The recorder can be a fine instrument – just listen to classical player John Turner – but we tend to think of it as a kids’ instrument, something you’d buy a child for Christmas if you hate their parents.
Collinson has a collection of recorders and they are not toys: an alto in F made by Jack Darach; alto in F made by Tim Cranmore; alto in G by Bodil Diesen; tenor in C by Kung and a soprano in C by Micha Silkenat. This album is an instrumental journey around the UK, travelling from his home in Suffolk (the cover photos are Walberswick) to Devon, Somerset, Wales, Cumbria, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Themes are animals, nature and family history; opener “Tara” is about a dog, a cheerful tune that the Press notes flag up as radio-friendly. Other song titles include “Byway to Foxhole”, “Tune for the Linnet” and “Bicknoller Hill” – you get the drift.
The sound varies from the eerie “Tune for the Linnet” to the lively opener and “The Complaint” (a mournful song not dissimilar to Gravenhurst).
On one hand, it’s a polished recording of modern folk. He is not doing anything new, nor does he pretend he is. On the other hand – and without disrespecting a talented musician – his photos don’t look like he’s about to crack a smile any time soon and while he’s a meticulous player, sometimes you want him just to kick loose.
Finn Collinson plays recorder, with Archie Churchill-Moss on guitar and accordion, Evan Carson on bodhran and other percussion.
One for fans of trad folk and instrumentals.
Out on Old School Music (OSMCD03) or see finncollinson.bandcamp.com
JMC
(Band photo: Rowan Collinson).
