COMBINING mastery with mischief, tradition with modernity, Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley, the internationally acclaimed fiddle and guitar duo from the Orkney Islands, have a magical new CD IDIOM (Geosound: GSCD002) – a way of speaking, of expressing oneself.

This is their first CD since Skyran (10 years ago!) and marks 20 years since their first album, Dancing Fingers, (released when they were a mere 16 years old!).

IDIOM is a sparkling blend of traditional, contemporary and original material, invigorated with jazz, blues and ragtime flavours.

IDIOM, like an Orkney sunrise, bursts with light, colour and outrageous and dizzying energy.

IDIOM has woken the timeless standing stones of Orkney and made them dance again.

IDIOM reflects a confidence and maturity honed from years of touring and playing.

IDIOM is just what you’ve come to expect from this talented duo – there’sthat lovely lightness of touch so the music fairly skips along, a great sense of fun, great musicianship from all concerned, and an unerring sense of what sounds, ‘right’.

After many years of touring, the Wrigleys returned home to Orkney and in 2004 set up ‘The Reel’, predominantly a music school but also encompassing a cafe& bar, music shop, venue and exhibition space. The school now has over 600 students, allowing the lasses to ‘put something back into Orkney.’

The twins began performing together – Jennifer (fiddle), Hazel (piano, guitar) – when they were only eight years old.

Their recordings – from their debut Dancing Fingers (1991) recorded between the ages of 13 and 16, its successor, The Watch Stone (1994), third album Huldreland, fourth Mither 0′ The Sea, fifth Skyran and now the sixth – IDIOM – reveals their assurance and sophistication and reaffirms their international prominence.

Jennifer and Hazel have done three world tours, visited 47 countries (including 15 trans-Atlantic trips) and appeared in countless television and radio productions. They have undertaken many musical and education related initiatives and collaborations; several with internationally renowned artists such as Evelyn Glennie.

They have also delivered extensive teaching and music workshop initiatives throughout the world. The sisters were extensively involved in ‘Live Music Now’ – a tutorial initiative whose patrons are Yehudi Menuhin and Prince Charles.

They have won a number of national and international awards, with Jennifer winning the BBC Young Tradition Award, the UK’s premier accolade for emerging folk music talent.

Their universal audience appeal reflects both the calibre of their music and the effervescent charm of their performances. Jennifer and Hazel are unquestionably two of the highest profile cultural and creative arts ‘ambassadors’ to emanate from Orkney and are clearly appreciated as such within their home community and far beyond.

Now the new CD is out we hope that Jenny and Hazel might be able to figure out how to allocate some time to tour along with keeping The Reel going at full tilt. This may not be until 2012 but we’re hopeful something will be announced soon.

Source: Stoneyport Associates