Katie McNally Trio – Now More Than Ever
Independent – 4 December 2020
Boston based fiddler Katie McNally has been making waves ever since the release of her solo debut Flourish back in 2013. More recently she has formed a trio, with herself on fiddle, Shauncey Ali on viola and Neil Pearlman on piano. Firmly rooted in the great Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle tradition, McNally’s playing is always stimulating, absorbing and beautifully fluid. The trio’s second album, Now More Than Ever, illustrates just how far the group have grown over the last few years and promises even more thrilling ventures on the horizon.
Handsomely produced by the multi-talented Anna Massie and recorded by the equally gifted Angus Lyon at his studio in Scotland, Now More Than Ever sees the trio deliver a fine set of self-penned tracks with a few well-chosen interpretations of traditional tunes.
‘Fletch Taylor/Marcel Aucoin/Matthew Robinson’s’ is a blistering opener to what is a bright and thoroughly engaging release. A simple tune, but the sweeping playful duet between McNally’s fiddle and Pearlman’s piano is particularly pleasing, adding in Ali’s viola makes this a splendid introduction.
‘Worthley Pond’ is one of two tracks on the album solely written by McNally. Taking its name from the lake in Maine and originally written for a friend’s wedding, it is a sweet, reflective, and thoroughly romantic tune. There is no time to rest though as this is followed swiftly by the giddy, sweaty set of tunes ‘June’s Right Arm / Cape Town Hustle’ by both McNally and Ali.
‘John and Maurizio’s Wedding March / Dr Macinnes’s Fancy’ nicely melds a McNally tune with one by the renowned Pipe Major Donald MacLeod. Starting with a lively march before finishing with a rousing and vigorous reel is a fine move and guaranteed to get your feet moving.
The last two tracks on the album find the trio in a bit of a ceilidh mood. ‘Compliments to Bob McIntyre / Humours of Westport / Lad O’Beirne’s / Homage À Leanne Hebert’ takes a series of self-penned tunes, mainly strathspeys and reels, with a real mix of Breton, Scottish and Irish flavours.
‘Dr John O’Grady’s 75th / Quinie Fae Rhynie’ starts with a warm jig, before finishing with a sprightly and vigorous reel. It’s a nice conclusion to the album and one that encourages much more exciting tunes on the horizon.
The interplay between McNally, Ali and Pearlman is what makes this album. There is some striking musicianship between the three which you can only find with a group of artists who truly know their capabilities. With the feeling of an album that is organic, yet paradoxically tightly structured, Now More Than Ever is that rare beast: with the lack of guests the recording is purely focused on the chemistry, confidence and sheer pleasure of the core group playing. You can tell the trio had a blast recording this.
Now More Than Ever demonstrates that the Cape Breton tradition is in very safe hands with McNally and her band: a delightful, enticing and thoroughly exhilarating release.
Pre-order via https://www.katiemcnally.com/store