn dance, polka and a nice fiddle solo from Tom, with some excellent accompaniment from Ann on the piano and Colin on the Cello. Ian has also put on a continental waltz, which he plays like a "continental accordionist " (maybe too much time spent playing in Spain Ian!) he also has a wonderful rendition of Misty.
This is the best band CD I have heard for a long time, simply because of the wide selection of tunes and some fantastic arrangements. The whole CD has been thought out to the last detail, rock solid tempos throughout with a huge range of dynamics and colour and a well-balanced sound to the various tracks. I can't find anything on the whole CD to complain or moan about. This is a cracker to have in your collection and I won't be lending my copy out as I would never see it again! Well done to Ian and the gang for a great CD.
JL       
Taken from the "Box & Fiddle" May 2002