Mackerel Sky

Crieff-based composer John Dew’s debut sees the talented piper deliver a series of mostly self-penned tunes in a fiery and vigorous set, and an enticing collection it is too. Joined on the album by Dylan Cairns on guitar and Eoghainn Beaton on bodhrán, Mackerel Sky flirts with some stimulating sounds. A multi-layered recording – multiple bagpipes and whistles dance round each other in a spirited frenzy – the album showcases Dew’s reputation as an exciting and accomplished piper.

The title-track sets the scene well, with a sweaty little tune full of verve and swagger, while ‘Osprey Flight’ shows Dew’s softer side, with a sweetly calm and reflective whistle song. ‘Retreat Marches’ gets the blood pumping for a rising finale, which includes ‘The Salute’ parts 1 and 2, before finishing with the traditional ‘The Marquis of Argyll’s Salute’, the same tune Dew played at the 2019 Royal National Mòd where he was the overall winner. With a sensitive and confident ear for tradition, Dew is a talented and inspiring composer. Mackerel Sky traverses beautifully the fine line between the traditional and the new and provides a thrilling debut from an exhilarating fresh talent.