With harmonica and conga drums in the mix, you know that
Old Blind Dogs
are not the kind of traditional Scots musicians who waste too much time worrying about authenticity. But their overall sound is one that will appeal greatly to fans of
the Battlefield Band
and, especially,
the Tannahill Weavers
, a group whose vocal approach is quite similar to that of
. This band's secret weapon is piper
Rory Campbell
, who composed a number of the tunes on this album and who also plays a mean low whistle. Singer and guitarist
Jim Malcolm
does himself proud on the rollicking
"Forfar Sodger"
(one of many tracks that benefit greatly from the percussion of
Paul Jennings
), and the group's ensemble singing is especially attractive on
"To the Beggin' I Will Go,"
the album's lead track. The instrumentals are even better;
"Roslin Castle,"
an ancient and melancholy air, is given a minimalist and almost spooky arrangement for fiddle, whistle, and guitar, while
Campbell
's
"Soup of the Day"
is underpinned by what sounds suspiciously like a drum loop. Excellent. ~ Rick Anderson