Cauld Blast Orchestra music review: A dynamic comeback
A sonic elixir like few others as this cross-genre ensemble reunites with gusto
The stage is arrayed with sundry percussion, gourd-like instruments, stringed things and a baby grand piano, heralding the reunion of the mighty Cauld Blast Orchestra. This chamber ensemble like no other was originally formed to provide the soundtrack to Communicado’s landmark 1990 production of Jock Tamson’s Bairns and featured late List folk correspondent Norman Chalmers on concertina. Taking his place and that of other absent friends are a young team trio, while founder Karen Wimhurst returns on clarinet alongside saxophonist Steve Kettley, violinist Anne Wood and multi-instrumentalist Iain Johnstone among others.
Cauld Blast led the way for Scottish cross-genre ensembles and this comeback set demonstrated how potent and dynamic their eclectic blend remains, with its unexpected stylistic twists and turns fuelled by vibrant solos, playful duos and the sheer force of personality of this 11-piece in full flight, inviting the audience to follow where they lead.
Highlights flew thick and fast, from the Weill-like soused oompah of Johnstone’s ‘The Railyard Band’ to Kettley’s choppy and cheeky ‘Symphony Of Mammon’ and Wimhurst’s magnificent ‘Silver Silber’. All of this was typical of their multi-part, multi-layered odysseys which drew equally on folk, jazz and classical traditions, spiced with a touch of tango or propelled by jazz-punk grooves. Fingers crossed for more of their sonic elixir.
Reviewed at Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections.