There’s a tight partnership between Scottish folk musicians Sandy Brechin and Ewan Wilkinson that is immediately apparent in this gig. As soon as it begins the banter and silliness start, the pair brimming with stories of being on tour. With the audience of this early performance being predominantly friends and family, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
The music is equally warm and would be better suited to a sing-song by a log fire in an old country tavern than the back room of the Acoustic Music Centre. The duo performs a selection of traditional and original British folk songs, both instrumental and sung. The toe-tapping hornpipes and jigs are jovial, allowing Brechin to display his skilled and speedy accordion-playing. A later solo piece truly reveals the complexities of the instrument.
Wilkinson’s guitar-playing and singing are particularly emotive. Both his fingerpicking and rhythm playing match Brechin’s ferocious display. During the ballads, his sensitive baritone which is characterised by melodic folk inflections intones the story of each piece. His own compositions are enchanting, his final song ‘Lullaby’ being a fitting end to the gig. Their music is certainly niche, but equally impressive.
