Walnut Creek

The British folk duo of guitarist/singer Martin Carthy and violinist/mandolin player Dave Swarbrick was active in the 1960s, even if contractual restrictions meant the pair's albums tended to be credited to Carthy alone; after stints in Steeleye Span (Carthy) and Fairport Convention (Swarbrick), they reunited in the late '80s for such albums as Life and Limb and Skin + Bone. This archival live recording chronicles that latter period, and it finds them as compatible and as traditional as ever. They work together easily on instrumentals including "Carthy's Reel/Return to Camden Town," the quick-tempo guitar/mandolin treatment of "Porcupine Rag," and "Mrs. Bermingham/No. 178/Blind Mary." Carthy's vocals often trace anti-military sentiments ("Arthur McBride," "The Deserter," "Peggy and the Soldier"), but may also narrate a naval disaster ("Ship in Distress"), crimes of animal husbandry ("The Sheepstealer"), or even erectile dysfunction ("Oh, Dear, Oh"). It all makes for a master class in intricate musical teamwork, with some lively and amusing elements in both words and music. ~ William Ruhlmann|