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This record contains a mixture of
songs and instrumentals all performed with skill, clarity
and ease, but more than this is the obvious pleasure of
the performance. He plays guitar, mandolin and bouzouki,
often multi tracked, he sings and writes good- quality
songs!
The instrumentals range from jigs to more studied lyrical
pieces, all played with a breathtaking precision that are
joyful to hear. He is very ably accompanied by Bod on bodhran, and Paul Sartin on oboe; both add quality to
Benji's excellent performance. There are four songs,
three of which are traditional: Trooper and the Maid;
Curragh of Kildare and The Bold Pedlar; together with a
self-penned song Ridgewalkers.
I had not actually heard Benji before this CD but I shall
certainly be looking forward to seeing him live at
forthcoming festivals or in a local folk club.
Living Tradition February 99
This CD is in the main a collection of instrumentals some
with an Irish origin such as "Foxhunters Jig/Merry
Blacksmith," some with a decidedly 'Battle Of The
Field' era Albion flavour ("The Goatherder Set")
when Paul's oboe weighs in. All are effective and
accomplished - serious stuff rather than mere noodling on
a hit or miss basis...
Whether
considered cool, current or contemporary by the bulk of
young persons Benji's age its hard to say but if they
forgo their Prodigy albums for awhile they'll find a
hugely enjoyable record. He's a resonant force and one to
be reckoned with. There's no musical thistledown here.
English Dance and Song
This CD certainly showcases his undoubted talent. As well
as being a good singer, he has inherited his parent's
instrumental skills and plays guitar, bouzouki and
mandolin frighteningly well. He is joined by one Bod on
bodhran and Paul Sartin on oboe. There are several songs
on the album, the best of which is 'The Bold Pedlar',
with its excellent arrangement. He also chips in with one
of his own songs 'Ridgewalkers', which proves he is no
slouch in the songwriting department either. The tunes
are a mix of traditional and self-composed, but no matter
whattheir origin Benii always provides neat, uncluttered
arrangements coupled with quite superb musicianship.
Another name to add to the growing roster of young talent
that has come through in the past few years.
Folk on Tap Winter 98
Benji Kirkpatrick is the progeny of two renowned and
prolific musicians (and parents) and has clearly
benefited firorn his upbringing. His performance on
bouzouki, guitar and mandolin shows both skill and
originality as he moves from slow airs to some almost
funky jigs. Six of the thirteen tracks are original
compositions which show an intelligence and maturity
which many older folk musicians would do well to emulate.
There are four songs, three of which are traditional,
with some innovative rhythms and harmonies underpinning
old favourite melodies, although in places the
voice sounds unsure and breathless, while the
original 'Ridgewalkers' harks back to the early
inhabitants of the hillforts of Shropshire. However it is
instrumentally that this album shines, and with this
first offering (accompanied by some great bodhran playing
by someone referred to only as Bod), Benji has shown that
he has the talent and creativity to become a musician of
considerable status.
Simon Loake
Shreds and Patches magazine, Issue 14 Winter 1998
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