Robbie Greig & Friends

Edinburgh-based and steeped in the Gaelic tradition, Robbie Grieg has enlisted a fine set of friends for his debut album, including Dallahan's Jack Badcock on guitar, Paddy Callaghan on button box, Jenny Hill on double bass and Adam Rhodes on bouzouki. Greig himself is a talented fiddler and demonstrates a genuine and sincere love of tradition.
It's a fine mix of traditional tunes, jigs and reels. Greig also proves himself a subtle vocalist with ‘Greim Na Mara’ (Sea Fever), singing the words of John Masefield but playing a tune from his own father. It's a sweet little song about the call of the sea, which Greig plays with warmth. ‘The Fairest Rose’, a tender plaintive air written by Donegal's Tommy Peoples, is one of the highlights; ‘Gordon’s Mazurka', a self-penned tune, is a fine little intro to a series of jigs; while ‘Isolation Reels’ concludes the album with a sprightly set of Greig's favourite reels. With links to The Paul McKenna Band, Malinky and the mighty Talisk, Greig is a hot new name to watch on the Scots fiddle scene. This is atmospheric stuff, with some rich, accomplished musicianship.