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Review of original LP (1985)
Tickled Pink - Savourna Stevenson Frequent listening have done absolutely nothing to alter my view that this is a superb clarsach album, worth anybody's money - one in which an ancient instrument is thrillingly coaxed towards and across new musical frontiers. Savourna Stevenson has presented not only arrangements of traditional tunes but also a number of her own compositions, and it is these, borne on the wings of enviable technical dexterity and outstanding musicianship, that provide the most memorable moments. Her 'Lament for a Blind Harper' where fiddler Aly Bain makes one of several knowing and telling contributions, is quite simply one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard in the past year....Miss Stevenson also takes smoothly in her stride a testing array of traditional music, ranging from slow Scots airs to Irish jigs. She clearly finds that fast dance music holds no technical terrors: the fingers fly, and the music ripples along as if she were tinkering with a toy mandolin. Great Stuff. Alastair Clark, The Scotsman. Comment on Footstomping (2012) Savourna Stevenson has long been regarded as one of the leading exponents of the clarsach - the Scottish small harp. On this her first album (originally recorded in 1985 and newly re-issued on CD), she was joined by Frank Usher on acoustic guitar and by Shetland fiddler Aly Bain in a selection of traditional tunes from Scotland, Shetland, Ireland and England plus several of her own compositions for clarsach. The sparkling duets with Savourna and Aly are an absolute joy. At the time of release, this album was included in Scotsman reviewer Alistair Clark's "best-of-the-year selection". Not surprising as it is totally gorgeous! |