Boston Irish Reporter – Susan Lindsay – February 2008 issue

source - http://www.bostonirish.com/

Hugh Morrison - Under a Texas Skye

Distributed through ACM Records out of New Jersey, this Texas-based Scottish squeezebox player released this recording in mid-2007S but like all trad, it¹s still fresh. His playing is traditionally informed, sincere,

passionate, and understated. From the opening jig with just squeezebox and

piano (Kendall Rogers), there¹s a truly traditional feel that brings us

straight into a emotional version of ³Come By the Hills,² sung by banjo &

guitarist Jed Marum http://www.jedmarum.com/ . Also on this track is a

notable cello performance from Glasgow's Trish Strain. Next up is a terrific

old-fashioned accordion/piano schottische that brings you straight to the

dance halls of Irish America in the 1950s. While Morrison has his own more

progressive band ³Murder the Stout,² this recording is a window on what you

might hear if you hired him to play for your ceili. There¹s a strong

Americana flavor throughout, including an easygoing version of ³Red River

Valley,² helping to reinforce the album¹s charm and stamp of identity.

This is his third recording since he arrived in Houston, following "Feet to the Floor"

(2003) and "Far from Home"(2005). (ACM Records) For more information, visit www.hughmorrison.co.uk.

(go to pg19 of Feb 08 issue for full review)