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Dougie
MacLean, Tribute
I
have always loved Dougie MacLean's arrangement of Robert Burns'
songs. Most of his discs have at least one. "Tribute"
is a treasure trove of Burns songs. It makes for one of Dougie's
best discs.
Of the eleven
songs on "Tribute," seven are by Burns; Tannahill
and Gow have two songs each. Gow's songs are both instrumental
pieces of beauty. The highest complement I can give those by
Tannahill is that they fit nicely with the Burns songs (I dare
you not to get "Are Ye Sleepin' Maggie" stuck in your
head).
The absolute
masterpieces here are the exceedingly beautiful "Banks
and Braes," the cutting insight of "For A' That,"
and the best version of "Auld Lang Syne" you are likely
ever to hear.
The music
of Dougie MacLean always moves the heart. The three songwriters
represented here do the same. "Tribute" is a powerful
musical document. It features an artist at the height of his
powers playing the music that he loves.
I give "Tribute"
my highest recommendation.
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