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review "Footprints" by Tom Travis in the Autumn 2009 issue of the British Bluegrass News.
"Before I write another word, I must declare a bias in favour of this band, as would anyone who has the pleasure of meeting them. They are a generous, big-hearted bunch who exude good will. When I read in the sleeve notes that this, their second CD, contains a selection of songs that represent their live gigs, I was doubly pleased because one of the many talents that the Britannia Bluegrass Band possesses is a collective ear for really good material. The instrumental work is pleasing with Ted Costello strutting his stuff on mandolin, fiddle and guitar; Pat Lindon, demonstrating, with some great lead and tasty back-up banjo, that he has really listened to Scruggs, JD Crowe and other bluegrass pioneers who laid down how it should be done. He then demonstrates his prowess on the dobro. Barry Flynn shares guitar duties with Ted Costello to provide the pulse and Pete Mackie provides that necessary anchor on upright bass. There's a mix of standards, such as Footprints In The Snow, and newer songs, including Tim O'Brien's Time To Learn and Like I Used To Do, and Del McCoury's Dreams. There are also some lovely 1950s country-flavoured songs, including Someday You'll Call My Name, Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again and the Jim Eanes composition I Wouldn't Change You If I Could. There is also an instrumental, Banjo Breakdown, where, surprisingly, Barry Flynn plays banjo and guitar, giving a hint of the depth of talent in this band. With an obvious appreciation of the songs that they have selected, the band members sing them well (I found singing along to be irresistible). Ted has a compelling singing voice and takes the bulk of the lead singing - to harmonies provided by Pete and Barry - the as band charms its way through each of the bumper 17 tracks. To add texture, Barry sings lead on the Carter Family classic, Gold Watch And Chain and Pete on a heartfelt, Like I Used To Do. As I said earlier, this album represents what you would experience at one of the Britannia Bluegrass Band's gigs. With a playing time of 44 minutes and 58 seconds, it's as near to a 45 minute spot as you can get, but then, this recording is missing the cheeky Scouse patter in between each tune that there is on stage. So, I surmise that it has a built-in encore ... and well-deserved too!" TOM TRAVIS |
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