Cheyenne Brown & Seylan Baxter

*****

performing at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Edinburgh 12/04/07

See celloharp.com

Review by Tom Harland

Innovative and contemporary arrangements of traditional songs and tunes pleased a largely older crowd at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar on Thursday night. Support from the lovely voice of Caroline Pugh accompanied by a flute initiated the theme of unusual musical combinations which was continued by Cheyenne and Seylan throughout the evening. The seldom seen interplay between Seylan's vocals and cello and Cheyenne's dazzling harp did much to dispel the stereotypes of stuffy classical instrumentalists, especially during rowdy drinking numbers such as "Gude Claret".

Seylan's rich vocals and warm stage presence sought to involve the crowd and guide non-scots in the audience through her largely broad scots lyrics. Her cello playing was atmospheric and inventive, with especially interesting slides during the folk classic "Twa Corbies".

For the reviewer though the show was stolen by the incredibly dexterous harp playing of Alaskan-born Cheyenne. Far from the stereotype of harp plaing being the preserve of Pre-Raphelite maidens, Cheyenne stood rather than sat to play her instrument and made it look even more impressive by propping it up on a box so that it dwarfed her by comparison. Nevertheless, the energy and enthusiasm with which she played was matached only by her penchant for bear stories from her homeland which interspersed the songs. On "The Buring of Auchendoon" the harp was used to form an atmospheric soundscape of crackling flames, with the magical replication of natural sounds recurring throughout the set during many of the tunes.

If you ever wondered what musical sound falling snow flakes would make, catch up with this talented duo who admirably showcase the rich vein of traditional musicians to come out of the RSAMD.

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