Strange But True: 25 Years of Friends & Tunes * by Kathryn Tickell NEUF populaire

Performer Notes:

• Personnel: Kathryn Tickell (vocals, fiddle, viola, pipes); Ian Stephenson (guitar); Julien Batten (accordion).
• Additional personnel: Corrina Hewat (vocals, harp); Katie Doherty, Olivia Ross (vocals); Malcolm Stitt, Matthew Jones (guitar); Kate Selby (harp); Chris Lewis , Jane Brown, Kev Lees, Vicky Lewis, David Jones, Catriona MacDonald (fiddle); Matthew Dean, Leanne Lawson (flute); Anxo Lorenzo, Rory Campbell (whistle, pipes); Karen Tweed (accordion); Johan Vandendriessche (saxophone); Andy Sheppard (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jarle Ferde, Jan Magne Ferde (trumpet); Runar Tafjord (French horn); Helge Ferde (trombone); Stein Erik Tafjord (tuba); Paul Flush (Hammond b-3 organ); Joe OConnor (melodeon); Neil Harland (double bass); Dan Rogers (bass guitar); Marcus Lewin (drums, percussion); Frank Michiels (percussion); The Demagogue Reacts!, Folkestra, Luigi Lai, Brazz Bros., Pipelines.
• Its hard to believe that Kathryn Tickells career has lasted a quarter of a century, but theres no doubt that in that time shes raised the profile of her beloved Northumbrian pipes to a remarkable degree; after all, what better exposure than being on a Sting album? This album, though, focuses on her own work, whether its a lovely duet with Corinna Hewitt on "Heres the Tender Coming" or her pairing with Norwegian brass group Brazz Brothers for "Raffertys Unreel." One thing the collection achieves is to illustrate the range of her work, from her duet with sax player Andy Sheppard to a bizarre live collaboration with the Demagogue Reacts! Along with the pipes, Tickell is an accomplished fiddler, as she shows, and has made forays into singing. But shes also a mentor and teacher, and her students get to strut their stuff on a pair of tracks. Lovingly compiled, this does an excellent job of showing the breadth of Tickells vast musical range, and the sheer delight she takes in playing. ~ Chris Nickson

Producer: Kathryn Tickell

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: Australia

Studio/Live: Studio

Release Date: 23 October, 2007

Label: Park (UK)

Dimensions: 12.6 x 14.4 x 0.9 centimeters (0.10 kg)