The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool, 3 April 2010, and touring

THE MUSICAL trio Bellevue Rendezvous started out as a jamming session in a kitchen in Edinburgh’s Morningside. And the acoustic ensemble has managed to hold onto a spirit of spontaneity and sheer joy in the music – even when faced with a slightly wooden Highland audience.

Bellevue Rendezvous

An unfamiliar blend of instruments creates a rather exotic sound. Ruth Morris plays a traditional Swedish instrument called the nyckelharpa. It looks like a large fiddle and has a set of keys which fret the strings when they are struck. Gavin Marwick plays fiddle, and Cameron Robson turns his hand variously to the cittern, guitar and jaw harp. All are accomplished musicians and generous of spirit.

The group’s work is an exploration of folk tradition across the whole of Europe, from Serbia to Scandinavia via the UK. It traverses time barriers as well as geographical boundaries with some of the music dating back to medieval times. Many of the tracks on their new album Salamander are new compositions redolent of these strong influences.

The peaks and troughs of the tunes are as variegated as the landscapes from which they emerge. Some of the music is ominous and melancholy, but brisk and sometimes break-neck tempos act as a counterpoint to dark sentiments.

It’s difficult to say whether the Ullapool audience – more used to toe-tapping along with familiar Scottish tunes – was completely won over. But those who are keen to extend their listening repertoire should get a hold of the new album. It is an enjoyable way to learn about other musical traditions.

Bellevue Rendezvous are on tour in the Highlands & Islands and North East until 19 April. See website below for details.

© Jenny McBain, 2010

Links

• Bellevue Rendezvous