VIVANDO (Cassette. Glenthorn Tel: 01621 852234 or 0171 249 2770)
Quirky, slightly eccentric and very accomplished - I enjoyed this immensely. A band who can dabble in Irish, Bluegrass, Classical, Tex Mex and Klezmer (with a Tarantella thrown in) and still retain a distinct identity and sound is a rare thing.
What makes this work so well is the understanding between the musicians. No-one dominates, they all work for each other. Kathryn Locke's cello swoops deftly around Pete Cooper's violin, while Geoff Coombs mandolin and mandola dovetails neatly between.
Band members get the chance to showcase their individual talents, but there is still a cohesive, understated feeling to the album.
Play it again and again and you will notice something exciting and different every time.
Standards like 'The L & N Dont't Stop Here Anymore' gain fresh perspectives, while Geoff Coombs' 'Architect's Waltz' is at the cutting edge of writing.
Vivando will confound those who have to have their music pigeon holed.
Questions: When can I see them play live? Why is this on cassette only and not subject to a major CD launch? When's the next one coming out?
(Andy Hemsley)