Two

The attractive mix of traditional Scots and Irish tunes and songs makes up the body of Crawford and Palm's new album Two; named appropriately after the two central musicians but also by the fact that this is their second album. Scotland's Crawford and Germany's Palm make an attractive duo and the core relationship between guitar and fiddle is an engaging and fertile one.

It's a swift selection of nine tracks; a mix of well-chosen covers (Robert Burns, Kris Drever) and some self-penned tunes. Drever's ‘Scapa Flow 1919’ is a tender and evocative interpretation, while ‘Heather on the Moor’ is a sunny rendition of Paul Brady's arrangement. Traditional tunes are welcomed too; ‘Three Little Steps’ in particular is a tidy set of jigs.

Palm's waltz ‘Something is Right About It’ is delicately evocative, touching and palpably atmospheric and showcases the duo's talent as tunesmiths. More self-penned tunes would be most welcome in future.

At times a little slight, perhaps a little too sweet, Two is still a handsome album, with some fine musicianship and a real camaraderie between the two central players. Beautifully melodic, the company of Crawford and Palm is a rather pleasant way to spend some time.