This is the Brandon McPhee's Band fourth CD and second DVD on the Pan Label the first to be a live recording in front of a 200+ strong audience. This recording also features Brandon's first composition which he named after Pan Records, the title - 'Achnaclyth House'. This track features Kimberley Mackay joining the band on fiddle. The show was recorded earlier this year at a concert in the prestigious Ackergill Tower's Summer Palace.
After hearing all 19 tracks of the above band I was astonished and amazed at the ability of this young mans handling of the Shand Marino, and the very talented Alastair, Manson and Robert who accompany him. The phrasing and expression of all the Reels, Jigs, Strathspeys, Marches and Waltzes etc. and he sings very well, as does Manson. The tempos of all the sets are very well maintained, the Pipe Marches are of interest to me, here again very well played, the March, Strathspey and Reel is a very well arranged set. Bill Black of Stanley in competition tempo is very well expressed, as was the Strathspey and reel. Brandon's first composition again demonstrates his ability to compose as well as play the music. The heading says it all, 'Live and Relaxed', well done Brandon.
John Crawford
Track Listing;
- Loch Leven Castle, [Trad] Bonnie Banchory, [Skinner] Jack's Delight, [Trad] Hurlock's Reel, [Anderson] Kerrs Music Corp
- Inverness Gathering, [Trad] Bruce Gandy's Dusty Chanter, [Grey] Isa Music
- North Isles Waltz, [Barbour] The North Atlantic Waltz, [Barbour] Deeay Music Ray's Wedding, [Tulloch] Cop Con. Svenska Anna, [Trad]
- Six Twenty Two Step [Shand] Kerrs Music
- Jimmy Shand The Legend [Alexander] Greyfriars Music
- Lady Angela Alexander, It's Grand Among Your Ain Folk [Shand] The 25th KOSB's Farewell to Meerut [Trad]
- Falconer Wallace of Candacraig,[Grant] Patersons Publications
- Song For The Mira [McGillivary] Morning Music Ltd
- Bluebird Polka [Starr] Kerrs Music Corp
- The Old Button Box [McCrone] Jammy Music Publishers
- Halkirk Games, [Coghill] Dr J G Hunter Of Aultbea, [Macdonald] Cop Con
- Moon Valley Waltz, [Machlis] Maisie Cowie's Slow Air, [Cowan] Harper Music Hamiltanning's Waltz [Machlis]
- Achnaclyth House [B McPhee] Cop Con
- Bill Black Of Stanley, [Huband] Deeay Music, Arlene Bowie, [Farnan] Twin Music For The Record [Currie]
- Home To The Kyles [McCrone] Bulk Music
- Jig Of Slurs, [Maclennan] Cork Hill, Troy's Wedding, Lieutenant Maguire's Jig [Trad]
- A Welcome Christmas Morning [Shand]
- Jean's Reel, High Level Hornpipe, President Garfield [Trad]
- Danny Boy [Trad]
