TradConnect

TradConnect.com review ‘Ten years on’

06/02/15

This is a beautifully observed recording featuring the 5-String Banjo of Ian Carmichael, on a journey of exploration through the American, Irish and Scottish traditions. It moves through moments of full out swing with America on its mind, to reflections from the Scottish highlands and time spent in Ireland. Memories of old tunes return and are given new expression with Colored Aristocracy in particular standing out. It’s full of depth and space and delicate picking.

Ian’s compositional skills are equally explored on tracks like Ten Years On which we include below. The opening Eliza Ross’s Reel learned from piper Iain MacInnes is paired with the well covered slow reel Castle Kelly to great effect. Ten Years On is an accomplished gem that shows the 5-String banjo to be right at home among the melodies of these shores.