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KEVIN HENDERSON, JENNA REID & KEVIN MacKENZIE - Da Hömin
Own Label HRMCD001

Slightly shorter than we expect nowadays - but that's often the case with Shetlanders.  No shortage of quality, though: superb twin fiddling on a mix of Shetland, Scottish, Irish and Scandinavian tunes, as well as two fine songs. Kevin Henderson (Fiddlers' Bid) is also the token youngster in Boys of the Lough, while Jenna Reid combines Filska and Dochas.  Together they produce fabulous music, backed by guitarist Kevin MacKenzie who has done many weird and wonderful things in the past.
Da Hömin gets extra points for including three of my all-time favourite pieces. The Duke of Fife's Welcome to Deeside, a long and complex Skinner march which more than justifies its grandiose title. Marnie Swanson of the Grey Coast, a gorgeous slow waltz by Andy Thorburn recorded by Shooglenifty and Liz Doherty amongst others.  Farewell to Fiunary, which is one of those great Hebridean songs that became clichés but have now regained PC status (I hope).  The other song which Jenna sings here is the Burns classic Flow Gently Sweet Afton, also the preserve of Arran sweaters and shortbread tartans for a while but charmingly done here with no hint of Tinseltoon.
The Shetland and Scandinavian sets are as powerful as you'd expect from two first-class fiddlers.  Oliver Jack and Da Fashion O' Da Delting Lasses strike sparks from the strings.  The Swedish Reinlander and Polska pair are a joy to listen to, with rich harmonies and a full open sound. Bear Dance ends the album in a dark Scandinavian winter mood.  Along the way, Michael's Mazurka joins a couple of very nice Hendorson compositions.  No tunes from Jenna's pen here: you'll have to check out her solo CD for those.  Short but very sweet, more low-key than most Shetland music but plenty of dynamics nonetheless. 

Alex Monaghan