There are plenty of reasons to be cheerful about this debut from the duo of fiddler and mandolinist Tom Kitching and guitarist/banjo player Gren Bartley. It's fairly low-key, with a mix of traditional and original material (much of it from Bartley's pen), but very much steeped in melody. They're at their best on the English and Irish material, but definitely have a penchant for the blues with "Look at the People Standing at the Judgement" (best known from the Skip James version) and the standard "Somebody on Your Bond," although it's odd to hear these in decidedly English accents, and their takes seem a little dry and passionless. That said, the American trad song "Long John" works very well in their hands. They're quite capable of fast, flashy playing, but rarely exhibit it, preferring to go for mood and atmosphere -- the lovely, mellow closer "Rainy Morning" is a perfect example. Bartley proves to be an accomplished songwriter, with a restful voice that lulls its way into the mind and heart. Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley have found a niche here; now let's see how they develop it.
© Chris Nickson /TiVo