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UNDER A TEXAS SKYE by Hugh Morrison

Available NOW on iTunes




"Under A Texas Skye" by Hugh Morrison
by Catherine L. Tully

Fun and more fun! Hugh Morrison and his three-row button accordion are
back for more good times and this happy CD is sure to please fans of
accordion music everywhere. Hugh began playing at a very young age and
it shows in his smooth ability and mastery of this instrument.
Sometimes the accordion is the full focus of the song, while other
times there are vocals and the music provides texture and background.
Basically, there is not a chance that you could listen to this CD and
walk away doing anything other than smiling ear to ear.

You'll find an Irish waltz, reels and even the familiar favorite, "Red
River Valley" on this album. An unexpectedly delightful performance is
presented on "Come To The Hills" - my favorite track of all. Morrison
likes to feature other artists in his work, which makes for a full
plate of music and keeps things from getting too heavy-handed with the
accordion sound.

I have to say, I enjoyed Morrison's last album, but this one really
shows that he is continuing to evolve and develop into a more
interesting artist, adding dimensions to his songs and sounds.
Sometimes peppy, sometimes wistful and soothing, the accordion is used
to its full range here and the feeling of Texas is communicated well
too. Great spirit and sound make this happy album sing.

Source - CELTIC MP3'S MAGAZINE




Andy Carr - 21st Century Reviews

25 February 2008 Hugh Morrison - Under A Texas Skye

In which Hugh Morrison steps out from the shadows of Murder The Stout (see review elsewhere in these pages) and into the limelight as a band leader. Former Glaswegian Hugh (or Shuggie, as they'd call him in Glasgow) plays button accordion, wringing out a sound different from that of the piano accordion which dominates a lot of Celtic-inspired music. Backed by a small combo playing piano, cello, guitar, banjo and occasional percussion, Morrison presents an album of music far removed from the raucous strains of his other band.
While Murder The Stout tends to favour Irish drinking songs, Hugh demonstrates undeniably Scottish folk influences Under A Texas Skye. There are some traditional Scottish tunes like 'Burns' Farewell', 'Atholl Highlanders' and 'Mary of Skye', and a great version of the Robert Burns song 'McPherson's Rant' (also recorded recently by Aussie favourites the Go Set). But running right through the album is a Texan flavour as well. Hugh Morrison has lived in Texas for a few years, and the Americana influences shine through in tracks such as 'Red River Valley'. Even some of Hugh's own compositions, like 'Made In Texas', show that he has his feet planted firmly in a new homeland.
About half the tracks feature Hugh's button accordion over a bed of piano, making for quite a pleasant,relaxing sound. A bodhran comes thumping in gently at times, sometimes too gently for these ears! What works best, though, is Hugh steaming into 'Old Pipe Reel' and 'Ale Is Dear' (both on a track called 'Minor Reels') with full accompaniment.

Special mention goes to Hugh's lead vocalist Jed Marum, who turns in great performances on 'Come By The Hills', 'McPherson's Rant' and 'Red River Valley'. And commendations on what is for me the centrepiece of the album, Hugh's own composition 'Dun Eistein'. This is a beautiful tune dedicated to the place of that name on the Isle of Lewis, and traditional home to the Clan Morrison. A mighty track that's a soundtrack waiting to happen.

Source - 21st CENTURY REVIEWS




Rambles.net

Hugh Morrison, Under a Texas Skye

Hugh Morrison is a happy transplant, a Scotsman who now lives in Texas (hence the CD's title) and performs with such well-known American-Irish musicians as Jed Marum, who contributes vocals, guitar and banjo on this production.
Morrison has but one instrument, and that he plays well: the button accordion. It's an instrument that requires concentration, dexterity and a true love of some complex and lively tunes. The button accordion just wants to play jigs and reels, and in Morrison's hands it does so with timeless skill.
In typical Irish fashion, Morrison combines tunes, always to good effect: "Calum's Road" and "A Tune for Jimmy," "John McMillan of Marra" with "Glen Galadh Castle," "Rebecca's Reel" and "Granny's Kitchen." Marum sings the lovely "Come by the Hills," with words written by Irish musician Gordon Smith to a traditional Irish tune.
Six of the tunes on this project were composed by Morrison himself, such as the aforementioned "Granny's Reel" and "Rebecca's Kitchen." Morrison gives a bow to his adopted home with the energetic "Texas Made." A highlight for this reviewer was "Red River Valley," sung very sweetly by Marum. It's a song that is often associated with modern musicians such as the Sons of the Pioneers, but has its roots in tradition and probably in Texas.

Source - RAMBLES.NET


CD's for $5.00!! (search CDBABY'S $5.00 Special Sale)

FEET TO THE FLOOR by Hugh Morrison

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FAR FROM HOME by Hugh Morrison & Friends

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MURDER THE STOUT!!

Available NOW on iTunes




Andy Carr - 21st Century Reviews

This Texan five-piece plays traditional Irish music with a rocky edge. Traditional instruments (accordion, mandolin, tin whistle and acoustic guitar) are augmented by Berkley (bass) and Jonathan (drums) to produce a roaring folk sound not unlike the earliest Pogues.

The album opens with a lively romp through 'Roddy McCorley'. Lead vocalist Gerard, an Irish expatriate, sings in a likeable, tuneful growl that suits the up-tempo music very nicely. We get treated to some well-known songs, including 'Fields of Athenry', 'The Rare Old Mountain Dew', 'Whiskey in the Jar' and 'Wild Irish Rover'. Most songs are propelled by Hugh's stellar accordion, a sound that works in well with the whistle (Gerard) and mandolin/guitar (Neil).

Some of the tune combinations are real master strokes. 'Fields of Athenry' somehow melds into the wonderful tune "Merrily Kissed the Quaker', while the '3 Drunken Maidens Medley' throws in some famous American tunes like 'O Susannah' and (appropriately) 'Deep in the Heart of Texas'. But for me, the most sublime moment is the fantastic reworking of 'Botany Bay', book-ended by traditional tunes 'Off to California' and 'Peat Fire Flame'. This tracks's an instant classic.

Here's a debut album that contains a lot of familiar tunes and famous songs, played with an edge that no doubt makes Murder The Stout a most impressive live band. One can easily imagine their gigs developing into raucous singalongs and stompathons. Any chance of an Australian tour, lads?

Source - 21st CENTURY REVIEWS





New Music Compilation - I have compiled a music collection of my late music mentor, Mr Ali Macgregor. Proceeds of sales go to MacMillan Cancer Nurses, Inverness, Scotland.

Please contact me from this page if you'd like a copy for $10.00.