TOEIN' IN THE DARK - ABOUT TIME - A REVIEW

If you want to fill your Folk Club to bursting in South Yorkshire.  If you want a Band that will Guarantee a full House Concert to generate money for good causes.  If you want to meet four of the nicest people populating the Folk and Acoustic scene in South Yorkshire – yes, you call upon, Carmel, Jenny, Andy and Bob collectively known to us as Toein’ In The Dark.  

Many will know that The Masher is a good friend of Toein’ around the music scene and they have performed for sensational fees at many of Dickie’s brain wave events, sometimes to full Houses and sometimes seemingly for Dickie’s own entertainment. 

For that reason it was with just a little nervousness that I agreed to be one of the first to have a listen to the much promised “new CD” and write a review.  What’s more I had to keep it a secret, for weeks, while the paper work was all sorted.  On one hand my record for putting my foot in things and on the other my complete inability to keep a secret were to say the least draw backs.

Needn’t have worried!

This one of the finest acoustic set CDs you are likely to come across.  “Folk”? you ask, not in the strictest definition of the term.  Old songs? Yes; Songs to sing along too? All seventeen tracks fall into that category.    

The title of the CD “About Time” reflects the clamour amongst the host of friends and fans for a new CD from Toein’ In The Dark, since “Along Way Home” their first CD had been sold out for many years and was only available in download format from Acoustic Rotherham, with proceeds going to South Yorkshire Music Charities.

 For some of us it also reflects the seemingly long time it has taken for the Band to record the material since those first rumours that they were back in the studio again slipped out; three years ago! 

The wait has been worth it.

The recordings have been produced by Robin Garside and while on a couple of the tracks you can clearly make out his influence on the musical arrangement, he has done a fantastic job in capturing the essence and heart which makes the Toein’ In the Dark sound so distinctive.   Yet there are one or two surprises as well.  

I thought Jenny had to be surgically removed from her accordion, but one has to reach Track Five “Sunset Over Castlemaine Harbour/Liberty Tree” which is a haunting self-penned composition by Andy and Jenny, before the accordion features on this CD.  Instead Jenny has laid some lovely keyboard accompaniment to the songs.  You’ll also pick up her distinctive keyboards on later tracks as well.

Throughout the CD the strong, clear, full voice of Andy and Carmel create outstanding harmony supplemented by Jenny and Bob when required, and it’s fantastic to see that they have also had the confidence to record some of their own songs, “Down The Road” and “I Don’t Want To Quarrel” from Andy and “Pulling Away” from Carmel, both songs have featured in Toein’ In The Dark live performances these past years

And providing outstanding support throughout is Bob, mainly on the violin, but you can also pick up his mandolin and djembe contributions the later providing a fantastic rhythm to “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free”, and if you are looking for a bit of classic Bob fiddle playing you will find it on the only song marked “Trad” “Leaboys Lassie”. It is a stand out track.

The CD also features the Toein’ version of Peter Hames “Ordinary Man” a song that considers the effect of factory closures and unemployment.   The Masher and Toein’ have joked for some years about the singing of this song.  The Masher sings it with more than a bit of anger and bitterness while he used to joke that Toein’ did the pretty version, more associated with Christy Moore.   Interestingly I note a little more (not too much) anger in this recording of the song by the Band.  There’s a definite edge.  Judge for yourselves.

From Dylan to Chrissie Hynde, Hewerdine to Guthrie (or the other way around) the songs on this CD all get that famous Toein’ treatment. 

Over all this is a super package of songs doing complete justice to the Toein’ In The Dark sound and reputation.  It’s four good musical friends completely enjoying themselves and singing for joy, which of course is the secret of their success.

There’s just one thing, and this is not a stab at “About Time” it’s a more general point.  I get sent lots of artist produced CDs and unfortunately few have insert notes that do the recording or the Band’s talent  justice.  Nerds like myself like to read something about the Band, and perhaps a few notes as to why the tracks were selected for the CD.  I understand the cost factor, but one extra insert would allow four sides of extra information………….    Just a thought. 

All I can say is that you will need to get your hands on a copy of “About Time” very quickly as the CD will sell out fast.   The CD costs £9.99 and will be available from all Toein’ In The Dark Gigs, or Email Andy Hoult at adhoult@btinternet.com or go to the Toein’ Facebook page HERE and message Jenny.  

Here are some links to a couple of teaser tracks :

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE9pIwNXSgE    That's How Learned to Sing The Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUMeLpDtwqU     I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free