STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 162473-24213 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Andrew Wallace
After touring the world with his wife Kylie and his new band The Sweet Sorrows, former The Electrics frontman and Cross Rhythms favourite Sammy Horner returns with the duo's third album. Billed as a response to requests from fans for a recording of songs performed during their renowned live shows, this epic volume totals 19 cuts. The exciting blend of Celtic/folk and roots music and of original and traditional music has Sammy and Kylie backed by some hand-picked musicians and the result is captivating. The title track is the first of many upbeat foot-stompers on which Sammy's husky vocals, skilfully joined by Kylie, humorously reference the group's globetrotting travels before Sammy declares there's no place like home. We then go on a journey, packed with the imagery of our Celtic landscape, folklore and heritage, of love stories, jigs and reels and more well-known traditionals such as "Carrickfergus" and "Raggle-Taggle Gypsy" all performed with effortless ease. "Pour Me A Pint" is a delightful ballad which recounts an encounter with the Living Water. Sammy's intelligent and witty songwriting and Kylie's evocative vocals are a delightful blend and "Benediction" caps off an engaging and varied album in fine style.
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