Album review: MIKE VASS – Decemberwell Decade

Bandcamp [Release date 18.02.22]

Mike Vass is always an artist coming up with new musical ideas that are both intriguing and enjoyable. On ‘Decemberwell Decade’ he celebrates his 2011 classic winter album with a brand new incarnation. The original album saw Mike Vass composing, arranging, producing, performing and recording this multi-instrumental album himself from his home studio in Glasgow.

Now, a decade on, he celebrates the anniversary by involving some of his most admired musicians and friends, writing music that is solely for them to play, keeping himself firmly in the position of composer and producer.

The musicians involved are Louis Abbot (drums), Philip Cardwell (trumpet), David Foley (flute), Donald Grant (violin), Signy Jakobsdottir (percussion), Kathleen MacInnes & Mairi MacLennan (Gaelic song), Sorren MacLean (guitars), Joseph Peach (piano & accordion) and Emma Smith (double bass).

The whole of ‘Decemerwell Decade’ is one of sonic beauty, however, the closing track ‘Ciuin an aidhch (Silent Night)’, featuring the singing of Kathleen McInnes is stunning. It invokes the seasonal spirit without being cliched or twee.

‘Suspension In The Air’ mixes traditional music with a fast dance beat to good effect, with ‘Two Decker’ dominated by fiddle and trumpet weaving their magic between each other. Another piece of music that benefits from a bit of heft from the drums and dreamy rhythms.

A fascinating reworking and rewarding listen, proving that Mike Vass really deserves greater recognition for his music. If ever there was an album to sum up December musically this it. Sublime. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)