From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 27 June 2012 15:54
Subject: Pete Fyfe: Dana &
Susan Robinson review & sleeve
Attachments: Dana & Susan
Robinson.jpg
DANA & SUSAN ROBINSON -
American Hornpipe (Threshold Music TM 1012)
Whether it was Robin Hood or the
18th century English Prime Minister Robert Walpole that provides the
title character for the poem "Who Killed Cock Robin" hardly matters when, in
this case it's the musical production that counts. Just witness the infectious
rhythm provided by River Guerguerian and Dana Robinson's ?bluesy' mandolin
complemented by Susan Robinson's vocals which by anyone's standards is a fine
performance. Having said that, unfortunately from a critic's (and possibly
general public's) point of view I couldn't get one hundred percent behind this
album. Perhaps it's just me but after the opening song I was left scanning the
track listing for something more substantial and perhaps wrongly a bit more
?commercial'. OK, so these two ?Old Time' styled talented musicians do provide
gems including the effortlessly sweet toned instrumental "American Hornpipe"
and an enjoyable version of Pete Sutherland's interpretation of "Will The
Circle Be Unbroken?" but to me everything hinges on that opening track. Now
(hopefully) without sounding too controversial it must be difficult trying to
please everyone (or at least a majority of your potential audience) but
sometimes it takes a monumental leap of faith to go with your ?gut' instinct
and provide something which, let's face it may not be your choice personally.
Walking that delicate tightrope of do we aim an album at the ?folk music' market
or encompass the wider, now more widely accepted ?acoustic' market is down to
the artist's preferences but for me personally I'd have chosen the latter. I
know how difficult it is to eke a living professionally but going the whole hog
with a full band sound on record can prove advantageous to the artist (and
listener) and of course from that point you can always go back to the
performer's earlier recordings if you so wish. www.robinsongs.com
PETE FYFE