422 - Go Forth

Fourth album from this hugely talented instrumental band from the North-East of England again impressing with the sheer quality of the playingIt is fourteen years since 422 won the 1999 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. The reasons for winning were obvious with comments like the one from Folk On Tap magazine their playing is excellent, the arrangements, inventive, the choice of tunes interesting and the whole imbued with the drive and energy of youth. At the time they were either at or just going to university. They went on to make three albums the last one being in 2005. In the meantime individually and collectively they have collected degrees (including one doctorate in mathematics which might give a hint as to where the band name comes from) and a raft of other band experiences including the Kathryn Tickell Band, Baltic Crossing, The Hut People, Alistair Anderson's Steel Skies various ceilidh bands and numerous one-off collaborations. Add to this teaching, tutoring and producing albums for other people. Having concentrated on playing ceilidhs (the best ceilidh band in the world Alistair Anderson) they are back playing concerts.This wealth of experience has been brought to bear on the new album. The mix is as eclectic as before taking its sources from Britain, Europe and beyond. The musicality and skill which underpins their playing is again in evidence; their challenging arrangements bring the music to life. Everything is played with flawless enthusiasm.