DOUGIE MacLEAN - Riof (Dunkeld Records DUNCD 021)
Comfortable is the word that immediately springs to mind when putting on the latest Dougie MacLean recording. This doesn't mean to say that he is resting on his laurels, far from it in fact. But it is how you always feel. Much like a fine malt, every track matures with age and you can rest assured that in much the same way that the tradition has a way of evolving so do Dougie's songs. If you're looking for one of those anthems that he writes so well complete with infectious hook look no further than "Feel So Near". As ever, always in good company with his choice of musician including Kathy Mattea on a couple of tracks Dougie rarely puts a foot wrong. A class album by a class act!
(Pete Fyfe)