John McCusker – Under One Sky

Folk music has enjoyed a major and much deserved resurgence in recent times, whether it is through long haired bearded quirks or fiddle playing troubadours, this particular strand of music is alive and well. Scotsman John McCusker presents his latest set of collaborative works in the form of ‘Under One Sky’, in which the multi tasking instrumentalist, composer and producer is joined by a multitude of Scottish and English talent.

It’s an ambitious piece of work that explores the ways in which traditional melodies are interwoven with the likes of Idlewild vocalist Roddy Woomble, Gaelic songstress Julie Fowlis, as well as an ensemble of instrumental folk who lend their hand at making this into a well thought out and crafted piece of musical tapestry. The title track is a haunting piece of soothingly beautiful fiddle, a ten minute feast for the ears that, like many of the seven tracks on offer, twists and turns, meandering itself skilfully away from anything that might be considered frumpy into joyously catchy territory.

The album highlight comes, unsurprisingly, in ‘Long Time Past/Lavender Hill’ with Woomble’s vocals adding a much needed air of gravity to a work that may have missed the average listeners’ ears upon first listen. Brooding and temperamental, it’s to McCusker’s credit that his attention to detail has resulted in some of the most accessible pieces of contemporary folk music. ‘Jigs, Strathspey & Reel’ is an up tempo little riot, whilst album closer ‘Jack’s Seward’s’ is a calming, reflective piece of work that neatly wraps up what came before it. Gracious, yet sporadically melancholic at times, ‘Under One Sky’ is a touching set of melodies that, most bands today would do well to learn from.