Review of 1998 Rally

Below is a review of our 1998 Rally, by permission of Celtic Beat.

The words for this Scottish Fiddle Rally were excellence and enthusiasm. Iain MacFarlane highlighted the first part, particularly in combination with Ingrid Henderson. I thoroughly enjoyed the fiddle and harp combination here. Iain performed tunes learned from his father, such as "Sitting in the Stern of a Boat." Then to the massed fiddles, with solos by director Ed Pearlman. On Daniel Dow's "Sandy M'Gaff" with "Lady Douglas of Bothwell" and "The Way to Judique" he was colorful and upbeat. This was succeeded by Wendy MacIsaac and Jackie Dunn. These two fiddlers put forth a superb presentation of their downeast tradition, switching off between fiddling, dancing and keyboards -- pure Cape Breton, clearly wonderful in their presentation. Music from the Scots musical compilation, The 90's Collection including Celtic works by contemporary Scots musician-composers such as Alasdair Fraser's "Compliments to Lorna Mitchell," was diligently performed by the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club -- a magnificent presentation of this new Celtic music.

And demonstrating that in the Celtic Realm innovation and tradition go well hand in hand, was the outstanding dance sequence in "The Lady Doune Set" wherein the Scots Highland dancers were counterpointed by the Cape Breton step dancers -- most impressive -- a tribute both to the tradition and demonstration of Ed's abilities as director/musician and Laura Scott's choreography.

The second half of the concert was no less dynamic. Ed and crew began with tunes such as "Where Gadie Rings" and included a series of marches and strathspeys as they progressed. Wendy MacIsaac and Jackie Dunn came back on with a tune by Wendy's cousin, Ashley and there followed a couple of tunes by Jackie who thanked Mary Lamey for her part in this production. Tony Cuffe of Ossian fame who had been part of the Club's band up to this point added his guitar to the next set with "Kindness Forever Mair," "Boatman of Pitnacree," "An Honorable Peace" and "Tail Toddle" (Broad Scots mouth music sung by Tony accompanying Laura Scott's dancing.) Laura Scott also danced as Iain MacFarlane and Ingrid Henderson performed "Donald Mor of Keppoch" and more tunes beloved by Iain's father. Laura also danced an excellent hornpipe to Iain's playing.

The final set brought it all together with tunes like "The Banks of Spey" by William Marshall vibrantly danced to by Laura Scott and then once more the two dance groups combined, dancing to Wendy MacIsaac's fiddling.

It was a most magical evening brought forth by love of the art, skill, and excellent teaching, helped along with some comic relief by Ed Pearlman, who deserves tremendous thanks for his work here. And thanks also to Iain MacFarlane, Wendy MacIsaac, Tony Cuffe, Jackie Dunn, Laura Scott, Ingrid Henderson, and the young dancers and fiddlers of the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club.

- Arthur Ketchen [an error occurred while processing this directive]