Thursday 3 May 2018

Ryan Young & Jenn Butterworth, Edinburgh Folk Club, Pleasance

Support came from young singer/songwriter Kieran McGee (sp?) with a competent set of his own songs and guitar playing.  A better than average support act.

Young and Butterworth are in a different class of musicianship though.  Ryan is one of the most talented young fiddlers to emerge in Scotland in recent years, and his obvious virtuosity is matched by a strong musical imagination in the variations he plays.  A mixture of traditional and modern pieces, all delivered with the same dexterity, and a disarming smile at the end of each number.  He can be amusing too, in a self deprecatory manner.

Jenn is the perfect foil, never overshadowing but able to provide rhythmic variety that enhance the melodies.  She was particularly impressive on the slower numbers, where her carefully chosen little fills add depth to the fiddle sound.  Butterworth also performed a couple of songs, showing off a sweet voice and modern style of delivery.

Very obvious was the mutual admiration between these two of their respective talents.  When one or the other was performing solo their companion strongly approved.

Both together and in other acts this pair are well worth seeking out.  The future of folk music in Scotland is in good hands.

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