The Battlefield Band Albums (26)
'Zama Zama: Try Your Luck'
Release Date 9/15/2009
Tracks 14
Label Temple
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Judging by their new release, the Battlefield Band are more than a little angry at the credit crunch. There's plenty of outright fury at the greed of bankers and businessmen, such as on the original "Robber Barons" and the instrumental "Bernie's Welcome to Butner," for fraudster Bernie Madoff. But it's there all through the disc, a fierce energy that's obvious in "The Mines of Golkonda," which is possibly more powerful than anything they've recorded, and the ballad "The Auchengeich Disaster," which simmers on edge. There's one very surprising cover, of "Plain Gold Ring," written by Nina Simone, which fits perfectly with the dark spirit of the disc. The credit crunch might not be a good thing, but it's given a whole new excellent mindset to the Battlefield Band. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Just because the Battlefield Band has been going for over 30 years doesn't mean they've run out of things to say. On the basis of Road of Tears, they remain quite thought-provoking. If not exactly a concept album, it's certainly a thematic record, around the idea of emigration and populations on the move (for many reasons). That's a perennial topic, but one that retains its currency in this day and age. With a new singer/guitarist (Sean O'Donnell) but customarily fine playing, they tackle a wide range of material, from the original title cut to Robert Burns and even Woody Guthrie -- with, of course, a fair sprinkling of tunes and songs from the tradition. The playing is as stunning as ever, if lovingly understated, and there's a sense of passion and commitment in every performance here. It's almost as if they've found a new cause and new heart. Road of Tears is the best Battlefield Band disc in quite some time. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Almost 30 years after the release of its debut album (and with only one founding member, keyboardist and songwriter Alan Reid, remaining), the Battlefield Band has gone from strict traditionalism to folk-rock fusion and back again, and is now one of Celtic music's most respected traditional groups. Not that the quartet's sound is in any way hidebound or dusty; they can rip things up with the best of them, and are as likely to play new original compositions as old traditional ones. On Out for the Night, the young fiddle virtuoso John McCusker has been replaced by the only slightly older fiddle virtuoso Alasdair White, who brings not only a gorgeous tone and limpid rhythmic sense to the proceedings, but also several very fine original tunes; even better original material comes courtesy of piper Mike Katz. The best news of all is the return to the group of guitarist and singer Pat Kilbride after a 20-year absence. Highlights on the program include Kilbride's vocal performance on "Earl of Errol" and the very fine dance set at the beginning of the album; only the harmonica on "Belfast to Boston" seems a bit out of place. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
And once more there are personnel changes in the Battlefield Band, which takes on a new incarnation, proving that the name is bigger than any of the players. Former guitarist Pat Kilbride is welcomed back to the fold after a long absence, but surprisingly, he's not the biggest surprise here -- that title belongs to fiddler Alasdair White, who has big shoes to fill in replacing John McCusker. He does a phenomenal job, penning the title cut, which offers impressions of his native Isle of Lewis, and insinuating himself comfortably into the band while still bringing plenty of little quirks and playing that ranges easily from wonderfully melodic to fiery. As always, though, it's Alan Reid who's the linchpin of it all, his vocals framing the aching "Nancy's Whiskey," the tale of a man torn between a love for a woman and alcohol, and "The Bonnie Jeannie Deans," his memory of the old steamboats that plied the Clyde. In fact, it's the slower songs that make the greatest impact, although Kilbride gives a kick to faster material like "Whiskey From the Field." They're different but the same, older and wiser, and fast becoming a force of nature. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Happy Daze offers something completely different for Battlefield Band fans: the presence of a talented female. Karine Polwart joins John McCusker, Alan Reid, and Mike Katz for a lively and immediately likable album. In "The Devil's Courtship" Reid invites the young lass to "gang along wi' me" while Polwart politely demurs, at least until the price is right. Polwart sings lead on the lovely "The Banks of Red Roses," accompanied by whistles, keyboards, and exquisite fiddle. The addition of her voice adds an emotional warmth to the proceedings, expanding the overall sound and offering a perfect counterpoint to Reid's vocals. The album isn't just a vocal affair. "Tini Wee Vin/The Road to the Aisle" and a number of lively jigs filled with whistles, fiddle, guitar, and pipes sit happily between the vocal tracks. While it has sometimes been noted that the Battlefield Band uses non-traditional instruments like synthesizers, their music carries the spirit of old Scotland. The arrangements are simple and straightforward, tastefully supporting each tune. Other notable songs include the story of the modest "Sheppard Lad" who loses the lady fair because he behaves as a gentleman when he finds her skinny-dipping at the local swimming hole. She admonishes him, singing "had you done as you desired/I'd never have left you there," adding an interesting -- if non-politically correct -- twist to this tale. The title track is a slow, moving piece, with pipes and fiddle painting a peaceful, if melancholy, landscape. Happy Daze succeeds on a number of levels, and will be welcomed by the group's fans and lovers of traditional Scottish music. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
'Leaving Friday Harbor'
Release Date 9/28/1999
Tracks 15
Label Temple
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Scottish music can be famously rousing, and with a name like the Battlefield Band, you might expect nonstop bagpipe tunes and war songs. Instead, on this album, the band specializes in delicate instrumental suites, ballads, and the occasional nostalgic song about lost country life. The pipes do play, but with a more lyrical tone than can be imagined by anyone who thinks of the instrument as just a part of a pipe-and-drum band. Indeed, the pairing of the pipe with tin whistle and fiddle on the title track is marvelous, even soothing. Of course, there are some rousing numbers, like "One More Chorus," a great little showoff piece for fiddler John McCusker. The band plays everything with the grace and authority that comes from long experience and a whole lot of talent in the same place, making Leaving Friday Harbor a must-have for fans of Scottish music with contemporary flair. ~ Richard Foss, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Another lovely outing from the Battlefield Band, with a nice mixture of traditional tunes and originals -- one of which, "The Beaches of St. Valery," is a tragic tale of those who did not make it home after the debacle at Dunkirk; the kick in this is that the song is based on a piece written for the wife of composer Chris Wood. Consistently expert (and enthusiastic) playing meshes with a careful approach to Scottish music to provide a splendid disc. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
