English fiddler
Dave Swarbrick holds quite a resumé in the folk community, showing up on recordings by
Ewan MacCall and Ian Campbell, among others, as well as being part of the backbone of folk-rock pioneers
Fairport Convention from 1969 to 1984.
Lift the Lid and Listen, his second solo album originally released in 1978, proves why he was in such demand. This set focuses mainly on traditional fiddle tunes that
Swarbrick's fluid style suits nicely. The band he has assembled for this recording, including
Fairport colleagues
Simon Nicol and
Dave Pegg, are in fine form, effortlessly moving through the songs. The lovely title track is a standout, with
Savourna Stevenson on the clársach (Gaelic harp) providing backup to
Swarbrick's mandolin, giving the only
Swarbrick-penned song on the album a sweet feel of a music box lullaby, while "Three Sea Captains/Kate Dalrymple" hints at the folk-rock sound
Fairport Convention had cultivated while remaining completely rooted in traditional folk.
Lift the Lid and Listen is a great album for those looking to find an excellent example of traditional Celtic fiddling as well as those interested in where the great
Fairport Convention fiddler's passions reside. ~ Gregory McIntosh