John McCusker Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Marriage has a reputation for settling young men down. But fiddler John McCusker's recent marriage to singer Kate Rusby seems to have had something of the opposite effect, if the cover photo that graces his third solo album is any indication -- it shows him sporting a sparse and strangely-coiffed mohawk. Musically, though, he remains fairly conservative, but in a good way. "Goodnight Ginger" consists mainly of original compositions, all of them written in a style that will feel very comfortable to any fan of traditional British and Celtic music. McCusker's remarkable compositional skill and casual instrumental virtuosity are well showcased here, and his accompanists are tastefully chosen -- they include Phil Cunningham and Andy Cutting on accordion, the excellent flutist Michael McGoldrick and bassist Andy Seward, among others; Rusby contributes vocals on a lovely setting of the poem "The Bold Privateer," which employs a melody by Cunningham. Highly recommended to all lovers of the traditional music of the British Isles. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Taking a break from his fiddling duties with the Battlefield Band, John McCusker concentrates on ten instrumentals and a guest vocal on Yella Hoose. McCusker and a number of friends combine traditional pieces with self-penned ones to create a smooth Celtic blend that's easy on the ears. Reels and jigs like "The Boys of the Puddle/The Scullion's Wife" invite the listener to kick up his or her heels and let down his or her hair, while "Blue Bonnets Over the Border/Khazi" inspires a more reflective mood. Piano and fiddle intermingle in "Al's Big Day," a relaxed meditation that dips into new age terrain. The arrangements of fiddle, guitar, bass, and flutes are always tastefully thought out on Yella Hoose. While McCusker is joined by a number of high-profiled guests like Tim O'Brien, the players always focus their attention on the music at hand. Only on "Night Visiting Song" does vocalist Kate Rusby step to the forefront. As always, her emotive voice offers a sensitive interpretation of this gentle piece. Yella Hoose is the kind of album that provides the perfect soundtrack for a lazy day, playing in the background as the clouds drift along in the afternoon sky. McCusker's fiddle work is lovely here, and the album will provide fans with yet another look at this versatile musician. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Though John McCusker made one album with the band Parcel of Rogues before joining the Battlefield Band, he is certainly best known for his work with that group. His first solo album is a major departure for him, in that he plays alone or with only minimal accompaniment. This makes it naturally a more quiet and meditative album than the full-band work he is best known for, though sparks do fly on some of the fast numbers. McCusker wrote more than half of the tunes here, and his compositional gifts are formidable. This album is required listening for Battlefield Band fans, both to hear one of the stars of that group in a new setting and to hear alternate versions of band favorites. It is also highly recommended to anyone who enjoys Celtic fiddle music and wants to hear a master of expressive playing. ~ Richard Foss, All Music Guide
