Wendy Weatherby - A Shirt of Silk or Snow

For more than 25 years, Wendy Weatherby has been a cellist and singer with many of the top names in Scottish music including, for example, Phil Cunningham and Dick Gaughan. She's written music for numerous films and theatre productions and teaches at several prestigious institutions including Newcastle University. Almost single-handedly, she's raised the profile of the cello in traditional Scottish music. Yet, south of the border, she is relatively unknown – until now.

This CD (which is devoted mainly to traditional songs) bears comparison with the very best performers and, I think and hope, will lead to much greater renown.

There are a couple of instrumental tracks that are simply astounding examples of cello playing and her use of the instrument for accompaniment on other tracks is exemplary. But, as she knows so many of the best performers, she has been able to call on several musician friends who also play wonderfully well. Together they produce some of the most delightful and enthralling accompaniments I've heard in months.

Her singing is excellent - clear, simple, articulate and unadorned so that the songs are allowed to speak for themselves. (This, in my opinion, is how it should always be). The track list is a wonderful range of traditional ballads and quasi-traditional songs with a few delicious instrumentals.

All in all, a really top-class act.
Chris (Yorkie) Bartram
Fellside Records: FECD230 www.fellside.com